OTC Allergy Drugs Can Cause Severe Pruritus With Sudden Discontinuation

OTC Allergy Drugs Can Cause Severe Pruritus With Sudden Discontinuation

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now warning clinicians and healthcare consumers about a rare but severe side effect associated with stopping long-term use of oral allergy medicines cetirizine or levocetirizine. FDA reports that some patients ultimately develop severe pruritus that requires medical attention if they stop taking the medications, and the agency aims to update the prescribing information to raise awareness about the post-discontinuation risk. According to the FDA, pruritus symptoms resolved for …

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Staph Bacteria Implicated as the Cause of Itchy Skin 

Staph Bacteria Implicated as the Cause of Itchy Skin 

Researchers have uncovered evidence that bacteria can activate nerve cells in the skin and cause the itchy sensation that comes along with several common skin conditions, according to a recent study in Cell. The authors note: “Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterial pathogen associated with itchy skin diseases, directly activates pruriceptor sensory neurons to drive itch.” Their findings could help optimize treatment for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. A summary of the study in Axios also cites …

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