| When medications fail to adequately control allergy | | | | another 5 to 10 years or longer, even after the shots |
| symptoms and avoidance of the trigger is not easy | | | | are stopped. If the shots are stopped prior to a total |
| or possible, an allergist may recommend | | | | of 3 years, the allergic symptoms typically return |
| immunotherapy or "allergy shots". This treatment | | | | more quickly. |
| consists of a series of injections containing small | | | | What are the risks of allergy shots? |
| amounts of the substances to which a person is | | | | The risks of immunotherapy consist of the possibility |
| allergic. After a course of allergy shots, 80 to 90 | | | | of experiencing an allergic reaction to the allergy shot. |
| percent of patients have less allergy symptoms, and | | | | Most allergic reactions consist of mild to moderate |
| in many cases their allergies have completely | | | | swelling and itching at the site of the injection. These |
| resolved. Allergy shots can be given for allergic | | | | reactions occur frequently, but rarely require any |
| rhino-conjunctivitis (nose and eyes), allergic asthma | | | | change in treatment. A large swelling may require an |
| and insect sting allergies. | | | | adjustment of the immunotherapy dosage or a |
| Are allergy shots experimental therapies? | | | | change in the frequency and amount of the shots. |
| No. Allergy shots have been given for nearly 100 | | | | Less commonly patients experience whole-body |
| years and are FDA approved therapies. Numerous | | | | allergic reactions, sometimes called "anaphylaxis". Most |
| well-designed medical studies show the efficacy of | | | | of these reactions are mild and consist of itching of |
| allergy shots. | | | | the skin, hives, or runny nose. Others are more |
| And allergy shots do not contain steroids, which can | | | | severe and can present as cough, chest tightness, |
| have adverse long-term side effects. | | | | wheezing, throat tightness, shock and rarely can be |
| How do allergy shots work? | | | | life-threatening. |
| Unlike allergy medicines, which act only to "cover up" | | | | For this reason, it is normally required that patients |
| allergic symptoms or prevent them temporarily, | | | | remain in the physician's office for 20 to 30 minutes |
| allergy shots fix the underlying problem of allergies. | | | | after the injection since most reactions occur during |
| This occurs because the body treats the injection | | | | this time. These reactions are typically easily reversed |
| much like a vaccine, resulting in the production of | | | | with medicines such as injectable epinephrine and |
| infection-fighting antibodies against the pollen, dust, | | | | anti-histamines. |
| mold or pet dander. The body then stops producing | | | | Should I take allergy shots? |
| as much allergic antibodies against the triggers, and | | | | Obviously, this is a question that only you and your |
| therefore won't have as much, or any, allergic | | | | doctor can answer. There are many reasons to |
| response when exposed to the allergens. These | | | | consider allergy shots: |
| changes can last for many years even after stopping | | | | - Medicines don't work: Many patients go to the |
| allergy shots. Recent studies show that allergy shots | | | | allergist because they still have symptoms despite |
| can also prevent people from developing new | | | | having tried numerous allergy medications, with little |
| allergies, and reduce the risk of developing asthma in | | | | to no relief of their symptoms. Sometimes allergy |
| children with nasal allergies. | | | | shots are the only therapy left for these patients. |
| How are allergy shots given? | | | | - Go for the cure: Other patients like the idea of a |
| The method of immunotherapy consists of starting | | | | "cure", and opt for allergy shots for that reason. |
| at a small dose that will not cause an allergic reaction, | | | | Remember, immunotherapy is the only treatment for |
| with slowly advancing the dosage until the person | | | | allergies that fixes the underlying problem of the |
| becomes tolerant to large amounts of the extract. | | | | immune system, much like a vaccine. |
| These injections are initially given once to twice a | | | | - Don't like medicines: Some patients experience |
| week until a maintenance, or constant dose, is | | | | severe side effects from medications, or don't like |
| achieved. This usually takes approximately 3 to 6 | | | | taking medications on a daily basis - the idea of a |
| months. Once the maintenance dosage is reached, | | | | "once a month shot" is a better option for them. |
| the allergic symptoms are largely resolved in most | | | | - Cost of medicines: Medications can be expensive, |
| patients. Thereafter, the injections are given every | | | | and since allergy symptoms typically return soon |
| two to four weeks. | | | | after medications are stopped, patients may require |
| How long must I take allergy shots? | | | | medications for many, many years. Allergy shots can |
| Therapy is continued for 3 to 5 years total, after | | | | alleviate much of the need for medications and can |
| which the patient continues to get benefit for | | | | be a significant cost savings measure in the long run. |