5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  The FDA issued a warning about severe pruritus occurring after discontinuation of cetirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal) after long-term use.

• 2

  Between April 2017 and July 2023, the FDA identified 209 cases of post-discontinuation pruritus, with 197 cases reported in the U.S.

• 3

  The median time to onset of pruritus after stopping the medications was 2 days, with most patients using them for over 3 months.

• 4

  Reported cases of pruritus significantly impacted patients' quality of life, with serious outcomes including disability and hospitalization.

• 5

  The FDA is requiring new warnings about pruritus risk in prescribing information and over-the-counter labels for these medications.