Telfast

What is Telfast used for?

Telfast is a prescription-only, non-sedating antihistamine which is used to treat allergic rhinitis (hayfever) in adults.

Telfast is a brand of fexofenadine and is available in 120 mg or 180 mg tablets.

You can get Telfast hayfever tablets online from Prescription Doctor, following a short consultation with one of our doctor's.

If your order is approved before 3pm, Mon to Fri, our UK based pharmacy can dispense and dispatch your medicine the same day, aimed for a next day delivery.

What is Hayfever?

Allergic reactions, like hayfever, happen when the immune system overreacts to a substance in the body. For hayfever, this substance is an airborne allergen, such as grass or tree pollen.

The immune system responds by releasing a chemical called histamine. The histamine causes cold-like symptoms such as red, itchy eyes, a runny nose, or a skin rash.

Telfast treats seasonal hayfever which is caused by triggers such as:

• Tree pollen
• Grass pollen
• Ragweed pollen
• Outdoor fungi or mould

Hayfever season usually begins in late March and continues until September. Depending on the type of pollen you are allergic to, your hayfever symptoms may last longer than others.

Telfast is not the right choice for year-round allergies from common indoor triggers like pet dander.

Seasonal hayfever interferes with daily activities and disrupts sleep. It is essential that you talk to your doctor about your symptoms and treatment options.

It can also exacerbate other conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Left untreated, hayfever can lead to complications such as sinusitis, an infection which causes inflammation in the sinus cavities or otitis media of the nose, or an ear infection.

How does Telfast work?

Telfast contains fexofenadine hydrochloride, a non-sedating (non-drowsy) antihistamine that works to counter the effects of a chemical produced in the body called histamine.

The medication acts on the histamine receptors to prevent the histamine from producing common symptoms of hay fever.

How long does Telfast take to work?

Telfast typically works within 30 minutes to an hour after taking the medication and lasts 24 hours.

How do I take Telfast?

You must read the patient information leaflet before taking Telfast.

You can read the patient information leaflet for Telfast 120mg online.

The patient information leaflet for Telfast 180mg can be found online here.

Follow your doctor's instruction for taking Telfast.

The typical dose is one tablet per day (120 mg or 180 mg).

Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water before a meal.

What should I do if I forget to take Telfast?

If you forget to take Telfast, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time.

Do not double up on doses in an attempt to make up the missed one.

What should I do if I take too much Telfast?

Taking too much Telfast can lead to serious complications.

Symptoms of overdose with Telfast (fexofenadine) include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth

Telfast side effects and cautions

Allergies

Do not use Telfast if you are allergic to:

• Fexofenadine hydrochloride
• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Pregelatinised
• Maize starch
• Croscamellose sodium
• Magnesium stearate
• Hypromellose
• Povidone K30
• Titanium dioxide (E171)
• Colloidal anhydrous silica
• Macrogol 44
• Red iron oxide (E172)
• Yellow iron oxide (E172)

Who should not take Telfast?

Telfast (fexofenadine) may not be suitable for you. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure whether it is safe for you to take Telfast.

Speak to your doctor before using Telfast if you:

• Have problems with your liver or kidneys
• Have or have had heart disease. Telfast can cause an irregular heartbeat.
• Are elderly

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication, including over-the-counter products or herbal treatments.

Certain indigestion medications containing aluminium and magnesium can lower the amount of Telfast absorbed. Take this medication two hours before or after taking Telfast.

Can I take Telfast while pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use Telfast until you speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Telfast is not safe for women who are breastfeeding. The medicine may be passed to the infant in breast milk.

Side effects

All medicines have the potential of causing side effects, though not everybody gets them. Understanding the risks associated with your medicine is important to your care. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with the patient information leaflet which comes enclosed with your medicine before beginning treatment.

Common side effects of Telfast (fexofenadine):

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Dizziness

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For further information regarding the safety of this medicine, please read the patient information leaflet enclosed with the medicine.

Other safety information

Always read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine before you start taking Telfast.

Check the expiration date of Telfast before using it. If expired, do not discard the medication in waste water or household waste. Take any unused medicine to your pharmacist for them to dispose of it safely on your behalf.

Always keep Telfast and all medications out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they have the same condition or are experiencing the same symptoms as you.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drink alcohol while taking Telfast?

Alcohol can increase your chances of experiencing side effects like fatigue or drowsiness. Avoid or limit your alcohol consumption while on this medication. Alcohol may also worsen the symptoms of hay fever.

Will Telfast impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

It is unlikely that Telfast will affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. You should not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication will affect you.

Will telfast make you drowsy?

Telfast is a non-drowsy antihistamine and is unlikely to make you drowsy.

Is Telfast better than Zirtek?

Zirtek contains a different active ingredient than Telfast called certirizine dihydrochloride.

If you are unsure which hayfever treatment is best for you, speak to your doctor or ask a pharmacist for advice.

Can I buy Telfast (fexofenadine) over-the-counter in the UK?

Telfast is only available on prescription. It cannot be bought over-the-counter from pharmacies or supermarkets. However, you can get a private prescription for Telfast online following a consultation with one of our doctors.

In 2022, Sanofi - the manufacturers of Telfast - released an over-the-counter fexofenadine tablet called Allevia. This tablet contains 120mg of fexofenadine hydrochloride.