Generally, 3 out of 4 oral products contain animal derived ingredients. It becomes an arduous task to find over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pharmaceuticals and supplements that are completely animal-free. Here at VeganMed, we are regularly asked about animal-free allergy medications, specifically we are asked whether Allegra is vegan.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million people in the US experience allergies each year. There are several OTC antihistamines and homeopathic medications available to relive allergy symptoms.
What is in Allegra (fexofenadine)?
Allegra is an antihistamine medication used for temporary relief of allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itching, rashes, hives, and watery eyes. It blocks the H1 receptors in the body which are activated during an allergic reaction. Regular Allegra is non-drowsy since the drug does not cross into the brain.
Allegra is the branded name for fexofenadine. Many Allegra or fexofenadine products are available in the market made by a host of different manufacturers. While they have the same active ingredient, they can have different inactive ingredients. Depending on the company, some of the inactive ingredients in fexofenadine products could contain animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin, lactose, or magnesium stearate.
Animal-Free Allegra (Fexofenadine)
VeganMed has verified with the manufacture to verify the below product as animal-free:
Below is a list of some other formulations of Allegra (Fexofenadine) and our current knowledge of their ingredients:
Allegra (fexofenadine) only products:
12 Hour Tablets ✓ Verified Animal Free
24 Hour Tablets ✓ Verified Animal Free
24 Hour Gelcaps ✘ Not Vegan Friendly (contains Gelatin)
Children’s Allegra 12 Hour Liquid ✓ Verified Animal Free
Children’s Allegra 12 Hour Meltable Tablets ✘ Not Vegan Friendly (contains Lactose)
Allegra-D [Fexofenadine (Antihistamine) + Pseudoephedrine (Nasal decongestant)] products:
12 Hour Tablets ✓ Verified Animal Free
24 Hour Tablets ✓ Verified Animal Free
Similar Products: Some people also benefit from certified animal-free products like GenCare Allergy Relief. If you can’t find something, contact us and we can work with our compounding pharmacies to possibly make you an animal-free product.
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Research credit: Saj Gowani and Angelica Marquez
DISCLAIMER: VeganMed, Inc. does not promote the use or disuse of medications, and we do not assume liability for particular treatment decisions. All medical decisions should be made after seeking the guidance of your doctor, including discussions of any associated risks. We try our best to ensure the accuracy of our information but cannot guarantee it. We strive to provide you with valuable information so you can make the right decisions for your health and lifestyle.
References:
1. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. https://www.aafa.org/allergy-facts/. Accessed April 14, 2021.
2. Fexofenadine. Lexi-Drugs. Lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Accessed April 19, 2021. http://online.lexi.com
3. https://www.allegra.com/en-us/ Accessed: 04/24/21
Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on VeganMed is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.
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Thank you for your awareness and concern for animal-derived ingredients!
If you have any further questions about ingredients in your medicines and supplements, feel free to reach out to the VeganMed team!