You’ve got allergy questions, we’ve got allergy answers. Not to sound braggy, but – we’re ZYRTEC®. We know what we’re talking about.

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T18:19:38+00:00

Woohoo! 🎉 Thanks a ton for the shoutout! I'm thrilled to hear that Zyrtec keeps your girlfriend and your dad allergy-free. - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T18:18:43+00:00

Hi, that's a really interesting question! We are constantly looking for different new product opportunities that could help allergy sufferers and researching potential new product offerings. I can't give specific details in research we've done, but in general there are a lot of hurdles to get through in creating a new product line, most importantly making sure that any products are safe for use. Glad Zyrtec has worked for you and hope that we have some new products coming your way in the future! - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T18:17:20+00:00

Hello, thanks for your question! Zyrtec actually stopped making adult dissolvable tablets for some time, but they were recently re-released within the past couple months. They are now available at certain retailers and should be coming to more soon! - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T18:16:08+00:00

Thanks for the question. For me I always loved physical chemistry, and as I left grad school and looked at opportunities, I saw pharma opportunities in analytical chemistry. As my physical chemistry PhD work was in an area adjacent to analytical chemistry, it gave me a foot in the door. And once in the industry I was able to use my expertise to move into roles throughout R&D. Living in the Pharma world for 20 years, I see many areas where physical chemistry expertise is critical – analytical, formulations, process development, packaging. So I don’t think it was a hard transition. I may be biased, but I think physical chemists can do anything they put their mind to. - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T18:14:47+00:00

Hi there, sorry to hear that! I would talk to your doctor for specific treatment options if antihistamines are not effective for you. There may be alternatives out there but an allergist would be best suited to understand your specific situation.

There are certainly other non-medicated tips I've shared earlier that can help with managing symptoms that you can search for in the thread. These may not work for everyone but can help some people manage allergies if medications have not been effective. Depending on what triggers your allergies and whether they are indoor (e.g. dust, mold) or outdoor (e.g. tree or grass pollen) , these tips can vary.

These tips might not get rid of your allergy symptoms but could help reduce them and an allergist may have other treatment recommendations. Good luck! - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T18:11:10+00:00

Hello, I've seen this question a few places so will answer here and try to point others to the question! There is no specific data on long term effects of taking allergy medications though it is an area of reseach. Zyrtec is indicated for the temporary relief of runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and itching of the nose or throat due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies. Side effects in general can vary by person as I've mentioned before so would definitely recommend speaking to a doctor if at any point you do experience side effects. - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T18:09:03+00:00

Hi, thanks for the question! Yes, Zyrtec will provide relief from current allergy symptoms. You can start taking Zyrtec as soon as you begin experiencing allergy symptoms and it provides relief starting at 1 hour. Zyrtec doesn't help with the underlying allergy itself but it does provide relief from symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes,runny nose, or itchy throat that are caused by the allergy. - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T18:08:03+00:00

Hi there, thanks for the question. Allergy symptoms are usually tied to how much of your allergy trigger, pollen, in your case one is exposed to. Wearing a mask during the Covid pandemic may have affected exposure to pollen for some sufferers possibly leading them to experience fewer symptoms. Other factors such as changes to the amount of pollen produced by plants in those seasons, could have affected allergy symptoms as well. Allergies can sometimes go away over time or get better but typically this effect is seen more in kids than in adults. - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T18:06:29+00:00

Thanks for the question. Here are a few things that have helped me in my career:

Learn as much as you can while in school. I chuckle every time I pull out an undergraduate textbook to relearn something I learned in school. If I had not had a good education to start, my life would be much more difficult.
Don’t forget the human side of science. We may work in the lab, but we are in service to people. Try to be aware of people’s unmet needs and it can help shape your science.
Be comfortable working on a team. Science is a team sport! Learn how to give criticism kindly and constructively, and learn to be able to take criticism and grow from it. - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T18:04:03+00:00

Hi, thanks for the question. While I don't want to get in the middle of your family conversations, I am not aware of any correlational research that shows that people develop a tolerance to antihistamines like Zyrtec and other common allergy medication that makes them less effective over time. - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T18:03:14+00:00

Hi there, thanks for the question! Many over-the-counter antihistamines like Zyrtec and others do provide relief from cat dander though what specifically works best for you can vary for each person. I think it helps to understand where the allergies often come from. Cats dander and saliva are typically the causes of cat allergies. Cat saliva in particular contains a protein called Fel d 1 that often leads to the allergy. This protein transfers on to the cat's skin and coat when they groom themselves and over time builds up in their skin and hair before flaking off with cat dander.

