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Hay Fever: Quick Help by Prescription

  • Request a hay fever prescription via questionnaire in just minutes
  • Receive feedback within 24 hours from a doctor
  • 60 hay fever medications available
  • Pick up directly at a pharmacy near you
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Hay fever – you don't even need to pay attention to the pollen report

At Medgate, you can obtain a follow-up prescription for various tablets and nasal sprays during the hay fever consultation. Simply answer our medical questionnaire. You can then conveniently pick up your medication at a nearby pharmacy.

This is how our treatment for hay fever works

1

Fill Out the Questionnaire

Answer a few short questions about your health and choose your desired medication.

Request prescription

2

Medical Assessment

Our doctors will review your request and issue a prescription if medically advisable.

3

Receive Medication

Pick up your medication promptly at a nearby pharmacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the service cost?

The treatment fee of around CHF 25 is billed by the health insurance company within the scope of the statutory benefits (analogous to a visit to a doctor's office) and is recognized by all Swiss health insurers. You pay for your medication directly at the pharmacy upon receipt.

Can my prescription request be denied?

Our medical team carefully evaluates your answers from the medical questionnaire. If there are no medical concerns, a prescription will be issued for you. However, if a medical reason exists against issuing a prescription, it can also be denied. In such a case, you will not incur any costs.

Where can I redeem my prescription?

After the doctor has issued your prescription, it is sent directly to the pharmacy you selected. You can then pick up your medication there.

Do I need to speak with a doctor?

No, there is no need to speak with a doctor when requesting a prescription via the questionnaire. A doctor will review your information in the questionnaire and issue your prescription if suitable. If you desire a personal consultation, our medical team is available to you (The consultation is billed as part of the statutory services through health insurance, similar to a doctor's visit in a practice).

Are my data secure?

To protect the security of your data during transmission, we use encryption procedures that are up to date with current technology standards (e.g., SSL) over HTTPS.

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen that occurs seasonally when certain plants and trees bloom. The symptoms arise from an overreaction of the immune system, which classifies the pollen as dangerous and releases histamines to combat them. These histamines cause the typical hay fever symptoms.

Symptoms of hay fever may include:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
  • Watery eyes
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep problems
  • Concentration difficulties

Prescription medications for hay fever: Overview of effective hay fever medications, their active ingredients, and how they work

There are various types of hay fever medications that work in different ways to alleviate symptoms. The following medications can be requested from Medgate:

Antihistamines

These block the action of histamines released during an allergic reaction. They are particularly effective against itching, sneezing, and a runny nose.

Azelastine

  • Allergodil® (seasonal) nasal spray

Bilastine

  • Bilaxten

Cetirizine

  • Amavita
  • Cet
  • Cetallerg
  • Ceteco
  • Cetifelan
  • Cetirizine
  • Coop
  • Sun
  • Zyrtec

Desloratadine

  • Aerius
  • Deslora
  • Desloratadine

Fexofenadine

  • Fexo
  • Fexofenadine
  • Fexofenadine
  • Telfast
  • Telfastin

Levocetirizine

  • Levocet
  • Levocetirizine
  • Xyzal

Loratadine

  • Allergo-X
  • Claritine
  • Claritine-Pollen
  • Lora
  • Lorado
  • Loratadine
  • Loratin

 

Intranasal Steroids

Nasal sprays with corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the nose and are very effective in treating a blocked nose and other nasal symptoms.

Budesonide

  • Budesonide
  • Cortinasal

Fluticasone furoate

  • Avamys
  • Flutinase

Fluticasone

  • Dymista (combination product of antihistamine and corticosteroid)
  • Nasofan

Mometasone  

  • Mometasone
  • Mometasone furoate
  • Nasonex

Triamcinolone

  • Nasacort

Taking hay fever medications

The correct intake of hay fever medications is crucial for their effectiveness. Here are some general tips:

  • Antihistamines: These should ideally be taken regularly, especially during the pollen season, to ensure continuous effectiveness.
  • Nasal sprays:    
    • Shake the container well
    • Do not tilt your head back, but look down
    • Insert the nozzle and direct the spray not against the nasal septum, but against the outer wall of the nose
    • Repeat in the other nostril
    • Do not sniff the applied medication up into the nose.
  • Tablets and capsules: Take these with sufficient water and follow the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects and interactions of hay fever medications

As with all medications, hay fever medications can also have side effects. Common side effects include:

  • Antihistamines: Fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness
  • Corticosteroids: Nosebleeds, headaches, dry nasal mucosa

Interactions may occur if hay fever medications are taken together with other medications. Always clarify the intake of hay fever medications with a doctor beforehand to avoid interactions.

When to avoid hay fever medications

In certain cases, hay fever medications should be avoided:

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Some medications may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about safe alternatives.
  • Chronic conditions: Individuals with certain chronic conditions such as liver or kidney diseases should only take hay fever medications after consulting a doctor.
  • Allergies to ingredients: If you are allergic to certain ingredients in hay fever medications, you should avoid them and ask your doctor for alternatives.

Common misconceptions about hay fever medications debunked

There are many misunderstandings about hay fever medications. Here are some of the most common misconceptions:

  • „Antihistamines always make you sleepy“: Modern second-generation antihistamines cause less drowsiness than older preparations.
  • „Nasal sprays are addictive“: Corticosteroid nasal sprays are not addictive, whereas decongestant nasal sprays can be problematic with prolonged use.
  • „Hay fever disappears with age“: While symptoms may improve over the years for some people, hay fever remains a lifelong problem for many.

Tips for choosing medications: How to find the right hay fever remedy

Choosing the right hay fever remedy can be a challenge. Here are some tips:

  • Analyze symptoms: Note which symptoms are most pronounced and choose a medication that specifically targets those symptoms.
  • Consult a doctor or pharmacist: Get advice from a professional to make the best choice for your specific needs.
  • Consider side effects: Learn about possible side effects and choose a medication that is tolerable for you.

Disclaimer

The articles are intended solely for informational purposes and should not be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. They are not a substitute for personal medical advice and treatment. Medgate has compiled the information carefully, but cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of the information. Medgate assumes no liability for damages that may arise from the application of this information. Are you sick and need help? Our doctors are available 24/7 through the Medgate app.