Allegra & Weight Loss

Allegra is the brand name for fexofenadine, a type of allergy medicine. This medication is a type of antihistamine that may help reduce the symptoms commonly associated with allergy attacks, such as itching and sneezing. Like many medications, Allegra may cause certain side effects 4. Although weight loss is not a common side effect of this drug, some people may experience digestive problems after taking Allegra.

Allegra

Allegra comes in various forms, including tablets, capsules and liquid suspensions. Dosage amounts range between 30 mg and 180 mg. Your doctor may prescribe this medication to treat hives or seasonal allergies that cause rhinitis, such as hay fever. Antihistamines help to reduce the effects of histamines, the substances your immune system produces in response to a perceived threat, such as pollen or dust mites.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of taking Allegra include the risk of dizziness, headache, upset stomach and vomiting 4. Less common side effects you may experience include:

• diarrhea
  
• body aches
  
• joint pain
  
• fever
  
• dizziness
  
• loss of voice
  
• drowsiness
  
• painful menstruation

Several side effects can involve your ears, including earache, ear congestion and ringing in your ears. Rare, but serious, side effects include tightness in your chest, difficulty breathing and redness of your face and neck.

Weight Loss

Medications are a common cause of unintentional weight loss 1. Depending on the severity of your side effects, continued vomiting and diarrhea may lead to a reduction in body weight. In the absence of these digestive side effects, there is no evidence that indicates Allegra leads to weight loss 4. Unexplained weight loss requires medical diagnosis and treatment.

Precautions

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, such as breathing difficulties, while taking Allegra 4. Serious side effects may signal an allergic reaction to the drug. MayoCllinic.com warns that taking Allegra with apple, orange or grapefruit juice can increase your risk of side effects 4. Other medications, such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium carbonate and dihydroxyaluminum sodium carbonate, may also increase the potential for side effects. Tell your doctor about any unexplained decrease in your weight, especially if you continue to lose weight after stopping Allegra. Your doctor may need to rule out other causes of unintentional weight loss such as hyperthyroidism, infection, depression AIDS, cancer and eating disorders 1.