allergy drop therapy
Safe, convenient and pain-free allergy treatment with allergy drops
What are allergy drops?
Allergy injections require injecting small amounts of allergens into the body, while allergy drops are taken under the tongue daily. This allows the body to build up a tolerance to the offending allergens, thereby reducing symptoms and increasing the patient’s quality of life. The recommended course of treatment is 3-5 years for long term symptom relief.
How do allergy drops work?
Unlike other allergy medication, such as antihistamines, that treat allergy symptoms, allergy drops treat the root cause of the allergies rather than just mask symptoms. This is accomplished by introducing small amounts of the allergens to which the patient is sensitive, working over time to reduce the body’s reaction to that sensitivity.
Allergy drops are formulated similar to allergy injections, with the same allergens. The patient’s treatment is customized to their specific allergic sensitivities. The dosing protocol has the patient administer several drops daily to ensure the relief they desire.
Who can be treated with allergy drops?
- Patients suffering with allergy symptoms.
- Patients with allergic rhinitis.
- Young children.
- Patients with chronic conditions.
- Asthmatics, but caution with severe asthmatics.
- Patients with multiple allergies, including dust, pollen, mold, and animal dander.
- Patients with an intolerance to the side effects of other allergy medications.
- Patient seeking the convenience of in-home treatment.
What are the benefits of allergy drops?
- Convenient treatment the patient administers at home.
- Safe treatment with little to no reaction. Common reactions are itching mouth and lips.
- No weekly visits to the physician’s office for injections.
- Pain free.
- Affordable, often less than the cost of over-the-counter medication.
- Have been show in many studies to be as effective as allergy injections for the treatment of allergies and allergic rhinitis.
How long does it take for allergy drops to work?
Allergy drops are a safe, effective allergy treatment option for patients with seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis. They are an excellent alternative to allergy injections for those patients seeking a safe, convenient form of allergy treatment that treats the root cause of their allergies.
Comparison to Allergy Injections
Allergy Drops
Allergy Injections
How Often Administered
Treatment Locations
Time Allotment
Efficacy/Compliance
Time To See Results
Delivery Method
Pain Free
Adverse Reactions
Risk of Anaphylaxis
Contra-Indications
Insurance Coverage
Allergy Drops
How Often Administered
Daily
Treatment Location
At home, or anywhere
Time Allotment
2 minutes per day
Efficacy/Compliance
Very effective low compliance issues
Time to See Results
3-6 months
Delivery Method
Drops under the tongue
Pain Free
Yes
Adverse Reactions
Itching in mouth, swelling lips/tongue
Risk of Anaphylaxis
Rare, none reported
Conta-Indications
Caution with severe asthmatics or Beta-Blockers
Insurance Coverage
Rarely, consult with payor
Allergy Injections
How Often Administered
Weekly
Treatment Location
At physician’s office
Time Allotment
Time to drive and stay at physician’s office
Efficacy/Compliance
Very effective, markedly decreased with high compliance issues
Time to See Results
3-6 months
Delivery Method
Injections into the body
Pain Free
Minimal, injection required
Adverse Reactions
Swelling, itching, hay fever, etc
Risk of Anaphylaxis
Minimal
Conta-Indications
Yes; Beta-Blockers, history of anaphylaxis, severe asthmatics, pregnancy, young children
Insurance Coverage
Yes, consult with payor
The Patient Process
Allergy Testing
From a simple finger stick blood sample, you will be tested against a broad range of allergens. Determining which allergens you respond to allows customization of your immunotherapy. Your therapy may be modified over the life of your treatment regimen to allow for better efficacy and subtle changes to therapy response.
Review Medical History and Test Results
Your provider will review your medical history and symptomology to determine the best course of treatment. In conjunction with these clinical findings and your allergy test results, your provider will develop a treatment plan. This plan will determine the type of allergens to treat and the frequency of your provider visits.
Begin Allergy Drop Therapy
Once you receive customized allergy drops, begin daily treatment by placing several drops under your tongue and holding there for 2 minutes. Depending on your provider, the first dose may be administered in your providerʼs office (or via telemed) with the remainder of treatment administered at home. Sublingual therapy is given daily and administered at the same time of day.