Do you get HayFever Treatment from your GP?

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AndromedaFire@reddit

I take 180mg fexofenadine, sodium cromlicate eye drops and mometasone nasal spray. All prescribed. Without it hayfever wipes me out.

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ferdinandsalzberg@reddit

Neoclarityn (not just normal Clarityn) is prescription-only and is the only thing that works for me. It's great. I'd recommend asking for it.

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Depends on your symptoms what treatment might be recommended. With steroid nasal sprays it’s best you start using them a couple of weeks before symptoms are due to start (as they can take a few days to work and a week or two for full effect, anecdotally a lot of people use them then when they don’t help right away they give up). There are also prescription eye drops including olopatadine but it’s not suitable for everyone. Sometimes you need a multi pronged approach.

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christofilth@reddit

I don't but my partner does, she gets fexofenadine but it's a higher dosage than what you can buy in the shops. I'd go to your GP, explain that OTC stuff isn't helping and how much you're struggling over the summer months and take it from there.

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No_Preference9093@reddit

That’ll be 180mg rather than 120mg. I have stash of 180mg tablets I got in the US now but back when I was using 120mg I used to just end up taking one in the morning and one in the evening. You can’t really overdose on them.

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thermalcat@reddit

You can OD on antihistamines. I'm on a much higher dose, but I have to see an allergy specialist for that dose.

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everyoneis_gay@reddit

Not on fexofenadine you can't, they haven't found a max dose yet iirc

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No_Preference9093@reddit

I believe they studied with rats and got up to 100x the daily dose without issue.

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Smooth-Eggs@reddit

I looked it up when I first started taking it and they did, but it was an absurdly high amount IIRC - 10g+. Don't quote me on that though. I'm prescribed 540mg/day of fex and have never got so much as a minor side effect.

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No_Preference9093@reddit

Of course. Fexofendine is generally quite safe though particularly for adults with no other medical complications. You should always take medical advice to check that there are no other interactions you should be aware of.

The biggest thing I actually learned at one point was, don’t drink fruit juice within a couple of hours or use indigestion remedies as they both block the absorption of the Fexofenadine.

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Glad-Pomegranate-831@reddit

Just take one and a half of the 120mg

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Gangsta_Gollum@reddit

Exactly what my GP told me to do as it’s cheaper than prescription.

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ThatGingerGuyHere@reddit

You can get them directly from a pharmacy now if you tell them the weaker ones aren’t working as well

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oktimeforplanz@reddit

I'm prescribed 180mg up to 4 times a day for my urticaria, to be taken as needed to keep it under control. My old doctor used to give me 20 boxes of 30 in one go but the new one will only give me 4 at a time. Womp womp.

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lemon-bubble@reddit

Same here! Though even with my 720mg a day I still get allergy headaches when it’s really high pollen. Or some fucker has had the audacity to cut their grass.

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mbfos@reddit

You can buy 180 mg Fedofenadine at the pharmacy without prescription. You do have to ask for it though.

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No_Preference9093@reddit

Oh, that’s good to know. I had no idea. I thought it was still prescription.

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Dr_Gillian_McQueef@reddit

180s are prescription only unless you say they're for hives.

It's a licensing thing. Just say hives.

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meowcatpanda@reddit

I still only get the 120mg from my GP (though might be related to interactions with my other meds)

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unbelievablydull82@reddit

You can buy the higher dose of Fexofenadine in chemists, at least my mother in law's chemist sells them

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decidedlyindecisive@reddit

Is that the 180mg version?

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unbelievablydull82@reddit

Yep, which is a good send, as my son's allergies are fierce this year

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decidedlyindecisive@reddit

I didn't realise you could get it OTC now. I've had that strength on prescription for over 15 years. It's the only thing that even touches my hayfever.

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unbelievablydull82@reddit

It's does a better job for my son, but he still needs Piriton at least twice a day, it's a pain in the backside

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ComputerFun4600@reddit

Fellow sufferer here.
As a child I used to get prescribed tablets, nasal spray and eye drops. I think prescription strength might be a little stronger (no idea if that’s true - just a suspicion).
As an adult, I used fexofenadine, as it’s the most effective for me.
For the last 3 years I’ve paid to have a Kenalog injection, I have found this incredibly effective, and gives me back my life in the summer months, bar the very odd day.
There can be side effects, it’s not available on the NHS, and I’ve read plenty of people who are dead set against it. For me, the risk is worth it, as it means I can enjoy life for 3-4 months of the year that I used to hate.
I’m not advocating for it - do your own research.

