Introducing Histahive
Introducing Histahive
The first-line recommendation for treating CIU is non-sedating antihistamines, and 40% of customers find a reduction in symptoms when using them.1 Fexofenadine is an example of a non-sedating antihistamine and is available over the counter (OTC) as Histahive.5
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INDICATION
DOSAGE
MECHANISM
OF ACTION
BENEFITS OF
HISTAHIVE
Indication
Histahive is indicated in adults and children aged 12 years and older for the relief of symptoms associated with chronic idiopathic urticaria.5
Dosage
For adults and children 12 years and older: ONE tablet, once daily, before a meal.5
Mechanism of action
Fexofenadine hydrochloride is a non-sedating, second generation antihistamine. It displays high specificity to H1 receptors in the body and selectively binds to and blocks them, thereby affecting the inflammatory mediators that cause an allergic response. This reduces the symptoms associated with CIU.6
Benefits of Histahive
Non-drowsy - Fexofenadine hydrochloride crosses the blood brain barrier minimally, therefore does not cause drowsiness in the majority of people.6
Minimal anti-cholinergic effects - Fexofenadine hydrochloride exhibits reduced affinity for cholinergic receptors, which results in minimal anticholinergic effects.6 Examples of anticholinergic effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and urinary retention.7
Long-lasting relief - A once-daily dosage5 provides effective symptom relief
Efficacy - Several randomised controlled trials demonstrate the effectiveness of fexofenadine.8 It is particularly effective in managing and treating chronic CIU according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).6
Good safety profile - It is considered to have a good safety profile when managing and treating CIU according to the AAAAI and the ACAAI.6
Enhanced quality of life - When symptom control has been achieved, many customers are likely to feel less discomfort.
Supply considerations
Although many customers may be under the care of an HCP for their condition, when they present in pharmacy, you should be able to identify chronic idiopathic urticaria. In order to offer Histahive, you should ask yourself the following:
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Inspect the rash; are the wheals raised and red?
Are the wheals accompanied with angioedema?
Do they feel itchy and/or painful?
Check triggers or allergens the customer may have been exposed to, such as certain foods, medications, insect bites, or pet dander – or is there no known cause?
Rule out other conditions such as chickenpox and shingles – they may appear in a similar way, but there are usually other accompanying symptoms, such as fever
Has the customer suffered from wheals (urticaria) that have been present daily for at least 6 weeks without a known cause or trigger?
Check patient’s profile
Histahive is only suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and older
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should only use fexofenadine hydrochloride if advised to do so by their doctor
Check for any allergies to fexofenadine or other ingredients in Histahive
Check concomitant conditions and medications
Due to limited available data, the elderly and those with liver and kidney impairment should only use fexofenadine hydrochloride on advice of a doctor
Customers with a history of or ongoing cardiovascular disease should be advised that antihistamines as a medicinal class have been associated with adverse reactions, (tachycardia and palpitations) and fexofenadine hydrochloride should only be used as advised by their doctor
Check concomitant medication use and avoid drug interactions with antibiotics, antifungals, apalutamide and other antihistamines. It is advisable to leave 2 hours between administration of fexofenadine hydrochloride and aluminium and magnesium hydroxide containing antacids.
Red flags
If your customer presents with the following symptoms they should be referred:
Symptoms are not improving with fexofenadine. They may require additional/alternative treatment
Symptoms are worsening – the rash is spreading or becoming more itchy or painful
They have a fever and feel unwell
Their symptoms are significantly affecting their mental health
They have symptoms of anaphylaxis, e.g. difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat and tongue, dizziness – call 999 as they may need immediate treatment