Understanding the FDA Warning on Cetirizine/Levocetirizine
Description
Special Episode
On May 16, 2025, the FDA issued an alert regarding a rare but serious side effect of severe pruritus after discontinuing long-term use of cetirizine and levocetirizine. In this episode, we’ll discuss the background of this important announcement and what it means for our patients!
Michael S. Blaiss, MD, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia and past-president and former Executive Medical Director of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. He has been a consultant for multiple companies manufacturing second generation antihistamines. Dr. Blaiss was joined by host Dr. Gerald Lee, MD, FACAAI.
Resources:
- FDA Drug Safety Communication on Cetirizine and Levocetirizine
- ACAAI Advice on Speaking Points Regarding FDA Alert
Previous articles describing this side effect:
- Unbearable Pruritus After Withdrawal of (Levo)cetirizine
- Pruritus after discontinuation of cetirizine
Make sure you check out the ACAAI Community on DocMatter where we can continue the discussion about these articles!
To submit feedback, corrections, and suggestions, please email allergytalk@acaai.org!
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) is presenting this podcast for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or intended to replace the judgment of a licensed physician. The College is not responsible for any claims related to procedures, professionals, products or methods discussed in the podcast, and it does not approve or endorse any products, professionals, services or methods that might be referenced.
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