The sun is back and the weather is warming up nicely this April, but for hay fever sufferers it’s not all good news. The sunnier days are bringing pollen chaos with them as sufferers battle sneezing, streaming eyes and blocked noses, with another six months of misery on the way all summer long.

As April ushers in warmer weather and sunnier days, not everyone is rejoicing. For those plagued by hay fever, this season marks the beginning of a challenging period filled with sneezes, watery eyes, and stuffy noses, extending over the next six months.

Today, the Met Office has issued a ‘very high’ red alert for pollen levels across England. This warning is expected to persist until Friday in most regions. In areas such as London and the South East, the alert may extend until Sunday.

However, there is some relief on the horizon for hay fever sufferers. A once-prescription-only remedy, fexofenadine hydrochloride, is now available over the counter. Known by brand names like Allevia and Treathay, this medication is being hailed as a ‘miracle cure’ by many who find it far superior to conventional antihistamines.

These high-strength, non-drowsy tablets can be conveniently purchased from high street pharmacies and major supermarkets such as Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, and Asda.

For instance, Tesco offers a 30-pack of Allevia for £11.50, or at a discounted price of £8 for Clubcard holders, making it approximately 27p per tablet. Similar pricing can be found at other retailers.

Users of these tablets have reported remarkable results, claiming they effectively eliminate symptoms. Compared to traditional tablets like Cetirizine Hydrochloride and Loratadine, these new options reportedly leave sufferers feeling as if they no longer have hay fever at all.

“Recently, tablets containing fexofenadine have become widely available and, my god, hay fever is no longer an issue. It’s not as cheap as the other stuff but it really, really works, no drowsy side effects… I can finally enjoy the outdoors without streaming eyes/nose. Cannot recommend it enough.”

Other hay fever sufferers agree with how good the tablets are.

Matty Ester said: “I have gone from having the worst hay fever you will ever see anyone have in your whole life, to feeling like I’ve never had it. Allevia, you have cured me.”

Ben Newmark said: “Hay fever sufferers, Allevia is now available over the counter and I haven’t felt this good in the summer for a decade.”

And @Nikk1noodles said: “Fexofenadine aka Allevia 120mg over the counter at Boots. Took a couple of days to kick in but this week I’ve been hay fever-free. No itching, no eye drops, no nasal sprays. 10/10, would recommend.”

The NHS says about antihistamines that you should try different tablets to see which work best for you.

In its guidance, the NHS explains: “There’s not much evidence to suggest any particular antihistamine is better than any other at relieving allergy symptoms.

“Some people find certain types work well for them and others do not. You may need to try several types to find one that works for you.

“Non-drowsy antihistamines are generally the best option, as they’re less likely to make you feel sleepy. But types that make you feel sleepy may be better if your symptoms stop you sleeping.

“Ask a pharmacist for advice if you’re unsure which medicine to try as not all antihistamines are suitable for everyone.”