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iansime@reddit (OP)

I think an injection would be the VERY last resort for me, but never say never!

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BiscuitsDippedInTea@reddit

I felt the same but my symptoms got so bad that I decided I had to do it. I was really poorly and losing sleep for about 3 - 4 weeks in May/June also covered in eczema which I’d never had until the hay fever started in my late 30s. I’ve had the injection 3 years in a row now and it almost alleviates all symptoms - at this time of year I still take a daily Fenofexodine to ease itchy eyes but by the end of June all symptoms are gone again. There are however, potential side effects…so you need to weigh those up. I’ve never had any side effects

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zephyrmox@reddit

If you are having to stay inside for multiple weeks of the year you are at last resort territory.

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ComputerFun4600@reddit

I was always sceptical, until I knew someone who had it, I saw them the day before, and the day after and I could hardly believe the difference.
I was sold at that point!

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Sea_Kangaroo826@reddit

My husband had hoped to get this injection because he suffers from truly awful hayfever symptoms every year, but after looking into it it qould really not suit him as he already has high blood pressure. The most concerning thing I've read about the potential side effects is this: '"Once the steroid has been injected, nothing can be done to prevent it from spreading through the body over the following weeks, even if side effects are experienced," states Gilani.'

https://patient.info/features/allergies-blood-immune/the-pros-and-cons-of-the-hay-fever-injection

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Smooth-Eggs@reddit

Is his hypertension controlled? If so it might be worth having a chat about it. It's really if your hypertension is uncontrolled with medication that you need to be particularly concerned, or of course if there are other health issues which affect his risk factors. I have hypertension but get the injection yearly, I was very nervous about it given as you say once it's injected there's nothing you can do, but it's genuinely been lifechanging (in a positive way!).

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Sea_Kangaroo826@reddit

Yeah it's actually a whole palaver that he and the gp are currently embroiled in, trying to get his blood pressure under control with the right medication so he can take adhd meds (which caused his already high blood pressure to spike crazy style). So definitely not wise for him to start injecting things that can make it worse lol

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Smooth-Eggs@reddit

Oh yes definitely not then! Shame. Hope he gets it sorted soon!

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Conscious-Ball8373@reddit

I tried to find somewhere I could get this this year. Couldn't come up with anywhere within about 15 miles. My GP (who wouldn't have prescribed it anyway) claims that it's been withdrawn from the market. One pharmacy said they usually offer it but can't get it any more.

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ComputerFun4600@reddit

It’s a local aesthetics place that do a hayfever clinic, where I get mine. They are CQC registered, but I haven’t seen it anywhere else anywhere near me

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tatz26@reddit

I get 180mg fex on prescription from the doctors and I supplement with diphenhydramine HCI 25mg. Fex first thing in the morning and 2 of the others midday and I’m mostly golden. Have eye wipes and drops for extra days

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Historical-One2407@reddit

Why not just take 1.5 of the 120?

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Sassca@reddit

Yes. And I think your GP is can authorise you taking a higher dose as well as prescribing you something like Avemys steroid nose spray.

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kuklinka@reddit

I have dymista as well as eye drops and fexofenadine and i take them twice a day all year round.

Thanks, menopause

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redsquizza@reddit

Is Fexofenadine genuinely new?

Or they've just reformulated an older type so they have a new patent they can exploit until that turns generic too?

And why is everyone in this thread on about Fexofenadine? The generic cetirizine or loratadine are far cheaper. Feels like an advert disguised as a question.

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Middle-Damage-9029@reddit

I did this last year. Hayfever was so bad that it triggered an asthma attack. Doctor gave me prescription strength antihistamines and a new inhaler. Made such a difference. Also taking antihistamines at night before bed helps me manage the drowsiness.

