Slash your hayfever costs – I just saved £27 with this simple pharmacy hack

By HOAR Team 2 May, 2025 5 mins read 80 Views

God, I hate summer sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I love the sunshine and longer evenings, but my nose turns into Niagara Falls the moment pollen counts rise. And my wallet? It takes a serious beating from all those fancy-packaged allergy meds.

Last week, I had this ridiculous revelation while standing in Boots staring at a £11.55 pack of Piriteze. Eleven bloody pounds! For tiny tablets that I'll burn through in a couple of weeks!

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The "duh" moment that saved my bank account

So there I was, sniffling pathetically in aisle 3, when this older gentleman next to me reached past the Piriteze and grabbed a plain-looking box of Cetirizine for £2.75. I must've looked confused because he laughed and said, "Same stuff, love. Different box."

Wait... what?

Turns out, I've been throwing money away for YEARS. The active ingredient - that's the bit that actually stops you from sneezing your face off - is exactly the same in both products. The only difference? One has fancy packaging and TV commercials.

What's actually in these things anyway?

The magic ingredient here is Cetirizine. It's an antihistamine that the NHS recommends for hay fever, conjunctivitis, and even eczema. You can get it as tablets, capsules or liquid - whatever floats your boat.

And here's teh kicker - the Royal Pharmaceutical Society literally says: "Whether they are branded or generic, all medicines are the same so you can be reassured your medicine is safe."

Translation: I've been paying for pretty packaging since 2018.

Show me the money!

I did some digging (while high on my new cheap Cetirizine, naturally) and found some properly shocking price differences:

Branded Piriteze/Zirtek at Boots: £11.55 for 30 tablets

Generic Boots Cetirizine: £2.75 for 30 tablets

That's almost £9 saved on ONE box! If you're like me and need these things all summer, that adds up to around £27 saved over June, July and August. That's a decent meal out or half a tank of petrol these days.

Supermarket sweep

Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco all do their own versions too. Each one saves you roughly £8 compared to the branded stuff. My friend Sarah swears by the Tesco ones - "They work exactly the same, and I use the savings to buy wine," she told me. Fair enough.

I feel stupid now thinking about how much money I've wasted over the years.

Online options for the truly savvy (or lazy)

If you really want to level up your savings game, check out PharmacyFirst online. Last time I looked they were flogging 120 Cetirizine tablets for £2.75. That's not a typo!

Chemist4U is another good shout - 180 tablets for £7.54. That's basically enough to get a serious hay fever sufferer through the apocalypse.

Listen. A recent study found that people with hay fever spend more than £3,600 on medication over their lifetime. And 62% of us go through up to two boxes of antihistamines every month during peak season.

...which makes me wonder how much money I could've saved for my holiday fund if I'd known this trick years ago.

The bottom line (literally)

Look at the active ingredients, not the brand name. Your nose won't know the difference, but your bank balance definitely will.

And if anyone from Piriteze is reading this... sorry not sorry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a budget deficit?

A budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues over a specific period, usually a fiscal year. This can lead to increased borrowing and national debt if not addressed through spending cuts or revenue increases.

How can I start saving for retirement?

To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.

What is the role of central banks in the economy?

Central banks manage a nation's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They implement monetary policy to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth. They also serve as lenders of last resort to the banking system during financial crises.

What is the difference between saving and investing?

Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.

How does inflation affect the value of money?

Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.

What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?

An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.

How can I budget my money effectively?

To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.

Statistics

As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
The average return on investment for the S&P 500 over the past 90 years is about 10% per annum.
According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.

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How To

How To Set Financial Goals That Stick

Setting financial goals that stick begins with defining what you want to achieve, whether it’s saving for a home, paying off debt, or building retirement savings. Use the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—to structure your goals effectively. Write down your goals and break them into smaller, actionable steps to make them less overwhelming. Establish a timeline for each goal and regularly review your progress to stay motivated. Adjust your goals as necessary to reflect changes in your financial situation or priorities, ensuring they remain relevant and attainable over time.