Rite Aid targets allergy sufferers

CAMP HILL, Pa. — In a sneeze heard around the world, allergy season is afoot, but the country’s retail pharmacies are on call to help the estimated 60 million Americans whose sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and congestion will drive them to wit’s end this year.

One of those is Rite Aid, whose pharmacists are distributing free “Allergy Relief” guides and helping patients control allergies with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter drugs. The company also is offering allergy advice and local pollen counts at RiteAid.com.

Pharmacists at Rite Aid stores offer personalized advice to help patients anticipate and prevent allergy outbreaks, such as advising them to take antihistamines or eye drops before mowing the lawn, while also showing them how to avoid potential drug interactions when they take allergy medications.