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babyhelianthus@reddit

My GP prescribed Fexofenadine which does help but not completely. I read about azelastine nasal spray (Rhinolast) so ordered from an online pharmacy and it's been great. You're meant to use it everyday, but I usually only spray once every 4-5 days and that keeps allergies at bay. I'll just do another spray when I start sniffling

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AutomaticInitiative@reddit

You can get 180mg fexofenadine from the Dr, I don't get it for hayfever but dust mite allergy, but get plenty so I can stock up for taking 3x the dose during my worst months of hayfever (April-May). Anything after 3x the dose is diminishing returns. You can take multiple types at once if all are non drowsy, sometimes it's so bad I'm on fexo, loratidine and Benadryl all at once. Also recommend a steroidal spray, ideally started before the worst part of the year but you can start now, would not survive without it.

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TheToolman04@reddit

I'm really not enjoying this years version so far. I've been taking 2 Fexo a day, with various different eye drops (not all at the same time) as OptiCrom changed their recipe a few years ago and sodium cromoglicate doesn't even touch the eye itchiness anymore. I also use the benadryl nasal spray.

A colleague even called in sick today as her symptoms are horrendous. She's just gone and had the £150 jab again.

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cat101786@reddit

I have a prescription nasal spray and it is heavenly. My hayfever was so so so bad - I tried everything.

Talked to my GP. Ran a few test and gave me two solutions and then after a few months I only needed the nasal spray. This is my second year (repeat prescription).

Talk to your gp.

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speckledchickhen@reddit

Sorry if I’m only covering the basics but I thought I’d state them just in case.

Some people (me) can only respond to Loratadine - you can get generics but Clarityn is the most popular brand name. Not sure why but it targets different things to the other OTC ones.

Take Clarityn as a syrup, not a tablet. The tablet contains lactose (milk) which can aggravate other latent allergies that you might be aware you’re reacting to. Most kids hayfever meds are syrup and are loratadine.

Nasal sprays should be limited to HARDLY EVER. Every time you spray you’re aggravating (damaging) the inside of your nose making it more inflammatory and irritated therefore more sensitive to dust/ wind/ pollen obvs…. More so than if you didn’t nasal spray at all.

Switch to balm only tissues at ALL times. Normal tissues give off tiny dust particles that irritate the inside of your nose. The tissue / toilet roll particles, not pollen, are what are irritating/ tickling the inside of your nose.

Drink lots and lots of water at all times- flush that pollen out asap. Remember that alcohol and caffeine dehydrate.

Stay away from smokers and vapers - even outside - I’m much worse the day after a night out with smokers even though I don’t smoke.

At night / when alone - slather your nose with Vaseline - lots that you can clearly see it covered. This will catch some of the pollen to help you sleep.

Take your medicine - EVERY DAY - don’t worry about pollen forecasts and stuff like that. Make it a habit to take it.

Sending you internet hugs. Hope you find something that works.

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iansime@reddit (OP)

Thanks for that.

I have cycled through multiple different anti-histamines, but the only one that seemed to help these days was Fexofenadine (which I take every day from around mid-May) - but even that isn't doing the trick this year. Think I might pay my GP a visit and see if they recommend the 180mg variant.

I do use balm tissues and don't often use a nasal spray. I'm not even convinced the spray does much for me anyway TBH. I will definitely try to drink more water though 😊

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AmazingRedDog@reddit

I think it’s particularly bad this year?

Not suffered since a child, but boy this year I am

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nancy-p@reddit

I usually only react to birch pollen which tends to have an earlier season - started in February this year and usually finishes in May. But the last week has been utterly horrendous so I can only think that I’ve either started reacting to grass pollen or it’s just extra extra high right now?

Anyway, I do fexofenadine and take one in the morning plus an extra one at night on the bad days, otherwise I just don’t sleep

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decidedlyindecisive@reddit

Birch, Plane, Pine, Oak, Nettle and a grass are all active at the moment. It was bad near me last week but forecast to calm down a lot this week with the cooler weather.

source

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FabulousSpray9237@reddit

I’m kind of the opposite; mine usually starts end of April but this year I’ve barely had a sniffle until this past weekend and now I feel like I’ve been ran over with a Chelsea flower show truck. The second I step outside I can’t breathe and my eyes are streaming, it’s pretty miserable

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iansime@reddit (OP)

Seemed to start early this year for me as well

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thingie2@reddit

I've had stuff prescribed for a few years now. I used to suffer quite badly & Cetirizine & Loratatine barely made a difference for me (even taking both at the same time). I tried nasal sprays for the first time about 10 years ago & the beconase did great for the hayfever, but gave me such a bad headache, I couldn't do anything. I've since been prescribed 180mg fexofenadine (1 per day) (which tbh I'm not sure makes much of a difference for me), and Dymista nasal spray (1 spray per nostril, twice a day), which gets rid of most of the symptoms for me. On the worst days I get a bit, but I take an extra dose of the nasal spray & it generally sorts it.