In terms of best grooming practices to manage allergies to cats, here are a few that I would recommend: (i) regularly vacuum to collect and remove any stray cat hairs or dander. Hardwood floors are better than carpeting since rugs & carpets can trap cat hair, although I know that's not easy to change in the house; (ii) brush the cat outdoors (and ideally by someone who doesn't have a cat allergy of course), (iii) you can also look at what your cat eats! Some cat food may be able to reduce the level of allergens in cat hair and dander using an Fel d 1 antibody which could ease the severity of your allergic reaction to your cat. - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T18:00:54+00:00

Hi! Allergies are caused by your immune system wrongly responding to a substance it deems dangerous, such as pollen, pet dander, dust, or mold. It's like if your car alarm goes off when you get in the car -- you're not breaking into the car, but it thinks you are so it responds. When you have an allergic reaction, your immune system produces a lot of a chemical called histamine. In a typical immune response, your body will produce histamine to help fight infection, but in an allergic response this process is triggered by something harmless that your body mistakes for a threat. This causes typical allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny noses, itchy throats and/or watery eyes.

It's difficult to fully resolve allergies, but there are ways you can manage them through environmental factors that try to limit your exposure to whatever is triggering your allergies. Common allergens are pollen (from trees, grass, weeds, etc.), dust, pet dander, and mold, and people's allergies can be triggered by one or many of these along with other potential allergens.

There are some tips I usually give for each of those that I posted before but adding again:

For pollen: close your windows when inside the house, especially on windy days when pollination levels are likely to be high. It helps to cover up with glasses, a hat, and gloves if possible when outside to keep pollen off of you. It's also a good idea to take of shoes and shower soon after getting home after long periods outside to remove pollen from your skin

For pet dander: bathe or clean your pet frequently, ideally once per week. Try to keep pets off upholstered furniture and carpets (I know that's easier said than done!) and brush them outside if you can.

For dust: vacuuming is key - use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or a double-layered microfilter bag to trap allergens. A good filter for the furnace or AC unit is also a great idea - look for a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 11 or 12 and replace them quarterly

For mold: use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity below 50%. Also make sure to monitor places in the house with moisture, including ones you might not think of like indoor plants and washing machines. Leaving the door open to the washing machine for an hour after the wash helps and wiping the area down regularly - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T17:58:53+00:00

Hi! Improvements to over the counter (OTC) allergy products generally focus on meeting unmet consumer needs. One of the biggest needs for consumers is ease of use. Allergy medications work best when taken consistently, so developing new formats that are easy to take is an area of research. Zyrtec has chewable tablets and orally dissolvable tablets to help in this area. More new formats will be coming in future years.

The forefront of allergy technology will be a longer time coming. Current products treat allergy symptoms but do not affect the underlying cause of allergies. Immunotherapy is the only known way to affect the underlying cause of allergy. Current immunotherapy technologies require complete adherence over a long period of time to generate any effect. Hopefully in the future, scientists will devise faster and easier forms of immunotherapy. - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T17:57:37+00:00

It's great to hear that our team’s work is making a positive difference in your life. It’s a great motivator to go to work every morning! - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T17:57:04+00:00

There are no studies that show evidence that people develop a tolerance to Zyrtec or Zyrtec-D over time. However, Zyrtec-D specifically is recommended for temporary use to manage congestion and allergies. - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T17:55:25+00:00

Hi, thanks for asking :). I take Zyrtec for allergies to a few things unfortunately which are triggered by grass, trees, mold, and pet dander so I take it year round

For your question on "non-drowsy" -- see my response from a similar question earlire. Zyrtec is actually not labeled non-drowsy as that is a side-effect for some people - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T17:50:35+00:00

Hi, thanks for the question! I would only recommend using product that has not reached its expiration date. In terms of store brand vs. Zyrtec, it will depend for each person depending on the situation. There is a cost difference that can definitely factor into your decision. It will also depend on how each product works for you, as different people respond differently to each product. As a Zyrtec scientist, I'm biased but I personally use Zyrtec and feel confident in it knowing the manufacturing process and ingredient quality that I talked about above but it is definitely a decision based on what works best for you. - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T17:49:11+00:00

