How Much Will My Allergy Medicine Cost
Allergy medications vary in cost. Oral antihistamines are some of the most affordable options: A months worth of generic antihistamines, such as loratadine or cetirizine, cost under $10. Decongestants are also equally affordable.
Nasal steroids are usually the most pricey. The average retail costs for the OTC generic versions of Flonase, Nasacort, and Rhinocort are between $20 and $30. Theres a trick that could save you money on these, but it does require you to speak with your healthcare provider.
The key here is to ask your healthcare provider to send a prescription for your allergy medicine to the pharmacy even though its available OTC. Be sure to contact your pharmacy also and let them know youd like to use a GoodRx coupon to help you save.
When you purchase medications OTC, you dont just pay for the price of the product. Youll also pay an upcharge for both the manufacturer and the retailer, as well as sales tax .
When you fill a medication as a prescription, some of the extra charges arent applied, so the cost of the medication can go down. Add a GoodRx coupon, and the price will drop even further. Flonase, for instance, can go from $27 to $13 by doing this which is over 50% in savings!
The table below lists some common allergy medicines and their approximate cost if your provider writes a prescription for it and you use GoodRx:
Sudafed Pe Sinus Pressure + Pain Relief Maximum Strength Non
- Each caplet contains 5 milligrams of the decongestant phenylephrine hcl and 325 milligrams of acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer.
- This sinus congestion & pain medicine also temporarily relieves nasal congestion associated with hay fever, upper respiratory allergies and the common cold.
- From the #1 pharmacist recommended brand among oral otc decongestants, this maximum strength formula can be used by adults and children 12 years and older for powerful symptom relief.
- The non-drowsy decongestant helps promotes sinus drainage, temporarily reduces fever and helps relieve headaches and minor aches and pain.
- 24-count box of sudafed pe sinus pressure + pain relief maximum strength non-drowsy decongestant tablets provide powerful relief of sinus pain, sinus pressure, nasal congestion and headaches.
Allergy Medicine Treating The Bodys Adverse Reaction To A Substance
A good percentage of the worlds population is affected by an allergy.
An allergy is the bodys reaction to a substance that doesnt cause much harm to other people, but it does to you. These allergens include dust, pollen, chemicals, foods, animal fur and insect stings.
Allergic reactions include:
- Skin rashes dermatitis, hives
- Excessive sweating
- Bloated stomach, intestinal disturbances, and others. In rare instances, the immune systems react so strongly to the offending substance that death occurs. The most deadly reaction occurs when the allergen gets into the bloodstream and causes an anaphylactic reaction respiratory distress, severe itching, and shock.
Allergies can be debilitating and sinusitis is often so painful it can lead to time off from work. Acute sinusitis will develop quickly and lasts up to 10 days while chronic sinusitis is a long-term inflammation of the sinuses.
In adults, chronic sinusitis can lead to nasal swelling. Allergies cause histamine to be released and this causes the inner lining of the nose to swell and prevent sinus drainage. People with asthma and immune system problems develop chronic sinusitis more often than others.
Read Also: Sinus Infection Do I Need To See A Doctor
Also Check: Advil Cold And Sinus Liquid Gels Cvs
Which Antihistamine Works The Best
The answer to this question is completely based on my experiences and opinions as a board-certified allergist. Studies are very helpful in deciding which medication works best, but it also must be kept in mind which company is paying for the study.
It is my opinion that Zyrtec and Allegra are very closely matched, and very good antihistamines. I think these medications work much better than either Claritin or Clarinex . At the present time, I feel that Zyrtec is the best antihistamine available in the U.S. for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Dont Miss: Does Amoxicillin Help With Sinus Infection
Ayr Saline Nasal Gel With Soothing Aloe
For buyers looking for something that doesnt have too much of a menthol scent, Ayr Saline Nasal Gel with Soothing Aloe is the best over the counter medicine for a sinus infection. This natural product incorporates a high concentration of aloe, which works well to soothe irritated nasal tissues to help relieve discomfort.
What many users love about Ayr Saline Nasal Gel with Soothing Aloe is that its long-lasting and easy to use. A single application around the nasal cavity and nostrils can provide lasting relief for up to 6 hours, making it the ideal solution for those who do not want to keep applying throughout the day. It is also ideal for use before bedtime, working well to keep the sinuses clear while you snooze.
You May Like: Which Antibiotics Treat Sinus Infection
Over The Counter Painkillers To Get Rid Of Sinus Headaches
Though the decongestants can reduce the swelling and improve the breathing through nostrils, it cannot reduce the pain. So, to reduce the pain, there are some over the counter painkillers that are best to get rid of sinus headaches fast. These include Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Acetaminophen and Naproxem sodium. However, for these medicines as well, prolonged intake is not recommended. You must follow the label instructions for dosage and stop taking them altogether if it is already 10 days or as your doctor prescribes.
