Have you ever had a sudden, relentless itch soon after you stopped taking your daily allergy medication? In mid-May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a surprising warning- individuals who stop taking long-term usual over-the-counter antihistamines such as Zyrtec (cetirizine) or Xyzal (levocetirizine) may develop a severe, generalized itching a condition medically referred to as pruritus. Although uncommon, this reaction can be severe enough to seek medical attention, and it is an indication of how important it is to be educated prior to discontinuing these popular drugs.

Tens of millions of Americans use cetirizine or levocetirizine every year to manage seasonal sneezes or chronic hives. In 2022 alone, over 62.7 million OTC units of these antihistamines were sold, and another 26.8 million were prescribed by outpatient pharmacies. However, between April 2017 and July 2023, the FDA reported 209 worldwide cases of intense itching after sudden stopping of these drugs—180 for Zyrtec, 27 for Xyzal, and two each for both. There were 197 cases in the United States, though experts assume this could be a low estimate because not all reactions are reported to the authorities.

"For now, we want to inform the public of this risk," the FDA said on May 16, 2025, stressing that although pruritus upon discontinuation of these drugs is rare compared with their widespread use, the agency is revising labeling and requesting manufacturers to place a warning on OTC Drug Facts labels.

What Is Pruritus?

Pruritus is the medical term for itching and may result from many causes, from dry skin to systemic disease. The Cleveland Clinic states that pruritus results when nerve endings in the skin are stimulated excessively by inflammatory pathways, allergens, or neurological disease. What is interesting about the FDA warning is that patients who had the reaction had no history of itching prior to starting their antihistamine treatment and the symptom would usually appear within days of ceasing the drug after months or even years of daily intake.

"Once in a while, this occurs, and Opella maintains the safety of Xyzal when taken as instructed," an Opella spokesperson told PEOPLE magazine, emphasizing that millions of people get along fine with these medications. A representative for Zyrtec, contacted by phone, also confirmed the drug's decades-long track record for safety but had no further information regarding the FDA alert.

Why Does Stopping Antihistamines Trigger Severe Itching?

Scientists continue to explore the exact mechanism. One hypothesis is that chronic antihistamine use can desensitize the histamine receptors or affect nerve conduction pathways. When the drug is discontinued, the receptors might become hyperresponsive and unleash a trail of itch-inducing chemicals into the skin. Since histamine also helps regulate nerve and inflammation functions, sudden withdrawal can unleash a rebound effect much more severe than typical dryness or superficial irritation.

Dr. Karen Liu, an independent dermatologist and not involved in the FDA review, says, "Antihistamines quiet histamine-induced inflammation. If you all of a sudden take that blockage away after extended use, the body's normal histamine reaction can spike, causing severe pruritus."

Who Is at Risk and What to Do Next?

Although the majority of patients who experienced pruritus were taking Zyrtec or Xyzal daily for a minimum of three months, some had symptoms only after a few weeks of usage. Due to this inconsistency, the FDA recommends anyone considering prolonged antihistamine therapy to have the benefits and risks reviewed with their physician. If you experience violent itching several days after stopping cetirizine or levocetirizine, call your doctor at once.

No formal treatments for withdrawal-induced pruritus have been sanctioned. Yet patients say restarting the antihistamine usually takes care of symptoms, and some find that slowing down the dose instead of just quitting works for them. "Physicians should balance the advantages of continuing therapy against the risk of rebound scratching," suggests Dr. Liu. Any restart or taper plan should be orchestrated by a physician.

Warning Amid Intensifying Allergy Seasons

Experts point out that allergy incidence is increasing, partly due to climate change, which lengthens pollen seasons and doubles airborne allergens. As increasing numbers of individuals become dependent on daily antihistamines for symptom management, knowing about infrequent but dangerous side effects becomes critical. The FDA's actions to revise prescribing labels and over-the-counter warnings in line with a new guidance reflect a balance between transparency and patient protection and not discouraging therapeutic use.