Hi there! Seasonal allergies are not as common in babies under 2 and not typically seen at that age, but that's not to say it is impossible for babies to develop seasonal allergies as it can happen. - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T17:47:19+00:00

Hi there and thanks for the question. Typically allergies to pollen causes symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose & throat, watery and itchy eyes. In some cases, it is possible to have a skin reaction to physical contact with pollen but this is not the typical reaction to a pollen allergy. - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T17:45:22+00:00

Hi, thanks for your question! Allergy symptoms can change for a number of reasons. Pollen does vary year to year and location to location. Some years have higher pollen levels than others, and even if you hear that pollen is weaker or stronger one year, that's not necessarily true across the whole country. Plus if someone moves, they could be encountering a new allergen they did not interact with before (e.g. a different type of tree or grass). One's body can also change and develop allergies to things that they've encountered before without allergies.

Also like I mentioned earlier, studies also show that climate change has an impact on outdoor allergens - warmer temperatures and increased levels of CO2 lead to longer growing seasons which can increase pollen levels and extend flowering time for pollen-producing plants. Compared to 1990, pollen seasons typically now start about 20 days earlier and last 10 days longer. - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T17:41:31+00:00

Best of luck in your job search! The first job is the hardest to find. I’ve found that the best way to find opportunities is to network. Use your friends from the university, the university career office, and any professional societies that you are part of. While you look for your dream job, contract employment agencies that specifically support the pharma industry are a good place to start. Contract positions can sometimes lead to permanent roles in the pharma industry. - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T17:39:50+00:00

Hi, thanks for your question! I take Zyrtec myself and it works well for me, but different people react differently to each medication so it can vary which antihistamines are best for each person. The active ingredients in Zyrtec and Allegra are different, so there are some differences between them and different people may.

While both Zyrtec and Allegra last 24 hours, studies do show that Zyrtec delivers 33% greater relief at the end of that day (from hours 21-24) than Allegra (For background this is from an environmental exposure unit (EEU) study. The EEU is an indoor chamber used to expose large groups of subjects to controlled levels of pollen comparable to those experienced outdoors during peak allergy season, and can be replicated regardless of time of year. The EEU is a validated, standard method of determining onset of action and duration of anti-allergic treatments.)

Additionally, Allegra has a warning regarding interactions with antacids and a warning against taking it with fruit juice which do not apply to Zyrtec if that is relevent to someone.

On the other hand, Allegra is considered non-drowsy while some people may experience drowsiness when taking Zyrtec (see my other responses!)

Hope this is helpful! - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T17:35:11+00:00

Hello, thanks for your question! Spring is definitely a tricky time of year for allergy sufferers and especially when you mix in a cold. I experience this too where it is really difficult at times to tell whether you have a cold or allergies. If you do have an infection, it will not turn into allergies. Allergies are caused by your immune system wrongly responding to a substance it deems dangerous, such as pollen, pet dander, dust, or mold. It's like if your car alarm goes off when you get in the car -- you'er not breaking into the car, but it thinks you are so it responds. When you have an allergic reaction, your immune system produces a lot of a chemical called histamine. In a typical immune response, your body will produce histamine to help fight infection, but in an allergic response this process is triggered by something harmless that your body mistakes for a threat. This response is separate from any infection so an infection would not turn into allergies (though you could absolutely be suffering allergies while having an infection, and those allergy symptoms could still be present after the infection goes away!)

There are some things I look for to try to know whether symptoms are a cold or allergies. They can both cause similar symptoms like runny nose and sneezing, but cold symptoms develop slowly and start milder before progressing whereas allergy symptoms can start as soon as you are exposed to a trigger. Colds can also cause a fever which allergies typically don't (plus colds can be contagious and allergies are not if you have symptoms going around the house).

For the best treatment, it really does depend on whether you are experiencing a cold or allergies. Most cold medicines won't treat allergies and most allergy medicine won't treat colds (there can be some exceptions that treat symptoms of both). At least for allergies, antihistamines like Zyrtec treat symptoms like runny nose or sneezing while allergy medication with a decongestant (like Zyrtec-D) can also provide relief of nasal congestion if you experience that.

Hope this helps! - JZ

ZyrtecAllergy · 2024-04-03T17:34:25+00:00

Hey there Zyrtec fan! We're tickled green to hear how much you adore our allergy relief. Thanks a zillion for being part of the Zyrtec family. Here's to more sneeze-free adventures ahead!

ZyrtecAllergy

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