Zyctec Launches Allergy Site

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PR Newswire

May 22, 2000, Monday

Allergy Sufferers May Now Get Allergy Information Based on Individual

Needs -Zyrtec® (cetirizine HCl) Web Site Relaunched to Address Allergy

Sufferers' Individuality -

NEW YORK, May 22

Most people with allergies suffer from more than one allergy, and to help

sufferers learn about the various combinations, Pfizer Inc and UCB Pharma,

the makers of Zyrtec®, relaunched www.zyrtec.com. The Web site provides a

recommended roadmap for touring the site. For instance, parents interested

in learning about their child's allergies will be directed to: areas that

offer an explanation of childhood allergies, areas that provide an

indication of the signs of allergies parents should look for, and areas that

include information on how best to treat a child's allergies.

Some allergy sufferers may be affected seasonally, while others are

affected year-round. The new www.zyrtec.com provides allergy sufferers with

the best tips and information to reduce their suffering and treat their

allergies.

" With the rise of Internet use today, we are seeing many more people

seeking medical treatment online, " said Ben Kramer, MD, medical director of

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Group. " For the 20 percent of Americans suffering

from seasonal and year-round allergies, it's important that they get

comprehensive information that will help them better manage their own

allergies. "

People allergic to outdoor allergens such as grass and ragweed can

search the " allergy resources " section of the site to learn the local pollen

count by signing up for an " Allergy Gram, " which is an e-mailed explanation

of the local levels for tree, grass and weed pollen, as well as mold spores.

Those allergy sufferers looking for more information can also go to the

" allergy library, " to order pamphlets and brochures or check out other

helpful allergy resources, such as petallergy.com or kidallergy.com. Other

interesting features of the site include an interactive learning quiz, a

symptom checklist that users can bring to the doctor, and an e-publication

for ongoing allergy information. Since allergy suffering is often something

that runs in families, an e-postcard is also available so that all of this

information can be shared.

Zyrtec is the only leading prescription antihistamine approved for the

treatment of both year-round indoor and outdoor allergies. It is also

safely used in children as young as two years old. Taken once daily, with

or without food, Zyrtec offers 24-hour, long-lasting relief of the symptoms

associated with allergies. One single 5 or 10 mg daily dose of Zyrtec

begins to work fast. Relief was seen in 60 minutes, based on studies in an

artificially controlled pollen environment.

In Zyrtec studies, side effects were mild or moderate, including

drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth in adults and drowsiness, headache, sore

throat, and stomach pain in children. Drowsiness occurred in between 11

percent and 14 percent in adults, depending on dose, compared to 6 percent

taking placebo. In children, drowsiness occurred in between 2 percent and 4

percent, depending on dose, compared to 1 percent taking placebo.

Pfizer Inc is a research-based global pharmaceutical company that

discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets innovative medicines for

humans and animals. The company reported revenues of more than $16.2

billion in 1999 and spent more than $2.8 billion on research and

development. In 1999, Pfizer celebrated its 150th anniversary.

UCB Pharma, Inc. is a global, research-based pharmaceutical company

dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative

pharmaceutical products for the treatment of diseases associated with the

central nervous system and allergy-immunology. The company's research

activities aim to promote well-being and quality of life. UCB Pharma, Inc.,

with U.S. headquarters in Smyrna, Georgia, is a member of the UCB Group of

companies, which has core businesses in pharmaceuticals and films. Group

sales were $2 billion for 1999. UCB employs approximately 8,500 people and

operates in more than 100 countries. Worldwide headquarters are located in

Brussels, Belgium.

SOURCE UCB Pharma, Inc. and Pfizer Inc

CONTACT: Sawyer of Ogilvy Public Relations, 212-880-5247