posted
I read in Dr. C's handouts that he encourages alergy medication if you have alergies so that your immune system is freed up to better fight Lyme.
Sounds like a good argument.
But I know some allergy medications are steroid based. That would make things worse for sure.
Does anyone know if Claritin is a steriod based allergy medication or if they see any problems with taking it while on ABX for Lyme?
I see the store brand version of claritin at Walmart and it's cheap. So I was going to give it a try.
Thanks
Posts: 57 | From St. Peters, Mo | Registered: Apr 2005
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
I believe that the allergy based products are all prescription only, and are mostly for nasal sprays. You should ask a pharmacist, or you can call the company that makes claritin and ask.
Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
Yes you can buy claritan over the counter now. Yes I used to be on it for years (before I developed an allergy to it!) while being treated for Lyme. Another option is benedryl.
No it is not steroid based (no such meds are sold OTC).
Posts: 689 | From western MA (we say buttER and pizzA) | Registered: Nov 2004
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lla2
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2364
posted
actually some otc have steriods in them so be careful ...afrin has steroids in it to reduce swelling inthe nasal passsages etc..
so just read labels.
Lisa
Posts: 4713 | From saunderstown, ri Usa | Registered: Apr 2002
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Lyddie
Unregistered
posted
Are you sure Afrin has steroids? The active ingredient is oxymetazoline hydrocholoride. Afrin shrinks nasal passages and decongests, but isn't really an allergy med.
Flonase is a steroid nasal spray, but by prescription only. I think most meds with anything steroid-based are by prescription only, except for the low-dose scalp and skin products.
Claritin is over the counter now and is also sold under the name of Alvavert (we like the kind that melt under your tongue) and loratadine (the generic name for Claritin). It is very expensive so if you see it cheaper, grab it!
We do Alavert in the am and Benadryl in the pm. No problems at all.
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