"Meanwhile, patients should be alert," the FDA said. "If more information becomes available, we will follow up." This changing advice reflects the subtleties of long-term drug use—especially with drugs once assumed to be harmless.

For millions, Zyrtec and Xyzal provide invaluable relief from itching, sneezing, and congestion. Yet this new warning is a reminder that no medication is entirely free of risk, especially when discontinuing after extended use. Before beginning—or stopping—long-term antihistamine therapy, consider these steps:

• Ask your doctor how long you should remain on daily antihistamines based on your allergy severity and lifestyle.
• Be mindful of the risk for intense itching and the availability to taper instead of abruptly stopping.
• Inform health professionals immediately if you develop unexplained or severe itching when you stop your allergy medication.
• Check for new Drug Facts labels on OTC medications and examine prescribing labels on prescription forms.

Though serious post-discontinuation pruritus is uncommon, vigilance equips patients and doctors alike to proceed with allergy treatment knowing what to expect. As manufacturers, regulatory agencies, and medical professionals work together to update safety information, individuals are enabled to make well-informed decisions—so relief from summer discomfort does not yield to an unwanted and unpleasant reaction.

Obesity is no longer just a health issue, it is increasingly becoming a social phenomenon and a lifestyle disease. A recent study published in Current Developments in Nutrition, led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found that 27.4% of Indian married couples share similar overweight or obese status.

Analyzing data from over 52,000 married couples across India using the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21), the study points to a troubling pattern- in wealthier, urban households, especially among young couples, there is a significantly higher risk of both partners becoming overweight or obese. At its core, this research uncovers how daily habits, routines, and food choices within marriages are driving a quiet but dangerous health trend across the country.

Are Shared Habits A Risk Factor for Married Couples?

Unlike genetically linked conditions, obesity in married couples cannot be attributed to shared biology. So how does this mirroring occur? It is in environmental exposure, mutual behaviors, socio-economic context, and emotional co-regulation.

According to lead researcher Dr. Prashant Kumar Singh of ICMR’s National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, spousal similarities in health outcomes ranging from obesity and hypertension to smoking and sedentary behavior stem from shared lifestyles. These include eating patterns, physical activity (or lack thereof), screen time, media consumption, and stress management. Over time, habits converge especially in nuclear families with fewer social checks and less structured meal routines.

The study found that urban couples had a 38.4% concordance rate, significantly higher than rural couples (22.1%). Among the wealthiest households, this figure jumped to 47.6%, compared to only 10.2% in the poorest.

Where Obesity in Couples Is Rising Fastest In India?

Geographic disparities highlight how development and affluence correlate with rising obesity. States and territories with the highest spousal obesity concordance include:

• Kerala (51.3%)
• Jammu & Kashmir (48.5%)
• Manipur (47.9%)
• Delhi (47.1%)
• Goa (45.0%)
• Tamil Nadu (42.7%)
• Punjab (42.5%)

By contrast, states in eastern and northeastern India—where economic development is slower—showed much lower concordance rates, typically ranging from 19% to 22%.

“These figures underscore India’s uneven nutrition transition,” explains Dr. Shalini Singh, senior co-author of the study. “In wealthier regions, processed food consumption and reduced physical activity are becoming the norm. Marriage and cohabitation intensify these shared exposures, turning households into hotbeds of metabolic dysfunction.”

Is This A Disturbing Trend Among Under-30 Couples?

Perhaps the most concerning revelation is the early onset of weight gain in young couples. The study shows particularly high obesity concordance in couples under the age of 30, especially in Kerala (42.8%), Goa (37%), Jammu & Kashmir (31.6%), and Tamil Nadu (29.6%).

“This trend is alarming because early obesity increases the lifetime risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, PCOS, and metabolic syndrome,” says Dr. Singh. “We’re seeing the impact of lifestyle-driven diseases unfold during what should be the most productive and healthiest years of life.”

