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Where to find the cheapest hay fever medicine in 2023
Hay fever season started early this year, with some allergy sufferers reporting symptoms as early as February.
The Met Office says that studies have shown climate change is having unpredictable effects on pollen counts, making for a potentially prolonged period during which you might need to manage symptoms.
High pollen counts have been causing misery for many in recent weeks, as the long dry spell coincides with peak grass pollen season.
Basic hay fever medicines are available over the counter, and it's typically cheaper to buy them than get a prescription. But with all the other cost increases we've seen this year, it's another expense many could do without.
Going for own-brand or generic versions of allergy medicines will save you money. We've price-checked where to get the cheapest to help you track down the best value options.
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Cheapest hay fever tablets
One-a-day antihistamine tablets will usually be enough to treat mild to moderate hay fever.
Antihistamine tablets typically have one of two active ingredients: cetirizine or loratadine. Unlike some older types of antihistamine, both of these are non-drowsy formulations, and are widely available.
Hay fever tablets 2023: best prices
Own-brand or generic antihistamines are typically the cheapest option, often at least half the price of big-brand versions.
The cheapest we found were Bells tablets in B&M, at just 89p for 30. Next cheapest were Asda and Wilko at £2.
Cheapest cetirizine tablets (30 pack):
Branded
Generic/own brand
Cheapest loratadine tablets (30 pack):
Branded
- Clarityn Available from Morrisons (£6)
Generic/own-brand
Another option is Fexofenadine, though this is usually a bit pricier and less widely available.
Hay fever advice: read our full guide to different remedies and how to choose the right option for you
Cheapest hay fever nasal sprays
If antihistamine tablets aren't keeping your hay fever at bay, you can target symptoms with specific treatments. For example, you can use a steroid nasal spray to reduce inflammation inside your nose if it's blocked, itchy or runny. Sprays are intended for regular use, usually morning and evening.
Active ingredients include fluticasone proprionate or beclometasone diproprionate. If you want to hunt for generic versions of a branded product, look for the active ingredient, which will be listed prominently on the front of the pack, to compare.
- Cheapest branded steroid nasal spray Piranase Hayfever Relief, available from Asda (£5)
- Cheapest own-brand nasal spray Boots (£4.99)
You could also try a decongestant nasal spray. These tend to be cheaper than steroid sprays, but they're only designed for temporary use. Instead of reducing inflammation, they work best to relieve congestion.
- Cheapest own-brand decongestant nasal sprays Asda (£2), Boots (£2.99), Sainsbury's (£1.90)
- Cheapest branded decongestant nasal sprays Vicks Sinex Soother, available from Boots (£5.65), Otravine Adult Decongestant, available from Asda (£4), Morrisons (£4)
There are natural hay fever remedies, too. Barrier balms aim to stop allergens from aggravating the lining of your nose, though you can get the same effect from applying Vaseline or lip balm below the nostrils.
See our hay fever guide for more on the evidence behind these types of products.
Cheapest allergy eye drops
For some, dry or itchy eyes are the most irritating symptom of hay fever.
Hay fever eye drops typically contain sodium cromoglicate, another antihistamine that reduces inflammation.
You'll also find no-drug versions with ingredients such as saline solutions that simply wash out and lubricate the eye.
Cheapest branded antihistamine eye drops:
Cheapest own-brand antihistamine eye drops:
- Boots Available from £4.55
Managing your medication: find out how to keep track of your medicines and pitfalls to be aware of
Is it cheaper to bulk buy hay fever medicine online?
If you think you're likely to need a lot of hay fever medication this year, you could save money by stocking up from an online pharmacy.
For example, you can buy 180 loratadine tablets from Chemist4U for £5.19. That works out at about 87p for 30. Or 180 cetirizine tablets will cost you £4.49, which equals about 75p for 30.
Make sure you're buying from a legitimate online pharmacy. Look it up on the General Pharmaceutical Council's register and follow their tips for safely buying medicines online.
Keep in mind that hay fever medicines have expiry dates, so you shouldn't buy more than you need or you might end up having to throw it away and wasting money.
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Note: prices correct as of 16 June 2023
