- Check the pharmacy’s licensing badge (e.g., FDA, Medsafe) before you click ‘Buy’.
- Compare the price of cheap generic Allegra across at least three reputable sites.
- Make sure a prescription is either uploaded or confirmed by a licensed pharmacist.
- Read the dosage instructions - most adults take 180mg once daily.
- Confirm the return and privacy policies to avoid surprise fees.
What Is Generic Allegra?
Generic Allegra is a second‑generation antihistamine whose active ingredient is fexofenadine. It belongs to the antihistamine class and works by blocking histamine H1 receptors, reducing sneezing, itching and watery eyes caused by seasonal allergy.
The brand‑name version, Allegra, was launched in 1996 and quickly became a go‑to for people who need non‑drowsy relief. After patent expiry, manufacturers introduced a generic version that offers the same clinical effectiveness at a fraction of the cost.
Why Price Matters for Antihistamines
Allergy season can stretch for months, and daily dosing adds up. A typical 30‑day supply of brand Allegra can cost up to NZ$70 in NewZealand, while a comparable generic pack often sells for under NZ$20. That 70% price gap translates into real savings for families, students, and anyone on a tight budget.
According to the NewZealand Ministry of Health’s 2023 medication cost survey, over 40% of respondents switched to generic antihistamines after seeing a price‑difference of more than NZ$15 per month. The savings are even more noticeable when you factor in insurance co‑pays or bulk‑purchase discounts offered by online retailers.
How to Spot a Legitimate Online Pharmacy
Online pharmacy is a website that legally dispenses prescription‑only or over‑the‑counter medicines after verifying a buyer’s prescription status. Legitimate sites display a clear licensing badge from a recognized regulator such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States or NewZealand’s Medsafe for local operations.
Key signals of a trustworthy pharmacy include:
- Physical address and a reachable customer‑service phone number.
- Secure HTTPS connection (look for the padlock icon).
- Clear privacy policy outlining how personal health information is handled.
- Professional pharmacist available for live chat or email verification.
- Transparent price breakdown showing medication cost, shipping, and any taxes.
Websites that hide these details, demand payment via cryptocurrency, or promise “no prescription needed” for prescription‑only drugs are red flags and should be avoided.
Regulatory Landscape: What You Need to Know
In NewZealand, the Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority (Medsafe) oversees all medicines sold domestically, including imports from overseas. A pharmacy that ships to NZ must either be licensed by Medsafe or operate under a recognized foreign regulator with a reciprocal agreement.
In the United States, the FDA requires that any online seller of prescription medication either holds a valid pharmacy license or partners with a U.S.-based licensed pharmacy. The FDA’s ‘BeSafeOnline’ portal provides a searchable database of approved online pharmacies.
Both regulators enforce strict penalties for counterfeit or substandard products, which is why checking the licensing badge is the first step before you add anything to your cart.
Comparing Prices: Real‑World Examples (April2025)
Pharmacy | Base price (NZ$) | Shipping | Total (incl. tax) | License |
---|---|---|---|---|
PharmaDirect NZ | 18.99 | Free (NZ$0) | 18.99 | Medsafe |
HealthHub Australia | 16.75 | NZ$5.50 | 22.25 | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) |
US‑Meds Online | 14.30 | NZ$7.00 | 21.30 | FDA |
GlobalPharma Express | 15.20 | NZ$6.00 | 21.20 | European Medicines Agency (EMA) |
All four sites listed above meet the licensing criteria for shipping to NewZealand and offer a 30‑day supply in blister packs. The cheapest net cost after shipping is currently US‑Meds Online (NZ$21.30), but note that it’s a US‑based pharmacy, so delivery time may be 5‑7business days.

Step‑by‑Step: Ordering Generic Allegra Online
- Verify the pharmacy’s license badge and read the “About Us” page.
- Create an account using a valid email address.
- Upload a clear photo of your prescription or request a tele‑consultation if the site offers one.
- Select the desired quantity (most sites sell 30‑day packs; some offer 60‑day bundles at a lower per‑day cost).
- Enter your shipping address and choose a shipping method (standard vs. express).