For pregnant women, aspirin and ibuprofen are not prescribed. They can take acetaminophen instead. However, one must consult a doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications since it may have major side effects on the pregnancy and the baby.
It must also be mentioned that many of the over the counter painkillers already contain decongestants. So, if you are taking decongestants separately, make sure that you control your dosage and avoid taking too much of it through two different medicines. Most of the over the counter pain relievers help in reducing inflammation along with the pain. So, if the cause of the sinus headache is inflammation, these medicines would be able to cure them as well.
What Can You Do If Your Allergy Medication Is Not Working
Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, may eliminate or lessen allergy symptoms if medications are ineffective or intolerable. Immunotherapy works by reducing sensitivity to allergens. Each shot contains a small, but increasing, amount of allergen. This challenges the body to build up tolerance over time. The drawbacks to immunotherapy include use of shots, cost and the fact it may take many months to complete.
You May Like: Flonase Help With Sinus Pressure
Chest Congestion Mucinex 12 Hour Extended Release Tablets 40ct 600 Mg Guaifenesin Relieves
- One easy pill: a unique bi-layer tablet, one layer for immediate release, the other layer for extended release so the medicine starts to release right away and lasts for up to 12 hours.
- Trust mucinex: mucinex is the #1 doctor recommended otc expectorant and the #1 cold & cough brand doctors trust for themselves & their families.
- Symptoms treated: relieves chest congestion caused by excess mucus by making your cough more productive.
- Mucinex 12 hour extended-release bi-layer tablets: clinically proven to last up to 12 hours, it provides powerful relief for your chest congestion.
- Stock up and save: did you know, if you use mucinex 12 hour often you can and save when you buy higher count packs.
- Ingredients: guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps reduce chest congestion caused by colds, infections or irritants.
Knowing The Difference Is The Key To Treatment
For too many of us, springtime is synonymous with congestion. The combination of lingering winter colds and air suddenly full of pollen conspires to make it the season of stuffy noses, runny eyes, aching headsand frustrating attempts to rein them all in.
Effective treatment starts with knowing whether your symptoms stem from allergies, such as hay fever, or sinusitis, an infection of the air cavities surrounding the nasal passages that frequently develops as a complication of the common cold.
But knowing the difference can be hard since some symptoms can overlap. And even when you know the cause, there are so many treatments to choose from that its easy to end up with something that doesnt help much or even causes more problems than it solves.
For example, millions of Americans are prescribed antibiotics for sinusitis even though the drugs usually arent necessary. The problem is so widespread that such organizations as the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recently started a campaign to discourage doctors from prescribing those drugs unnecessarily.
Allergy sufferers are often unsure of which drugstore products they should turn to or which lifestyle changes are most effective. Thats unfortunate not only because it prolongs their misery but also because growing research suggests that inadequately controlled nasal allergies can worsen other health problems, notably asthma.
Recommended Reading: Advil Cold And Sinus Relief
When Should You Use A Nasal Spray
If your allergy symptoms are primarily runny or stuffy nose, several options exist for nasal sprays to treat these symptoms.
Steroid nasal sprays that not long ago required a prescription are now sold over the counter. Steroid nasal sprays work by reducing inflammation and swelling in your nasal passages. Products in this category include the following:
Saline nasal sprays work well to rinse allergens and mucus from your nose and clear congestion. Saline nasal sprays or rinses are safe options if you need a decongestant, and you have high blood pressure or heart problems. You can use a saline nasal spray or rinse before you use your steroid nasal spray to clear the nasal passages, or you can use it on its own as a decongestant.
Common names for OTC saline nasal sprays or rinses include the following:
- Ocean
Others Ways Of Avoiding And Minimizing Sinus Problems
Except those best sinus medicines mentioned above, there are many other effective home remedies that help you alleviate sinus discomforts.
Read Also: How Long Does Sinus Surgery Take
What Is The Best Allergy Medicine
The short answer is it depends. As described above, there are a few things to consider when selecting the right allergy medicine for you:
-
How quickly you need relief
-
Your symptoms
-
Side effects
-
Cost
Fast-acting medications, like decongestants and antihistamines, work quickly if youre experiencing symptoms. And while antihistamines can be taken daily, decongestants should only be used as needed short term.
Antihistamines and nasal steroids can be good options for preventing symptoms from happening if taken daily before allergy season hits. Experts currently recommend intranasal steroids as the first-choice treatment for people with persistent symptoms.