The study also examined behavioral patterns that reinforce spousal weight concordance. For instance, 32.8% of couples reported regular television watching, while 39.6% reported newspaper reading, both indicative of sedentary behavior. Dependence on processed and ultra-processed food, especially in nuclear households, was another major contributor.

Interestingly, couples with similar education levels (about 45.2%) showed higher obesity concordance (31.4%), likely due to aligned food preferences, media consumption, and leisure routines.

The type of family structure also mattered. Nuclear families had a 28.9% concordance rate, higher than the 25.9% seen in joint families, where shared responsibilities and traditional food habits often foster more physical activity and balanced meals.

This Indian data fits into a much broader global trend. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2022, over 2.5 billion adults (43% of the global population) were overweight, and 890 million (16%) were obese. The burden of obesity now surpasses many infectious diseases and contributes to over 160 million years of healthy life lost annually due to comorbidities like heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, and several cancers.

In India alone, obesity rates among adults are expected to climb significantly by 2040—27.4% of women and 30.5% of men, up from roughly 24% in 2021. If the patterns observed in married couples hold, these numbers could surge even faster than projected.

The study calls for a paradigm shift in how health interventions are designed. Rather than focusing on individuals, researchers urge a couple-based or household-level approach that takes into account the social dynamics of behavior change.

“Obesity is socially transmissible,” Dr. Singh emphasizes. “So the solution must also be social. Targeted public health messaging, fitness programs designed for couples, dietary counseling for families, and insurance incentives for preventive care at the household level are the need of the hour.”

Additionally, there’s a need to engage urban, affluent, and media-exposed demographics—who are often the earliest adopters of fast food, sedentary habits, and digital lifestyles—with interventions that feel relevant, aspirational, and sustainable.

As global health systems grapple with the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases, the Indian study offers a crucial insight: marriage can amplify risk—but also holds the key to prevention. By targeting couples early and acknowledging the influence of shared environments, public health systems can make strides in reversing obesity trends.

Veteran actor and producer Dheeraj Kumar, best known for his contributions to Hindi and Punjabi cinema, passed away at a private hospital in Mumbai on Tuesday, July 15. He was 79.

Admitted with Pneumonia, Succumbed to Organ Failure

According to sources close to the family, Kumar had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after being diagnosed with acute pneumonia. His health took a critical turn on Monday as he suffered multiple organ failure and was subsequently placed on ventilator support. He breathed his last around 11 AM on Tuesday, with his son by his side in his final moments.

A Career That Began With a Talent Contest

Dheeraj Kumar’s journey into the world of entertainment began in the mid-1960s, when he participated in a talent contest that also featured Rajesh Khanna and Subhash Ghai. In a 2012 interview with The Hindu, Kumar recalled:

“In a talent contest in Mumbai in the 1960s, three were selected to be actors among some 10,000 aspirants — Rajesh Khanna, myself and Subhash Ghai... He became a superstar.”

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Kumar went on to act in several films, including Rakhwala, Tyaag and Sargam, and shared screen space with many leading actors of the time. Over the years, he transitioned into television production and was known for creating popular shows such as Om Namah Shivay and Shree Ganesh. His last known collaboration with Rajesh Khanna was a TV series in 2019.

Understanding Pneumonia and Its Risks

As per the American Lung Association, pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs (alveoli) of one or both lungs. These air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, leading to symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening. Acute pneumonia, in particular, can cause sudden and severe respiratory symptoms.

Some of the common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough with yellow, green, or bloody mucus
• High fever, sweating and chills
• Shortness of breath and chest pain while coughing or breathing
• Fatigue, nausea or vomiting
• Confusion, especially in older adults

Kumar’s condition is a reminder that pneumonia can escalate quickly, especially in older individuals or those with weakened immune systems.

Also Read: After Jannik Sinner, Tara Moore Makes News Failing Her Doping Test, Resulting In A 4-Year Long Ban

Can Pneumonia Be Fatal?

