As you may have heard, Claritin and other Claritin products (Claritin D, Claritin Reditabs, Claritin Syrup) will be available over-the-counter.  This means that you will be able to purchase them without a prescription from your doctor. 

 From a safety perspective, I have no problem with this “over-the-counter” availability, as the above mentioned products are safe to use as directed.  My primary concern is how the cost of these medications will be handled.  Until this point, Insurance companies/Medication plans covered all or at least some of the cost of the Claritin.  Now that the product is over-the-counter, Insurance companies/Medication plans will not cover the cost at all.  While the actual cost of the medication remains to be seen, I am sure that they will not be inexpensive, (possibly up to $2.00/dose).  If you are using these medications as instructed (on an “as needed” basis) then this cost should not be too great.  On the other hand, if you are using these medications every day, then the cost may be quite high for you.

 There is another part of this issue also.  Since Claritin (an antihistamine that will not make you sleepy) is available without a prescription, some of the Insurance companies are already creating difficulties for the other non/low sedating antihistamines (Allegra, Clarinex).  They claim that if a non-sedating antihistamine is required, then you should just use the over-the-counter Claritin product.

 While I know (as you do also) that certain antihistamines work better for certain people, the Insurance companies are not recognizing this fact.  They view it as a great way to save a lot of money and have patients have to pay for their own medications in full.  In the future I see the Insurance companies denying payment, not only of the over-the-counter Claritin, but also denying payment of the other antihistamines (Allegra, Clarinex and others).

 Now that I’ve present you with the problem, I’ll suggest some solutions:

1)      We typically prescribe the antihistamine as “rescue”  medications, i.e., to treat symptoms if they occur.  Make sure to use these medicines this way.  They usually do not need to be taken on a daily basis, only as needed (or before a known exposure).

2)      Use your “every day controller medicines” as they were prescribed ….every day.  These include the anti-inflammatory nose sprays and eye drops.  By using these medicines daily, you should not require your “rescue” medicines as frequently.

3)      If you are on allergy shots, keep them current.  They also are maintenance therapy and will help decrease the time that you need to be “rescued” with the antihistamines.

 I hope that this information answers some of your questions, addresses your concerns and supplies some solution.  If you need further information, please contact us or your Insurance company.

Sincerely,

Barry J. Asman, M.D.