An urgent warning has been issued to hay fever sufferers, as experts urge them to avoid purchasing unlicensed drugs such as Kenalog online.
A recent survey carried out by the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) revealed that 45 per cent of pharmacies have seen an increase in queries about the drug, which is not licensed to treat hay fever in the UK.
The warning comes as pharmacies report a significant rise in patients seeking help for hay fever symptoms since early April.
Hay fever is incredibly common. Indeed, an estimated 16 million people suffer from the allergy in the UK, according to the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation.
A common symptom of hay fever is itchy, red or watery eyes
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Symptoms, which include sneezing and coughing; a runny or blocked nose; itchy, red or watery eyes; itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears; loss of smell; pain around the sides of your head and your forehead; headache; and feeling tired, can be debilitating.
Consequently, many are keen to alleviate discomfort by any means necessary, especially as they typically worsen between late March and September, when pollen count is at its highest.
However, the NPA warned that medicines from unregulated sellers such as beauty salons and social media sites could "pose a risk" to patients' safety.
These medications could be "fake, swapped for other medication" or fail to "meet UK safety and quality standards".
Common side effects of Kenalog - administered by injection - can include "joint pain, headaches, injection site reactions and increased risk of infection".
More uncommon side effects include "serious mental health problems", according to the NPA.
The NPA stressed that hay fever symptoms "can be treated quickly and easily" in local pharmacies, "with no need to see a GP or buy medication from unregulated sources".
NPA chair Olivier Picard said: "We are urging people to avoid using unlicensed treatments, which could pose a serious risk to their health, and instead speak with their pharmacist about other options for managing hay fever symptoms."
"Kenalog is not licensed in the UK for the treatment of hay fever, and we are clear that patients should not seek it online or request it from their community pharmacy," he added.
Olivier stressed the importance of using "licensed medications", citing antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, and eye drops as credible options, in conversation with the BBC.
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A runny or blocked nose is another symptom of hay fever
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He added that sufferers should speak to their pharmacist about how to combat symptoms.
The NHS has detailed guidance on hay fever, including causes, symptoms, and the dos and don'ts for treating the common condition.
How to treat hay fever
- Put petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) around your nostrils to trap pollen
- Wear wraparound sunglasses, a mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes
- Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off
- Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
- Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
- Try to use a pollen filter in the air vents of your car, if you have one, and a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner
