In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine
must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision
you and your doctor will make. For fexofenadine, the following
should be considered:
Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever
had any unusual or allergic reaction to fexofenadine. Also tell
your health care professional if you are allergic to any other
substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy—In animal studies, this medicine
did not cause birth defects but did cause a decrease in weight of
the infant. Discuss with your doctor whether or not you should
continue to use this medicine if you become pregnant.
Breast-feeding—It is not known whether
fexofenadine passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass
into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely
while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who
wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children—This medicine has been tested in
children 6 years of age and older and, in effective doses, has not
been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it
does in adults. There is no specific information comparing use of
fexofenadine in children up to 6 years of age.
Older adults—Fexofenadine has been tested in
patients 65 years of age and older and has not been shown to cause
different side effects or problems in older people than it does in
younger adults.
Other medicines—Although certain medicines
should not be used together at all, in other cases two different
medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur.
In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other
precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional
if you are taking or using any other prescription or
nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine, especially
antacids that contain aluminum and magnesium hydroxide (e.g.,
Maalox, Mylanta).
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some
unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may
occur, if they do occur they seek medical attention immediately.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the
following side effects occur:
 | Incidence rare
| Chest tightness ; feeling of warmth, redness of
the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest;
large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue,
throat, hands, legs, feet, sex organs; shortness of
breath, difficult or labored breathing |
|
The following side effects usually do not need medical
attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your
body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if
any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.
| Less common
| Back pain; coughing; dizziness;
drowsiness; earache; fever; headache ;
nausea; pain or tenderness around eyes or
cheekbones; painful menstrual bleeding ;
ringing or buzzing in ears; runny or stuffy nose;
stomach upset; unusual feeling of tiredness;
viral infection (such as cold and flu) |
|
Incidence rare
| Nervousness; rash; sleeplessness;
terrifying dreams; trouble sleeping |
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some
patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
