Allegra and Weight Gain

During clinical studies of over 4,500 adults and children, weight gain and Allegra did not appear to be related. If you do gain weight while taking Allegra, talk to your healthcare provider and consider making healthy lifestyle changes, such as performing regular physical activity.

 

Allegra and Weight Gain: An Overview

There are several possible side effects that can occur in people taking Allegra® (fexofenadine hydrochloride); however, based on data from clinical studies involving over 4,500 adults and children, weight gain does not appear to be one of them.
 
In clinical studies, side effects are always documented and compared to a control group of people who are not taking the medicine. Side effects are also generally grouped into those that occur in more than 1 percent and those that occur in less than 1 percent (rare side effect) of people. During clinical studies for Allegra, weight gain was not detected as either a common or rare problem.
 

Allegra and Weight Gain: Suggestions

If you notice a weight gain after taking Allegra, consider the following suggestions:
 
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet. This diet should include:
o Fruits, vegetables, grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
o Lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
o Limited amounts of foods containing saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added sugars.
  • Engage in regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.
     
  • Limit your intake of alcohol.
     
(Click BMI Calculator to see if your weight is within a healthy range.)
 
Also, if you are noticing weight gain with Allegra, talk to your healthcare provider. He or she can give you other suggestions for dealing with any weight gain. If the weight gain continues, he or she may recommend other lifestyle choices or a switch to another allergy medication.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;