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First_Folly@reddit

I used to have to get fexofenadine from them but now that it's otc I buy them in bulk.

They still don't do anything.

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Comprehensive_Gap693@reddit

Have you tried deslortadine? I got mine from an online pharmacy thing. Its prescription only but easy to get either from GP or online. Worked for me when fenofexadine stopped being effective one year. Recommended by a Canadian friend!

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Fluffy_Ad2274@reddit

Thanks for posting this - fexofenadine does very little for me (it's what the GP shifted to when Triludan was removed however many decades ago that was): I'll give this a go.

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Comprehensive_Gap693@reddit

All good it's worked well for me to date. I also in the evening use a red light thing - Lloyds pharmacy allergy reliever (if you Google that it will come up). I was highly skeptical of it but really does reduce swelling for me - very good before bed and even use it when I get a cold.

Hayfever sucks and hope you find relief soon!

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Fluffy_Ad2274@reddit

Oh, my goodness, I'd forgotten all about those - great idea! Thank you so much, you've really brightened my day!

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vario_@reddit

I've been on Fexofenadine for over ten years but I've heard rumours that GP's are wanting us to buy it from the shops now instead. Waiting with baited breath for my prescription to stop going through every time I order it.

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Character_Savings966@reddit

You should start talking a daily dose last week of April and continue until sept

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According_Union@reddit

You can get stronger fexofenadine prescribed, my mum was on something like 210mg (or thereabouts can't quite remember the dosage). It works really well! I also take the 180 fexofenadine and use beconase hayfever nasal spray for the really humid days (when mine is at it worst). Deffo speak to the GP!

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Legit_Vampire@reddit

I used to get Mozillen (mistolaine or something was the Ingredient) they were perfect for me but around 3 years ago they became unavailable. Now on fexofenadine but it doesn't work half as well & gives me a headache

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Playful_Beyond_2218@reddit

There isn’t much else for them to prescribe tbh. Make sure you are doing a combo of tablets, nasal spray, and eye drops daily. And you could consider asking for a referral to the allergy clinic for immunotherapy but it’s not always very available

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CutlassKitty@reddit

I had not much luck with Fexofenadine so went to my GP and got prescribed Dymista. It has been a life saver. My hayfever has been awful in the past - nose blocked almost all the time, eyes running, sneezing. After a few days of starting Dymista my symptoms are barely there - maybe a sneeze or 2 a day. Only downside is I think I must be crap at spraying it cause I'll get some drip back and get an awful bitter taste in my mouth, but it doesn't last long.

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WaltzFirm6336@reddit

The NHS works on a model of try the cheapest and most likely solution first and see if that works. If it doesn’t work, look at the next cheapest and most likely solution etc.

It sounds like you’ve done your bit of trying the most likely and cheapest solution (OTC) and it’s not worked. The next step is absolutely your GP. Just know you might have to try different things until you get to something that actually works for you.

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Boating_taxonomist@reddit

If you haven’t already, talk to a pharmacist and see if there’s anything you can get from behind the pharmacy counter that you’ve not tried (stuff off the shelf does little for me -though haven’t tried fexofenadine - but Piriton (chlorphenamine) from the pharmacy works well -it’s 1 every 4 hrs but I often take 2 at a time [my GP said this was fine] if one i isn’t cutting it). Otherwise yes there will be prescription medications your GP will be able to prescribe.

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glasgowgeg@reddit

When I need it, yeah. My hayfever hasn't been as bad in recent years, but I usually get a prescription for the tablets just in case.

