Use generic store-brand antihistamines to save money

What to Do

Buy store-brand or generic versions of cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine instead of name brands. They contain identical active ingredients at the same dose.

Why It Works

The FDA requires generic medications to have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as the brand-name version. Costco Kirkland AllergyClear (cetirizine) costs roughly $0.03/tablet vs. $0.25+ for Zyrtec brand. Over a full allergy season, this saves $50-80.

Tips

• Costco, Walmart Equate, CVS Health, and Amazon Basic Care all offer quality generics
• Buy in bulk (365-count bottles) for the best per-tablet price
• The inactive ingredients may differ slightly but this rarely matters