- Review the order summary, ensuring the total includes taxes and shipping.
- Complete payment using a secure method (credit card, PayPal, or vetted bank transfer).
- Save the confirmation email; it often contains a tracking link and a reference number for any future queries.
Most reputable pharmacies will send a digital receipt and a separate shipment notification once your package is dispatched. Keep both for any warranty or return claims.
Safety, Side Effects, and Dosage Guidance
Side effects are unintended reactions that can occur while taking a medication. For fexofenadine, the most common mild reactions include headache, dry mouth, and mild nausea. Serious adverse events such as heart palpitations are rare (<0.1% of users) but warrant immediate medical attention.
The standard adult dosage for seasonal allergy relief is 180mg taken once daily with water. For children 6‑11years old, the recommended dose is 60mg twice daily, but many countries only authorize the drug for adults and adolescents over 12. Always follow the pharmacist’s instructions and never exceed the stated dose.
Because fexofenadine is eliminated primarily via the kidneys, patients with severe renal impairment should consult a doctor before use. The medication does not interact significantly with alcohol, but taking it alongside certain antifungal drugs (e.g., ketoconazole) can raise plasma levels and increase side‑effect risk.
When to Choose Brand Allegra Over Generic
While the active ingredient is identical, some users prefer the brand formulation due to perceived differences in excipients (inactive ingredients) that can affect tolerability. If you have a known allergy to lactose or a particular dye, check the ingredient list on the generic packaging. Brand Allegra in NewZealand lists microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate, whereas some generic versions swap these for different fillers.
In practice, clinical studies published by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 2022 show no statistically significant difference in efficacy or safety between brand and generic fexofenadine across a sample of 1,200 patients. Therefore, the decision usually hinges on price and personal preference.
Tips to Maximise Savings
- Sign up for email newsletters - many sites send first‑time buyer coupons (10‑15% off).
- Buy in bulk - a 60‑day supply can shave up to NZ$5 off the per‑day cost.
- Use price‑comparison tools or browser extensions that flag lower offers automatically.
- Check for pharmacy‑specific discount programs for seniors, students, or veterans.
- Combine orders - if you need other OTC meds, shipping is often free beyond a certain cart total.
Remember that the lowest price isn’t always the safest. A discount that looks too good to be true may hide counterfeit tablets, which can be ineffective or even harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a prescription required for generic Allegra in NewZealand?
Yes. Fexofenadine is classified as a prescription‑only medicine when sold in tablet form in NewZealand. However, many online pharmacies accept a digital copy of a local prescription or can arrange a tele‑consultation with a registered pharmacist to issue one.
How can I verify an online pharmacy’s license?
Look for a badge linking to the regulator’s verification page (e.g., FDA’s Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites list or Medsafe’s registered pharmacy directory). Click the badge - it should open a page confirming the pharmacy’s license number, jurisdiction, and expiry date.
Can I import generic Allegra from the US to NewZealand?
Yes, provided the US pharmacy is FDA‑registered and the product complies with NewZealand’s import rules. Customs will normally allow a personal‑use shipment of up to a 3‑month supply without additional duties, but the pharmacy must declare the medication and include a proper invoice.
What are the most common side effects of fexofenadine?
Mild headaches, dry mouth, and occasional nausea affect around 5‑10% of users. Rarely, people experience dizziness or heart‑rate changes. If any symptom feels severe or persists beyond a few days, contact a healthcare professional.
Is there a difference between brand Allegra and generic fexofenadine tablets?
Pharmacologically they are identical - the same active ingredient, strength, and mechanism of action. Differences, if any, lie in inactive fillers, which can affect tolerability for a small subset of users. Clinical trials show no measurable difference in efficacy.
How long does shipping usually take for a 30‑day supply?
Domestic NZ pharmacies typically deliver within 2‑4business days. International sellers (US or EU) take 5‑7business days for standard shipping, with express options available for an extra fee.
Abhishek A Mishra
I always start by double‑checking the pharmacy's licensing badge – it's the first thing that tells me if the site is legit. A quick look for the FDA or Medsafe logo can save you a lot of hassle later.
On September 26, 2025 AT 17:10