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Tyler_344@reddit

I have an injection in the ass 2x a year from a local hayfever clinic. Doctors wont do it but its a god send

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Boating_taxonomist@reddit

Talk

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ohnobobbins@reddit

I don’t, but what I have learned the hard way is to start taking them in February before the reaction starts. I take Fexofenadine in the morning and Loratidine at night.

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Lyrakish@reddit

I had bad hay fever but had to go to my GP for OTC antihistamines as I became very allergic to my cats. I take Fexofenadine, you can get 3 months supply on a single prescription payment. Does the job.

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BrainThat4047@reddit

I’m thinking of going to my GP too. I’ve been using Allevia and occasionally superdrug’s eye drops as I have very itchy eyes. But I don’t think it’s working quite well anymore

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Mother-Market-4056@reddit

Yes. I'm on Avamys (fluticasone furoate) and it works wonders. The only difficulty I had with it initially was that I couldn't get it on repeat prescription at my old GP because I only needed it seasonally.

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Chunkylover0053@reddit

I’m prescribed mometasone nasal spray for something else, it’s a prescription only steroid but it’s other uses include hay fever and although my hayfever is relatively mild it works a treat on it.

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OtterSpotter2@reddit

Mometasone has made a difference for me. Before now I'd stack everything available over the counter - I still take everything else and have an air purifier at home (also recommend).

Still get symptoms but no longer often at a disruptive level - had this before with Fexofenadine when it was prescription only - yet I think for many of us symptoms little by little get worse each year... and that's no longer cutting it without more heavy hitting help

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meowcatpanda@reddit

Oh yeah, I'm on that now for something unrelated as well, and while my nose and throat def feel better this year, my eyes are still miserable (the only treatment for my eyes that has ever worked for it is unavailable in the UK and too expensive for me to import)

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SlicedSquiggles@reddit

Kenalog injection, montelukast if you have bad throat and chest reactions, oxymetazoline nasal spray when symptoms are extremely bad but not regularly.

Acrivastine is the single best antihistamine, I found out about it this year and has made a world of difference for me. You can get it on Amazon for about £7 for 28 tablets but you’ll take up to 3 a day as a Benadryl tablet. It’s supposed to just be used when symptoms are bad but the last 2 weeks I’ve used 3 each day.

I get nosebleeds, coughing and tight throat and rashes from hayfever and this is the first year I’ve kept most at bay. I’ve tried chorphenamine, fexofenadine and promethazine and Acrivastine is the first to really work.

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NorthWesternMonkey89@reddit

Different antihistamines work for different symptoms. For me loratadine is the best subduing hayfever symptoms, whereas centirizine hydrochloride works more rashes and itches.

I get all mine from shops.

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misicaly@reddit

Yes. Start off with OTC but eventually need 180mg Fexofenadine prescribing.

You can get a private prescription from some online pharmacies too but I think an NHS prescription is usually cheaper.

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bikinikills@reddit

See the GP, this is their area! Explain what you've done and for how long. Make sure you can describe your symptoms and the effect on your life.

Non medical treatments - cover your hair when you're out (cap?) and sunglasses/glasses to protect your eyes from pollen.

They'll probably start by maximising the basics.

Fexofenadine at a prescribed dose can be higher than what you can buy.

There are also different nasal sprays. Fluticasone nasal spray (steroid) always hits right for me. You could get this over the counter while waiting for a GP appointment.

If you get eye symptoms then allergic eye drops is a definite must.

If maximised on good triple therapy and you still have unbearable symptoms then there might be scope to add in a 4th treatment - montelukast. It's usually used for asthma but can be effective in allergic rhinitis treatment.

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/montelukast/about-montelukast/

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Numerous_Ad2369@reddit

I have the strongest version of fexofenadine from my GP, I believe it is 180mg. I also always apply a thin layer of Vaseline around my nostrils and sometimes around my eyes as I also have a dust allergy which causes a lot of issues

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Glad-Pomegranate-831@reddit

Just take one and a half OTC 120mg from pharmacy

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wirral65@reddit

I take 2 daily throughout the year for sun allergy

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springwarmth@reddit

Definitely go to your GP, they can prescribe stronger stuff. Other things that help me are vaseline around the entry to the nose, washing your hair more frequently, and changing pillow sheets more regularly!

