Hay fever medication supplies running low amid rising pollen levels across UK

High street chemists have warned hay fever medication supplies are starting to run low amid a shortage of a common anti-allergy drug.

Met Office forecasters have predicted increased levels of pollen over the coming days as the UK edges towards the summer months, but reserves of chlorphenamine maleate – the active ingredient in brands including Piriton – are declining.

Stocks of the drug, one of the two main antiallergens used in over-the-counter tablets alongside cetirizine hydrochloride, were reported to be suffering “industry wide”.

However other medications remain widely available, with little risk of shortages in the near future.

Temperatures will also be on the rise as pressure builds… 🌡️ pic.twitter.com/mJyPXAuxnX
— Met Office (@metoffice) May 12, 2022

A spokesperson for Boots said: “At Boots we have a large range of hay fever relief medicines, with good availability of stock overall in our stores and online.

“There are a very small number of lines that are currently out of stock due to a current, industry-wide shortage of the active ingredient chlorphenamine maleate.

“However, we are expecting this to be resolved soon and new deliveries are expected in the coming weeks.”

Other hay fever medicines, such as Piriteze, use cetirizine hydrochloride and are still in plentiful supply.

Common symptoms, sometimes affected by fluctuating weather conditions can include sneezing, coughing, a runny nose and itchy, red or watery eyes.

The national pollen forecast predicts some areas of Scotland will see the count rise from low to medium over the coming days.