HAY fever sufferers have been warned not to buy super-strong injections online as demand has soared for a banned drug.
The National Pharmacy Association told patients to stop trying to buy the medicine Kenalog.
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It found half of chemists – 45 per cent – have had customers asking for the jab as spring has brought higher pollen counts.
Its license for hay fever was withdrawn years ago due to fears over side effects like high blood pressure, headaches, dizziness and mental health problems.
But desperate Brits are still trying to buy it after seeing it on social media, putting them at risk from rogue sellers.
Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, said: “Kenalog is not licensed in the UK for the treatment of hay fever and patients should not seek it online or request it from their pharmacy.
“We’re urging people to avoid using unlicensed treatments, which could pose a serious risk to their health.
“Pharmacists are well placed to provide safe licensed alternatives, such as antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays.
“Medication from unregulated sellers could be fake, swapped for an alternative medication and not meet rigorous safety standards we have in the UK.”
The Met Office estimates 10million people in the UK suffer from hay fever, which causes mild allergic reactions to plant pollen.
Pollen counts are currently high across the Midlands and North of England.
The NPA said 96 per cent of pharmacies have seen a recent rise in the number of people asking for anti-allergy treatments.
Kenalog is a steroid that can be legally prescribed on the NHS for joint swelling caused by arthritis.
What other natural remedies do doctors recommend for hayfever?
IF you don’t want to take antihistamines to keep hayfever symptoms at bay, there are a number of tried and tested natural remedies you can give a go instead. Here’s some of the ones doctors recommend:
Saltwater nasal sprays
Sprays containing Ectoin can both relieve symptoms and prevent them too, expert consultant adult and paediatric allergist and immunologist Professor Adam Fox explained.
Steam inhalation
Another natural remedy, which is also safe to use during pregnancy as well, is steam inhalation. This solution has been used for centuries to help ease nasal congestion, and is as helpful at reducing hayfever symptoms as it is for sinusitis or a head cold.
Wear sunglasses
Investing in a good pair of wrap around sunglasses can be vital if you struggle with hayfever, as they can help reduce the amount of pollen that gets into, and irritates, the eyes.
Clean pollen away before bed
It’s also important to ensure you’re not taking pollen from the day to bed with you. Make sure you wash your hair and clean your face and eyelashes before bed to stop allergens rubbing onto your pillow and exacerbating symptoms.