ALLERGY DROPS
What are allergy drops?
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT or allergy drops) is using liquid allergens under the tongue to build tolerance. Just like allergy shots, allergy drops are customized to the patient with their individual allergies.
What allergies can be treated with allergy drops?
- Seasonal allergies. If you have seasonal allergic asthma or hay fever symptoms, you may be allergic to pollens released by trees, grasses or weeds.
- Indoor allergens. If you have year-round symptoms, you may be allergic to indoor allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches, mold, or dander from pets like cats or dogs.
What are the advantages of allergy drops?
In addition to being a practical option for people of all ages and conditions, there are more advantages:
- Lower cost, fewer clinic visits. Compared to shots and many medications, allergy drops typically cost less over time. Most patients receiving allergy drops need only a few clinic visits the first year, and then once every 6-12 months thereafter until visits are no longer needed. That can also mean a lot less time away from work or school.
- More convenient. You can take allergy drops every day at home or when traveling, making it much easier to stay with your treatment.
- No needles
- Less medication. Our patients report, and research confirms, that they typically need less medication to control symptoms after beginning allergy drops.
Are allergy drops safe?
Allergy drops are not FDA approved in the U.S. but is approved in Europe and has been used for many years with great efficacy and safety. Some studies suggest that SLIT may be slightly less effective than allergy shots, but this has not been definitively proven.
Will my insurance cover allergy drops?
Because allergy drops are an off-label use of FDA-approved antigens, they are not typically covered by insurance. Check with your carrier first. Allergy drops do qualify for Health Savings Account or Flex Spending reimbursement. Even without insurance coverage, most patients find treatment affordable and comparable to other medication or visit co-pays. Most patients agree that the temporary investment in allergy drops is well worth the lasting results and improvement in their quality of life.
How long will I need to do allergy drops for?
SLIT has 2 phases: building & maintenance. Building consists of increases in dosage every day and lasts about 7 days depending on the patient’s tolerance. When building is completed, the maintenance phase begins, and patients continue the same amount of drops daily at home. Maintenance lasts 3 to 5 years.
If the FDA doesn’t approve allergy drops, are they safe to use?
It’s important to understand that the antigens used in allergy drops are the same FDA-approved antigens used in allergy shots. They’re also prepared in the same way as allergy shots. The difference is the route of delivery — a dispenser that delivers a precise drop of antigen under the tongue versus a syringe injecting antigen into tissue. The FDA approves products, not therapies, so it’s unlikely that it will ever “approve” custom, multi-antigen sublingual immunotherapy.
What are the risks of allergy drops?
Common local reactions can occur including itching/redness/swelling of the tongue/throat/mouth. These reactions usually occur within 24 hours and can be treated with oral antihistamines. Abdominal pain, nausea, reflux, diarrhea, and trouble swallowing can rarely occur. Serious reactions include anaphylactic reactions. The first dose of drops is administered in the office under medical supervision because of the potential risk. Subsequent doses are done at home. Allergy drops have been used for many years around the world and there has not been any reported deaths.
How do I start allergy drops?
In order to start allergy drops you must have a consultation and testing to figure out your allergies. Please call or text our office at 515-410-9400 or use our online portal to schedule your appointment.