People suffering from seasonal allergies turn to over-the-counter and prescription products for relief of common symptoms – coughing, sneezing, runny nose, congestion and itchy eyes, nose or throat – often aren’t aware of the potential side effects. An estimated 1 million people are seen in U.S. hospital emergency departments for adverse drug events each year, and more than one-fourth are hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“All medicines have side effects associated with them even when they are taken appropriately and according to dosing directions on the label,” said Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “We want consumers to be aware of the potential side effects of over-the-counter and prescription allergy medicine, which can range from agitation to drowsiness to upset stomach or liver damage.” To read the full story.