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. 2016 Dec;33(6):397-410.
doi: 10.5114/pdia.2016.63942. Epub 2016 Dec 2.

The role and choice criteria of antihistamines in allergy management - expert opinion

Piotr Kuna  1 , Dariusz Jurkiewicz  2 , Magdalena M Czarnecka-Operacz  3 , Rafał Pawliczak  4 , Jarosław Woroń  5 , Marcin Moniuszko  6 , Andrzej Emeryk  7
Affiliations

The role and choice criteria of antihistamines in allergy management - expert opinion

Piotr Kuna et al. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2016 Dec.

Abstract

Allergic diseases are the most common chronic conditions lasting throughout the patient's life. They not only cause significant deterioration in the quality of life of patients but also lead to significant absenteeism and reduced productivity, resulting in very high costs for society. Effective and safe treatment of allergic diseases is therefore one of the main challenges for public health and should be carried out by all the specialists in family medicine, internists and paediatricians in collaboration with allergists, otorhinolaryngologists and dermatologists. Antihistamines are most commonly used in the treatment of allergies. Several dozen drugs are available on the pharmaceutical market, and their generic forms are advertised widely as very effective drugs for the treatment of allergic diseases. What is the truth? What are the data from clinical trials and observational studies? Are all drugs equally effective and safe for the patient? According to a panel of experts representing various fields of medicine, inappropriate treatment of allergies can be very risky for patients, and seemingly equally acting medications may differ greatly. Therefore, a panel of experts gathered the latest data from the entire scientific literature and analysed the latest standards and recommendations prepared by scientific societies. This paper provides a summary of these studies and highlights the importance for the patient of the proper choice of drug to treat his allergies.

Keywords: allergic rhinitis; allergy; antihistamines; bilastin; urticaria.

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Conflict of interest statement

Piotr Kuna has during the last 3 years received honoraria for participating in advisory board meetings or giving lectures for the following companies: Adamed, Allergopharma, AstraZeneca, Berlin Chemie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celon Pharma, Chiesi, FAES, Meda, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Polpharmex, Polpharma, Stallergen, Teva. Dariusz Jurkiewicz has during the last 3 years received honoraria for participating in advisory board meetings or giving lectures for the following companies: Adamed, Teva, Berlin-Chemie, Polpharma Magdalena Carnecka-Operacz has during the last 3 years received honoraria for participating in advisory board meetings or giving lectures for the following companies: Novartis, Berlin-Chemie, Leo, Meda, Pierre Fabre, Genactive, Allergopharma. Rafał Pawliczak has the conflict of interest that applies to lecture fees and advisory honoraria paid by Berlin-Chemie Menarini. Jarosław Woroń has during the last 3 years received honoraria for participating in advisory board meetings or giving lectures for the following companies: Berlin-Chemie/Menarini, MSD. Marcin Moniuszko has the conflict of interest that applies to received honoraria for participating during last 3 years in advisory board meetings or giving lectures for the following companies: Boehringer-Ingelheim, Berlin-Chemie/Menarini, Takeda, Symposion. Andrzej Emeryk reported lack of conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Development history of antihistaminic drugs
Figure 2
Figure 2
Adverse effects of antihistamines
Figure 3
Figure 3
Efficacy and safety of bilastine 20 mg compared with cetirizine 10 mg and placebo for the symptomatic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (somnolence) [3]
Figure 4
Figure 4
Efficacy and safety of bilastine 20 mg compared with cetirizine 10 mg and placebo for the symptomatic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (fatigue) [3]
Figure 5
Figure 5
Recommended treatment algorithm for chronic spontaneous urticaria [14]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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