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stealthw0lf@reddit

This. People rely on meds but often the non-medical things get overlooked. Pollen can get trapped in your hair, clothes and body, and then you bring it indoors and spread it all over the house.

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Kamila95@reddit

Yes, I get Dymista. I LOVE Dymista. I have 0 symptoms and 0 side effects with this spray. Originally it was prescribed by my ENT but my GP prescribes it now.

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mattl1698@reddit

yes. I get 180mg fexofenadine and dymista nasal spray which is a combo antihistamine and corticosteroid spray and works wonders for me

and because I get both on the NHS, it's cheaper to buy a couple of the 3 month prescription certificates and it's less than 9 quid a month for both meds. fexofenadine off the shelf is more expensive than the England prescription charge anyway (at least last I checked). and if you are not in England, it's completely free

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champion_soundz@reddit

Hydroxyzine is the one but I dont know if they'll give it to you willingly anymore

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everyoneis_gay@reddit

I was told the GP couldn't prescribe anything for "just hayfever" by protocol (and denied a Fexofenadine prescription, I buy it myself, thankfully live near a Savers!) - feels a bit fucking rich when "just hayfever" has had my whole face swollen and blistered my whole life but hey they're trying to save money so the NHS doesn't crumble!!;!?!!1

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JoesRealAccount@reddit

I went one time years back and explained how I stopped leaving the house and exercising and they gave me higher dose fexofenadine and some eye drops that made my eyes tolerate the bullshit a bit better.

Atm I just take Fexofenadine and use Becodefence before leaving the house. I think Becodefence (or lining your nose with vaseline) makes a big difference. And Beconase helps later in the day if shit gets really bad. Sometimes double up on Beconase and occasionally double up on the pills.

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cookiecoco2203@reddit

Yes. I was using fexofenadine but it wasn't working. Contacted the GP and they prescribed some stronger ones that I can take 3 times a day which seem to work better. I felt like a bit of a time waster but the doctor said it is a debilitating allergy that people often think you are making up and that he has hayfever also so totally understood needing something better!

I think as long as you have tried everything OTC they will give you something.

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iansime@reddit (OP)

Yeah, I think I might have to go see my GP - I feel the same way about 'wasting their time' but I am done with not being able to go outdoors for a month each year.

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ToastedCrumpet@reddit

You’re not wasting their time if it affects your day to day living, and it’s one appointment and you’ll just have it on repeat prescription then so don’t worry

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charlottedoo@reddit

Are they the little white ones? OTC recommend 1 but the GPs can go up to 8 a day.

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iansime@reddit (OP)

I get these from Amazon as they are much cheaper than Allevia - one a day.

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pennypenny22@reddit

Aldi has started selling these too.

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Loki-ra@reddit

I get fexofenadine 180mg from the Dr for a skin issue but it has basics eradicated my hayfever 🙏

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orange_fudge@reddit

I did speak to my GP, who called an old friend who was an allergy specialist.

I am not a doctor - but - the advice I had is that there's no good 'stronger' options beyond what you can already buy over the counter. Instead the advice was to layer different types of protection. For example, hayfever tablets, and the Beconase nose spray (which has the same active ingredient as asthma puffers) and using my asthma puffer every day (I otherwise only used it before sport).

Also using non-medical strategies like big sunglasses, tying my hair back, washing my face after being outside, keeping the windows closed in the direction of nearby grass fields, and so on.

I had literally tried everything before this, even 3 years of allergy injections... but this strategy has me feeling better than I ever have in previous spring/summers!

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OkGrapefruit7174@reddit

I get Fexofenadine (180mg) from the gp, eye spray and nose spray from boots. I’m still not great, but I am surviving. Air purifier at home helps a lot.

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adhdontplz@reddit

I just got told to take as many fenofaxodine as I need last year as one or 2 didn't touch the sides and they wouldn't consider the injections and the autoimmune tablets are like golddust.

Weirdly the best "treatment" for it has been fostering dogs - I think it's just the pollen that ends up on their fur during walks, but this is the first year in ages that I've just been a bit sniffly as opposed to streaming snot and eye good constantly every day.

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elgrn1@reddit

Get fexofenadine online.

