Why allergy drugs cost so much

Article Abstract:

Pharmaceutical companies are being criticized for insisting that antiallergy drugs such as Schering-Plough's claritin should remain prescription drugs despite its safety record. In other countries, Schering-Plough has supported claritin's non-prescription status. In the US, however, the firm maintains that its prescription-only status is the best medical option. Drug firms are being accused of using consumer health protection laws to prevent price competition, and as a result, the US has the world's highest drug prices.

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Sedating antihistamines impair children's ability to learn

Article Abstract:

Studies have indicated that sedating antihistamines have harmed children by impairing their learning abilities. The US maintains a policy which prescribes sedating antihistamines as the primary treatment for children's allergies. Allergies are the reason why children lose 1.5 million school days annually and the deterioration of their learning abilities. Other studies have indicated that older antihistamines are more toxic than once thought.

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'Complex issues' require much study before action, FDA says

Article Abstract:

The FDA is still considering whether to reclassify the allergy drugs Claritin, Allegra and Zyrtec from prescription to over-the-counter drugs. The FDA said they needed more time to study the issue due to the "complex issues" raised by the matter. One reason for delays in their decision making is their caution and their reluctance to be blamed should anything go wrong. The FDA is understandably concerned about the economic consequences which a decision will have on the pharmaceutical industry.

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