Sanofi-aventis and its US Consumer Healthcare Division, Chattem, Inc., announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Allegra (fexofenadine HCl) family of allergy medication products for Over-The-Counter (OTC) use in adults and children two years of age and older. The Allegra family of products will be available in the United States without a prescription in March 2011.

Over 40 million adults suffer from indoor and outdoor allergies in the United States. “Leveraging our US Consumer Healthcare platform to convert prescription medicines to OTC products is a key growth driver for sanofi-aventis to become a diversified healthcare company also in the United States,” said Hanspeter Spek, president, Global Operations, sanofi-aventis. “The approval of Allegra for OTC use in the US further validates our vision to increase our presence in the US consumer healthcare market.”

In the United States, Allegra, Allegra-D 12 Hour, and Allegra-D 24 Hour are indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergies in patients 12 years of age and older. The Allegra family of OTC products will be available in drug, grocery, mass merchandiser and club stores nationwide.

Millions of Americans suffer from allergies. Allergies are caused when a person's body overreacts to substances called “allergens.” These substances are often referred to as triggers. People can experience allergy triggers anytime throughout the year. Symptoms may include sneezing; runny nose; itchy; watery eyes; and itchy nose or throat. With proper management and patient education, allergy symptoms can be relieved.

Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone.

In March 2010, Chattem, Inc. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the sanofi-aventis Group; as the consumer healthcare division of sanofi-aventis in the US Chattem is approximately 130 years old and is a leading manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer healthcare products, toiletries and dietary supplements across niche market segments in the United States.