Allergies - Versal (Brand name: alavert)

INDICATIONS

Loratadine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose. Alavert is used for relieving symptoms of seasonal allergies.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not crush, chew, or break the regular loratadine tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon.

Alavert is usually taken once per day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

To take Alavert orally disintegrating tablet:

• Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take the medicine. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
• Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
• Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
• Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it on your tongue. It will begin to dissolve right away.
• Take Alavert by mouth with food.

STORAGE

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C and away from moisture, light and heat. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Alavert out of the reach of children and away from pets.

SAFETY INFORMATION

You should not take Alavert if:

You are allergic to loratadine or to desloratadine (Clarinex). 
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

• kidney disease; 
  Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have:

   

  • kidney disease;
  • liver disease.

  You should not take this medication if you are allergic to loratadine or to desloratadine (Clarinex).

  FDA pregnancy category B: This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Loratadine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
  
  Loratadine disintegrating tablets (Claritin Reditab, Alavert) may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of loratadine if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
  Do not give this medication to a child younger than 6 years old without the advice of a doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• fast or uneven heart rate;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
• seizures (convulsions).

Call your doctor at once if you noticed these serious side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• skin rash;
• nervousness;
• nosebleed;
• feeling tired or drowsy;
• eye redness, blurred vision;
• stomach pain, diarrhea;
• dry mouth, sore throat hoarseness.