Off brand Zyrtec

[experiment_627]

Anyone take this? If so, do you have a favorite brand?

I had switched to Allegra once I ran out of my RX Zyrtec, but it just isn't going to cut it.

I am going to go to CVS, Walgreens, or Target at lunch to pick something up. *sneeze*

I don't have a Sam's membership, or I would go there as I have heard they have the best deal.

Any experiences you can share would be awesome.

TIA!

 

[ceecee]

Zyrtec is OTC and there are usually coupons for it on their website. If you need the Zyrtec D (which is the expensive one) my pharmacist said regular Zyrtec with the store brand decongestant would be the same and save me about $8.00.

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

Zyrtec is OTC and there are usually coupons for it on their website. If you need the Zyrtec D (which is the expensive one) my pharmacist said regular Zyrtec with the store brand decongestant would be the same and save me about $8.00.

Just to let you know, this combo did not work for my DH's allergies at all. The off-brand Zyrtec-D from CVS didn't work very well either. The brand name works fine, though I would think that he was making it up if I didn't witness it myself.

 

[Andrea_loves_Disney]

I have a friend that is a pharmacist and she told me there is no generic Zyrtec yet. I know CVS packages one with similar colors and it's right next to the Zyrtec, but it must not be exactly the same. I have TERRIBLE seasonal allergies and I take a combo Zyrtec and Singular (still only Rx) and I have to admit I don't think it actually does much for me! I am miserable no matter what I take! So pretty much, I just endure. Good luck to all with allergies - I feel your pain!!

 

[experiment_627]

Hmm, maybe I should just suck it up and buy the real stuff then. I am lucky that I don't need Zyrtec-D from the sounds of it. I have a few coupons and can actually get by with taking on every other day. I am such a cheapskate when it comes to buying medicine.

Thanks for everyone's replies!

 

[HeatherAnn23]

My son takes generic Zyrtek liquid. He'd been taking the perscription for several months before it went over the counter. When I went to fill his last perscription (hoping I could get it cheaper than the over the counter price) they replaced it with the generic. I'm not sure if the pollen count is just too high, or the generic doesn't work as well - my poor son is totally stuffed up, and he looks like he's been punched in each eye. I'm going to have to schedule a time to get him back into the doctor to figure out some relief for this poor kid!

 

[bowlingchicaroo]

do you have a meijer's where you live? if so, they have an meijer brand, which is the same as zyrtec-d and is cheaper...dh has not complained about it so it must be working just the same for him.

 

[LanaJae]

I've only tried the Walgreen's brand and I thought it worked the same (not a daily user though).

For those who use Zyrtec daily, have you also used Benadryl? I've heard 3 doctors say that Benadryl is just as effective, if not better.

 

[Imzadi]

I have a friend that is a pharmacist and she told me there is no generic Zyrtec yet.

I don't know how long ago your pharmacist told you this, but the OTC Zyrtec & the generic Zyrtec were released on the market this spring. I KNOW because I was hired by Zyrtec to work the ad campaign for it.

I take now the generic Zyrtec - it's called Cetirizine. It is the exact active ingredient, in same amount, as what's on the back of Zyrtec. It's on sale this week at Rite Aid. Green box.

 

[experiment_627]

I ended up getting the real stuff. It was on sale at Target, and I had a $5 coupon.

As far using Benedryl, I alternate every other day between it and Zyrtec (or I was before I ran out about two weeks ago). I plan on taking the Zyrtec daily for a few days and then going back to that.

Here's hoping this stuff kicks in soon!

 

[Green Tea]

I got a written prescription from my doctor and filled it as a prescription at Wal-MArt. About $16 for a 90 day supply.

 

[KigerKat]

I just bought the Costco brand of Zyrtec - $15 for 300 pills!! I haven't noticed a difference by using the store brand, and you can't beat the price!

I do wish they came out with a non-drowsy version. I'll take a pill at 8:00 and be out like a light by 9:30. But so far, Zyrtec is the only thing that works for me. I had the allergy testing done 2 years ago, and it turns out I'm allergic to just about everything that grows or walks. Living in the south with 3 cats is murder to my sinuses, but Zyrtec really does work!

 

[fatewineroses]

My mother and DD both take the generic version of Zyrtec. We've tried the Walgreen's version, Walmart version, and the one that you can get at Costco. So far it's worked the same.

Walgreens does have some great deals on the name brand sometimes. So if you're set on that you might keep your eyes peeled.

As for being drowsy, each person reacts differently with it. My mom can't take it at night, or it will keep her up. My daughter doesn't seem to get drowsy or wired. I would experiment. You don't have to take it in the morning. Try taking it an hour before you go to bed if it makes you drowsy. Just a suggestion.

 

[horseshowmom]

Also wanted to add that Dollar General has their own brand for $6 or $7 for a month's supply. DH takes it and has been very impressed.

 

[Brer Shay]

My son took Zyrtec through the allergy season and I was starting to question if he was still getting the same effectiveness from it. I switched him to Targets brand - it says "all day allergy" cetirizine hydrocholride tablets, 10 mg and he's been doing great again. I'm happy with it.

 

[DisneyShannon]

I have used the walgreens brand and just today I bought the wal mart brand. I started having trouble with my eyes and the doctor suggested zyrtec, so all I have ever taken is the off brand. I do know if you go to zyrtec.com there is a two dollar off coupon.

 

[ckrum]

I just switched to the Walmart version of "Zyrtec" and it works the same as the real Zyrtec. I used to take Alavert, but it wasn't very effective. Dr. switched me to Zyrtec-D since my sinuses are always a problem. Well, I immediately started having some pretty severe allergic reactions at work. My dr. said I could take Benadryl when this happened. I couldn't figure out why I was having such reactions at work. Well, it seems the Zyrtec-D was only 5mg. Once I switched to Zyrtec (10 mg) and Sudafed 12 hour, I've been much better. I go next month for allergy testing, since I haven't been tested for 13 years. I am not looking forward to the testing, or to being off my Zyrtec for 2 weeks before hand.

 

[DisneyKT]

I think the pollen this year must be crazy. My DH and I take Allerga d but now our insurance won't cover it anymore. And Claratin doesn't work either, so were trying different brands to. Haven't tried Zytrec yet that will be next.

 

[heartbeeps]

I use Clarinex (Allegra D didn't work for me, Zrytec didn't work for me). The only other thing that worked - Seldane-D - was taken off the market. That was a dark day for me as it took awhile before I found something that worked - Clarinex. Unfortunately, though, it's still on patent and it's really expensive.

Allergist is now switching me from Clarinex to Veramyst + Astelin sprays - says they're the most powerful thing on the market today. (And also patented so $$$.) We'll see.

 

[eeyoregon]

there is no generic Zyrtec yet.

Not true. The generic came out right before it went over the counter earlier in the year. We have been selling the generic OTC for months at Costco. Can't beat a 300 day supply for $13.00!!!!