Effect of fexofenadine on the quality of life of Japanese cedar pollinosis patients

The aim of the present survey was to investigate the changes associated with fexofenadine administration in the quality of life (QOL) of Japanese cedar pollinosis patients. After obtaining informed consent, volunteers suffering from Japanese cedar pollinosis were divided into two groups: (i) the fexofenadine group (2 x 60 mg/day); and (ii) the placebo group. Changes in QOL were examined after administration for 14 days (randomized, double-blind comparison study). The study period was from 27 February to 13 March 2003. Subjects were recruited from the Tokyo metropolitan area; 104 were randomized to the fexofenadine group and 103 were randomized to the placebo group. The QOL was evaluated using the Japanese Allergic Rhinitis Standard QOL Questionnaire (JRQLQ no. 1). The JRQLQ is structured to evaluate six domains of usual daily activities, outdoor activities, social functioning, sleep problems, general physical problems and emotional function, as well as the overall QOL. On the 14th day after the start of fexofenadine or placebo administration, the QOL was improved in all domains of the JRQLQ in the fexofenadine group, whereas it had worsened in all domains, except outdoor activities, in the placebo group. The overall evaluation of QOL was significantly more favorable in the fexofenadine group on the 14th day after the start of administration. The present study showed that fexofenadine administration suppressed the deterioration of overall QOL and alleviated the interference with daily life in patients suffering from Japanese cedar pollinosis.