PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
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Provide the following information to patients and parents/caregivers of pediatric patients taking ALLEGRA tablets, ALLEGRA ODT or ALLEGRA oral suspension:
- ALLEGRA tablets, ALLEGRA ODT or ALLEGRA oral suspension are prescribed for the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis or for the relief of symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives). Instruct patients to take ALLEGRA only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose. If any untoward effects occur while taking ALLEGRA, discontinue use and consult a doctor.
- Patients who are hypersensitive to any of the ingredients should not use these products.
- Patients who are pregnant or nursing should use these products only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus or nursing infant.
- Advise patients and parents/caregivers of pediatric patients to store the medication in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place, away from small children.
- Advise patients and parents/caregivers not to take ALLEGRA with fruit juices.
For ALLEGRA tablets: Advise patients to take the ALLEGRA tablets with water.
For ALLEGRA ODT: Advise patients to take their dose on an empty stomach. Allow ALLEGRA ODT to disintegrate on the tongue before swallowing, with or without water. ALLEGRA ODT is not intended to be chewed. Store ALLEGRA ODT in its original blister package. Do not remove ALLEGRA ODT from the original blister package until the time of administration.
Phenylketonurics: ALLEGRA ODT contains phenylalanine, a component of aspartame. Each 30-mg ALLEGRA ODT contains 5.3 mg phenylalanine. ALLEGRA products other than ALLEGRA ODT do not contain phenylalanine.
For ALLEGRA oral suspension: Advise patients and parents/caregivers of pediatric patients to shake the ALLEGRA oral suspension bottle well, before each use.