Host: Gerald Lee, MD, FACAAI
Guest: Michael S. Blaiss, MD, FACAAI

Recorded: 6/4/2025

To download the mp3 file, right click on the player and select Save audio as.

Show Notes

Welcome to a special episode of AllergyTalk, a roundup of the latest in the field of Allergy and Immunology by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology!

On May 16, 2025, the FDA issued an alert regarding a rare but serious side effect of severe pruritus after discontinuing long-term use of cetirizine and levocetirizine. In this episode, we’ll discuss the background of this important announcement and what it means for our patients!

We are joined by Dr. Michael S. Blaiss, MD, a clinical professor of pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia and past-president and former Executive Medical Director of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. He has been a consultant for multiple companies manufacturing second generation antihistamines.

This episode is not eligible for CME

Important Links:

FDA Drug Safety Communication on Cetirizine and Levocetirizine

Previous articles describing this side effect:

Unbearable Pruritus After Withdrawal of (Levo)cetirizine.

Pruritus after discontinuation of cetirizine.

ACAAI Advice on Speaking Points Regarding FDA Alert

ACAAI is presenting this podcast for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or intended to replace the judgment of a licensed physician. The College is not responsible for any claims related to procedures, professionals, products or methods discussed in the podcast, and it does not approve or endorse any products, professionals, services or methods that might be referenced.