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Pure-Beginning-326@reddit

Yes - I get a higher dose of fexofenadine prescribed as well as steroid nasal sprays for when it is really bad. For some reason though, they've stopped prescribing my child's hayfever meds and tell me to buy it over the counter instead. Must be a cost saving thing on the NHS.

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Joshp1471@reddit

Yes. I’m currently on 2x180mg Fexofenadine a day and two doses of a prescription combination nasal spray. It makes things mostly manageable. Although I still want to claw my face off from the itching occasionally

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ceb1995@reddit

Although there are GPs that will be an exception to the rule, most areas have a ban on any prescribing of something licensed OTC for it so you could perhaps say get an 180mg fexofenadine as it's only licensed for hives but that's a long shot and you could possibly convince a pharmacy into selling it anyway. Then some of the nasal steroids are OTC or pharmacy medicines so they would again expect you to buy those like beclometasone but there are a couple of nasal steroids that are actually prescription only if they failed so you might be able to ask for a trial of those. Past that then it might be an option to get a specialist referral for the immunotherapy injection but that's a long shot.

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Psychological_Bee_93@reddit

My husband does, he get’s high dose fexofenadine and mometasone nasal spray. He also has cetirizine which he can take if it’s really bad. He has to take the fexofenadine and nasal spray religiously every day from about March for it to be effective and even at that he’s very sneezy, congested and it triggers asthma in him so he has an inhaler too. It’s awful, and unless you or someone you know has it that bad, people just don’t understand how debilitating it can be!

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iansime@reddit (OP)

I went out the other day and tried a face mask - had to take it off at the risk of having a panic attack 😂

I don't *think* it's severe enough to warrant an injection (yet) but I am going to see my GP about stronger Fexofenadine and look into a different nasal spray (and get some eye drops). I already have an air purifier but not sure how effective it is.

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BG3restart@reddit

My son has a prescription med, but I think it's just a stronger version of what's available over the counter. What helps him is using a barrier cream around his nose, wraparound sunglasses and showering and changing his clothes as soon as he comes in from outside. He's had it from May to September most of his life, some years worse than others, as he's susceptible to more than one type of pollen, so he's had to learn to live with it by taking these precautions.

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iansime@reddit (OP)

What's frustrating for me is days like today where I wake up with bad symptoms, despite barely stepping outdoors yesterday. In this heat it's just not feasible to not have any windows open. I do have an air filtering unit but I don't think it's very effective TBH.

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G-reeper66@reddit

Mine gives me Avymys (not sure on the spelling) but this worked for my hay fever but not needed it the last three though

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charlottedoo@reddit

That’s the best nasal spray there is brand wise. Im under hospital care and they gave it me but no local pharmacy stocks it so I buy it online. It shoots just the right amount in unlike the others where its dropping out your nose.

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meowcatpanda@reddit

I do, I get... fexofenadine lol, the biggest benefit is not having to pay for it myself.

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APiousCultist@reddit

If it's extremely severe? Corticosteroid ingestion.

Otherwise: Prescription strength fexofenadine, nasal spray to remove pollen, air purifier in home.

If you don't mind the weird looks and heat facemasks also help somewhat. One particularly bad summer I spent with one stuck to my face at home just to take the edge off.

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VictoryAppropriate68@reddit

The problem is you likely need a mix of meds to hit the spot, you also have to build them up, taking it when you’re already in an allergy attack won’t help. I’ve had allergies all my life. I have to take 2 fexo every day and on high pollen days I take 3-4 along with nasal sprays and an inhaler. Research the different types of pills and try and find the right mix that works for you. Ask to speak to a doctor who specialises in allergies, that helped me massively. Standard GP’s often give incorrect advice

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ghodsgift@reddit

I live off antihistamines.

The trick was finding what worked for me - Cetirizine based antihistamines, 1 x per day. Saline based nasal spray once or twice per day and i also have a steroid based nasal spray which i take 1 per day as well (Dymista). If its a particularly bad day, i'll also take some OTC eye drops.

It took me a few years of hospital trips to dial in on that routine though.

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yehyehyehyeh@reddit

I’m affected by tree pollen and this year was by far the worst. enough for me to seek help from my GP who palmed me off to the pharmacist without even an appointment - I didn’t go in the end as it’s all died down now pretty much for the year but it might be worth going that route first before GP.

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