Lastly, keep in mind that not all antihistamines are created equal Benadryl can make you feel drowsy, whereas Allegra and Claritin may be less sedating. Since all antihistamines may cause some drowsiness, its best to see how you respond to them before engaging in activities that require alertness or concentration.
Allergy Relief Comes With Variety
Sams Club features more than five OTC allergy medicine brands online and in-store. We carry sinus relief medications, nasal irrigators, humidifiers, nasal strips and more to help you breathe better despite allergy flare-ups. Choosing your preferred product of choice as well as meeting any allergy need from which you are suffering is made easy with diversity. Whatever your needs, you can be sure to stock up your medicine cabinet with the best OTC allergy medicine for everyone in your household.
Read Also: Sinus Pressure And Blurry Vision
You May Like: How To Stop Sinus Infection Pain
Best Eye Drops: Alcon Naphcon Eye Drops
-
Non-oral solution for itchy, red eyes
-
Great size for on-the-go relief
-
Clears the eyes quickly
-
Can cause eye dryness if used excessively
Itchy, red eyes are a common reaction to allergies, but luckily, this problem can quickly be solved with proper eye drops. The highly recommended Alcon Naphcon-A Allergy Relief Eye Drops are a reliable option as the formula combines a redness reliever and an antihistamine ingredient to bring your eyes back to normal.
What Is Acetaminophen And Why We Eliminate It Too
It can be unbearable to suffer from allergic symptoms, and it is natural to want to relieve yourself of pain and fever. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever, used for treating many conditions such as sinus, headache, backache, toothache and fever. It comes with side effects:
- Swelling of the tongue or lips
- Nausea
- Difficulty with breathing
- Serious skin reactions. Between 1969 and 2012, the Food and Drug Administration found that 67 people required hospitalization of which 12 died after skin reactions were reported after taking acetaminophen products. This comes from documented medical literature. One of the skin reactions linked to acetaminophen included Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis . You start with flu-like symptoms such as headache, aches and fever and progress to a blister-like rash. The skin starts peeling and the hair starts falling out. This skin reaction is often fatal.
There are different brands and forms of acetaminophen available, but all labeling warns you not to take more than is recommended. It can damage your liver, more so if you drink alcohol with it.
You May Like: Best Over The Counter Medicine For Sinus Congestion And Pressure
Understand The Workings Of Allergy Meds
Antihistamines like Allegra and Claritin for instance as well as Zyrtec are marked with a D such as in Allegra-D. This tells you that it is an antihistamine with a decongestant which is known as pseudoephedrine.
In the United States, these drugs have to be bought from a pharmacist with a government ID. Zyrtec, Allegra and Claritin are all antihistamines, they all have different active ingredients but they all belong to the same family of drugs. Theyre non-sedating and very effective.
There are low-cost allergy generics available in various formulations tablet form, liquid form, and chewables all available without a prescription.
You cant really answer this question, which is the best allergy med? An allergist and professor, Dr Ein, gives advice on the matter, saying its the one that gives YOU the greatest relief with the fewest side effects at the lowest price. If one antihistamine isnt working for you, try another one.
Can/should I Take A Sinus Decongestant For A Sinus Infection
You can take certain decongestants for a sinus infection. Decongestants that contain only pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine are more typically recommended for a sinus infection. Decongestants with additional ingredients like antihistamines may suppress your bodys immune response and interfere with your bodys ability to fight the infection. If you have a severe sinus infection, or if youre on antibiotics, consult with your doctor about the best OTC medication choice for you.
You May Like: Best Allergy Medication For Sinus Pressure
Best Natural: Navage Nasal Irrigation
OK, so this one isnt a medicine. But when it comes to natural remedies for allergies, a 2018 review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that nasal irrigation can be effective in relieving allergy symptoms. While the overall evidence was low and the studies were small, there are some notable benefits to nasal irrigation: namely, there are no side effects, and it can be used in both adults and children.
When using nasal irrigation, always follow the instructions exactly and only use the solution included with the product. You should never use tap water with nasal irrigation because of a small risk of introducing harmful germs to the sinus cavities, per the FDA.
Buy it:Price: $99.95
How Long Do Allergy Symptoms Last
Allergy symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to several months depending on whats causing them and how theyre treated. For some people, allergy symptoms only appear at certain times of the year but may last for a few months called seasonal allergies. For others, they can be year-round called perennial allergies. People with seasonal allergies usually refer to the times when they experience symptoms as allergy season.
Seasonal allergies tend to be most troublesome in the spring and fall. Depending on where in the U.S. you live, spring allergy season can start as early as February and last into the beginning of summer. On the flip side, fall allergy season usually lasts from August to October, with mid-September being the roughest time.
Recommended Reading: Home Remedies For Bronchitis And Sinus Infection