Telfast

What is Telfast?

Telfast is a branded form of treatment for people who get symptoms of hayfever. Although this is the main reason it is prescribed, Telfast is also given to people who have other allergies, and get symptoms like hives.

Hayfever is a common condition which causes your body to have an allergic reaction to dust or pollen particles in the air. When your body's immune system comes into contact with these particles it treats them the same as it would an infection. It reacts by releasing a chemical called histamine. Histamine can cause swollen and inflamed airways, sneezing and a dry or irritable cough.

Hives is a different kind of allergic reaction that’s also caused by histamine. Possible triggers include contact with hot or cold temperatures, pollen or dust, certain foods, or materials such as latex. Hives are small fluid-filled breaks in the skin, which can become swollen and itchy.

How does Telfast work?

Telfast contains an active ingredient called fexofenadine hydrochloride. It’s a type of antihistamine that works by reducing the effects of histamine, the chemical which causes allergic reactions. Fexofenadine binds to histamine receptors, so your body isn’t as sensitive to them when they’re overproduced by your immune system. This helps to reduce the ‘inflammatory response’ (redness and irritation) histamine causes, and relieves symptoms.

What doses of Telfast are there?

There are two types of Telfast: 120mg, which is usually prescribed for hayfever; and 180mg, which is usually prescribed for hives. Our clinician will be able to help you find a dosage that’s best for your allergy symptoms.

You’ll normally take one tablet a day. How long you take it for depends on how bad your symptoms are, and the advice from our clinician.

How to take Telfast

Take Telfast as recommended by your prescriber, and read the patient safety leaflet which comes in the box to make sure you’re taking the medication safely.

• Take as advised by your prescriber.
• For hay fever, this will be one 120mg tablet per day for as long as your prescriber recommends.
• If you have a more severe allergy or skin symptoms you may be recommended the 180mg pill. This is to be taken once a day, for as long as your prescriber recommends.
• Before a meal, swallow the tablets whole with water.
  Don’t take more than the amount prescribed.
• If you miss a dose, you can take it when you remember, as long as your next dose is not due. If it is due, skip the one you’ve missed and take your next dose at the scheduled time.

How long does it take Telfast to work?

You should start to see your symptoms get better within one hour of taking Telfast. The effects of the medication should last around 24 hours until another tablet needs to be taken. You’ll need to carry on taking Telfast for as long as our clinician advises. This can depend on how much contact you have with allergy triggers and how bad your symptoms get.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Telfast?

If you miss a Telfast tablet, take it when you remember, and carry on taking it every 24 hours or as needed. Or if you prefer, you can skip the one you missed and carry on taking it as normal at the usual time. It’s important that you remember not to double dose. Overdoses of Telfast have only shown mild symptoms. If you have taken too much and begin to feel unwell then you should contact your doctor.