Produced and marketed by the pharmaceutical company Sanofi, Telfast is a very successful medicine used in the treatment of hay fever, allergic rhinitis and allergic skin reactions (also known as chronic idiopathic urticaria). This branded medicine is a simple and easy to use daily tablet treatment that achieved noticeable success in providing quick relief from the symptoms of the aforementioned conditions.

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What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis, better known as hay fever is a type of allergic reaction that occurs in response to the presence of different irritants, but most commonly, pollen. Because of this, hay fever occurs during certain periods of the year, marked by the flowering of certain plant species which leads to elevated levels of pollen presence in the environment. Needless to say, not everybody’s immune system reacts to pollen, but for people who are susceptible to hay fever, different plant species will trigger the symptoms. With this in mind, we can conclude that, strictly speaking, hay fever is not a single condition, but more of an “umbrella term” denoting an allergic reaction to different types of pollen in different individuals.

Biology of an allergic reaction

When there is an increased presence of allergens in the environment, there are greater chances that an individual will come into contact with them. Certain preventive practices might somewhat reduce the chances of experiencing an allergic reaction, but in the long-term, it’s often impossible to stay completely safe.

The particles causing the reaction will most often enter the body through nose, mouth or eyes, which is why the reaction is mostly localized there. Once the immune system detects the presence of an irritant, it will start a number of biological processes that comprise what we think of as an allergic reaction. Of course, in many people any kind of reaction will be absent – but in people who are affected by hay fever, the immune system will over-react, perceiving otherwise harmless substance as an infection and dealing with it in the same way.

Once the immune system becomes active, it will release histamine, a naturally produced compound and also increase the blood flow to the affected area. Once histamine acts on specialized receptors within the body, the usual reaction will occur, including swelling and inflammation.

What is chronic idiopathic urticaria?

Chronic idiopathic urticarial, better known as hives, is a slightly different type of allergic response that is also caused by the activity of histamine on a bio-chemical levels, but with very different triggers. While pollen or dust mites could cause hives too, exposure to other irritants such as hot or cold temperatures, certain foods or materials (most commonly latex) can also cause a severe reaction. In people affected by hives, an allergic reaction is characterised by the appearance of small fluid-filled breaks in the skin which become swollen and itchy over time.

What are the risk factors?

As of now, it is still not completely understood why these conditions develop in some individuals and not in the others. But, the scientist do have some good assumptions, with the most accepted hypothesis pinning the blame on genetic and hereditary factors as well as exposure to certain irritants early in the childhood.

Later on in life, when the condition has already manifested, there are certain things you can do in order to limit exposure to potential allergens. However, there are many situations when the contact with irritants is unavoidable. This is when treatment might be considered and recommended by your doctor.

How can Telfast treat allergies?

In order to achieve the desired results Telfast relies on its active ingredient fexofenadine, belonging to the antihistamine category of pharmaceutical compounds. It works by diminishing the effects naturally produced histamine has on specialized receptors within the body, thus reducing inflammation, swelling and other symptoms.

How to use Telfast?

In order to ensure maximal efficiency of Telfast treatment and reduce the chances of side effects, it is important to follow the instructions for use exactly. The relevant guidelines will both be presented to you by your doctor and in the official patient information leaflet that is issued with every box of the medicine. The most general considerations to keep in mind include:

  • Always take in line with your doctor’s instructions
  • In case of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), the prescribed dose will be one 120mg tablet each day
  • In case of chronic idiopathic urticaria, the prescribed dose will be 180mg pill once daily
  • In either case, the duration of the treatment will be determined by your doctor
  • Take the tablet whole before eating with a glass of water
  • Do not exceed the prescribed amount
  • If you miss a dose, take it when you do remember unless you’re about to take the next one
  • Never double the dose to make up for the missed one

What are Telfast side effects?

As with most medicines, certain side effects are possible, although not unavoidable. Telfast is mostly safe and the rate of side effects is rather low, similarly to Dymista. Still, it is important to get familiar with them prior to beginning your treatment, so you can notice them early and ask your doctor about further steps which might include change of the treatment. The most serious side effect you should be aware of is the rare possibility of allergic reaction to the medicine. If you notice symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips or throat, or breathing difficulties, you should contact the emergency services immediately.

The most common side effects of Telfast, observed in one in ten people who use it include headache, drowsiness and dizziness as well as general malaise. More uncommon and reported by one in hundred users is excessive sleepiness. Finally, side effects with unknown frequency include:

  • Insomnia
  • Nervousness
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Diarrhoea
  • Skin rash and itching

Is it safe for me to use Telfast?

Naturally, your doctor will be the only one that could give you a precise and correct answer to this question. However, there are some things that you should keep in mind. For starters, certain indigestion medicines can interact with Telfast, and the doctor should advise you on how to time your dose to avoid any adverse effects.

On the other hand, certain health conditions such as kidney and liver problems or cardiovascular diseases might also negatively impact your treatment. Likewise, this medicine isn’t suitable for elderly or for women who are currently breastfeeding. Use during pregnancy is possible, but only if it’s deemed to be absolutely necessary by your doctor.