| Before starting immunotherapy, the allergist will take | | | | Immunotherapy, if properly managed, can significantly |
| a complete medical history. Be sure to tell him or her | | | | reduce allergy symptoms. In some people, it greatly |
| about every medication you take, prescription and | | | | reduces the need for allergy medication. These |
| nonprescription, even those you take only | | | | effects become noticeable 6-12 months after starting |
| occasionally. Report any vitamins, dietary | | | | the therapy. Most people notice continued gradual |
| supplements, herbal products, and other alternative | | | | improvement over the next 2-4 years. By years 3-5, |
| therapies you take. Also report every allergy you | | | | most people are desensitized to their allergen or |
| know of. | | | | allergens. Many can stop immunotherapy at that point. |
| If you are a woman, it is essential that you tell your | | | | There are several things you can do to increase the |
| allergist if you are pregnant or have any plans to | | | | success of the therapy. Make a commitment to |
| become pregnant in the foreseeable future. In this | | | | follow your allergist's recommendations to the letter. |
| case, allergy shots might be better suited for another | | | | Follow through with the entire course of treatment |
| time. Based on your particular situation, the allergist | | | | recommended. If you stop half way through, the |
| will tell you your options for treatment of your | | | | treatment will not work. Continue to avoid the |
| allergies during pregnancy. | | | | allergens as much as possible. Just because you |
| In certain situations, allergy shots can be continued | | | | complete a course of immunotherapy for your allergy |
| during pregnancy, if it is determined that the potential | | | | to pet dander doesn't mean you can now go out and |
| benefits outweigh the risk of an unlikely, but | | | | get a cat. Immunotherapy is much less likely to work |
| potentially severe, reaction to one of the shots. | | | | if you do not continue to avoid your allergens. |
| The allergist will prepare a schedule for your allergy | | | | Allergy shots do not work for all allergens or for all |
| shots. It is extremely important that you adhere to | | | | allergic conditions. While they reduce symptoms of |
| this schedule. | | | | allergies such as seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever), |
| At first you will get the shots often, once or twice a | | | | indoor allergies such as dust and dust mites, molds |
| week. After about 6-12 months, you will start | | | | and mildews, and animal dander; and stinging insect |
| maintenance therapy, which means a shot about | | | | venoms, they are not effective for food or |
| every month or so. Most people continue to take | | | | medication allergies at this time. Generally, they are |
| maintenance therapy for 3-5 years. | | | | given only for allergens that are bothersome all year |
| The allergist will also keep track of your symptoms | | | | long or for significant portions of each year. |
| to see how well the shots are working for you. The | | | | A final factor in your consideration of allergy shots is |
| only reason to have further skin testing is if the | | | | your patience. If they are to work properly, the |
| allergy shots are not working and there is concern | | | | shots must be given in a series over time. |
| that you may have developed more allergies. | | | | |