Yes, pneumonia can be deadly—especially when left untreated or when it occurs in high-risk individuals. According to global estimates, as noted by the American Lungs Association, over 1.8 million people die from pneumonia each year, with children under five in low-income countries being the most vulnerable. In older adults, complications such as respiratory failure, sepsis, or organ failure often lead to death.

Bacterial pneumonia is more likely to require hospitalization, but viral and fungal forms can also be life-threatening. Vaccines such as the pneumococcal vaccine and flu shots can significantly reduce the risk of infection, particularly in older adults.

Maintaining overall health, timely vaccinations, and early medical intervention are critical in preventing complications.

After Jannik Sinner's news of anti-doping test, British tennis player Tara Moore is also making news. The 32-year-old was Britain's top ranked women's doubles player when she was provisionally banned in May 2022. Again, she has been banned for four years for a doping offence, though she had been cleared for the same by an independent tribunal just 18 months ago.

She was tested positive for nandrolone and boldenone at a tournament in the Colombian capital Bogota the previous month.

The reason Moore provided was due to the ingestion of contaminated meat. While in December 2023, an independent tribunal ruled that contaminated meat was the reason that the test came positive and Moore "bore no fault or negligence"; the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) thinks otherwise.

Also Read: Shubhanshu Shukla Returns From ISS, What All Medical Examinations Are Lined Up

ITIA has been upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). In the March hearing, Cas said in a media release: "After reviewing the scientific and legal evidence, the majority of the Cas panel considered that the player did not succeed in proving that the concentration of nandrolone in her sample was consistent with the ingestion of contaminated meat."

This means Moore will not be free to play again until the start of 2028 season. "The panel concluded that Ms Moore failed to establish that the ADRV (Anti-Doping Rule Violation) was not intentional. The appeal by the ITIA is therefore upheld and the decision rendered by the Independent Tribunal is set aside."

The ITIA chief executive Karen Moorhouse told BBC,"For the ITIA, every case is considered according to the individual facts and circumstances. In this case, our independent scientific advice was that the player did not adequately explain the high level of nandrolone present in their sample. Today's ruling is consistent with this position."

What Do Nandrolone Decanoate And Boldenone Do To You?

Nandrolone Decanoate: As per a 2020 study published in journal Medicina, nandrolone decanoate is an androgen, which means it plays a significant role in the development of male reproductive organs. The study notes: "The clinical use of synthetic testosterone derivatives, such as nandrolone, is focused on maximizing the anabolic effects and minimizing the androgenic ones." The study also mentions that apart from its clinical use, skeletal muscles can be considered as the primary target tissue. "Nowadays, especially athletes in power sports such as bodybuilding and weightlifting administer illegally high doses of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) to increase their muscle mass and improve their overall performance," notes the study.

Nandrolone Decanoate injections have been classified under the Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 and due to its serious health risks, it is banned by most sports organization and is also listed in the prohibition list by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Side Effects Include:

• Infertility
• Liver Toxicity
• Impaired Lipid Profile
• High Blood Pressure
• Acne
• Hair Loss
• Gynecomastia

Boldenone: As per a 2016 study published in the Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, this AAS can be used in repairing wasting of the body caused by some emaciating disease. It can also be used for human sports for better performance and promoting the growth of skeletal muscle.

However, this is also used for increasing the body weight in livestock as growth-promoting agents. This is also one of the matters the study looks into, in order to "evaluate the safety and meat quality criteria in broilers following intramuscular injection of boldenone." This is the reason Moore too used in her defense, that the result of her positive test was contaminated meat.

The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) notes that there is no therapeutic or medical use for boldenone in humans. More specifically, it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in humans for any reason. It also notes that WADA has included boldenone in its prohibited list. Since it could occur naturally at very low concentrations in the urine, WADA-accredited laboratories apply a specific analysis procedure called carbon isotope ratio mass spectrometry, or GC/C/IRMS, to differentiate between external administration and internal production.

What are the side effects? USADA notes that in men, boldenone causes decreased testosterone production and impacts the reproductive system and fertility of males. It also impacts the size of the testes, lower sperm count, and sperm mobility.