What is sublingual immunotherapy?

Sublingual is the medical term for “under the tongue.” Immunotherapy is a type of preventative treatment for an allergic response to allergies such as pollens, dust mites, molds, and animal dander. Immunotherapy treats the underlying cause of the allergic reaction while decongestants and antihistamines only treat the symptoms. Immunotherapy involves administering gradually increasing doses of the allergen to the allergic patient. The gradual introduction of the allergens induces a natural immunity or tolerance. This reduces the patient’s allergic reactions without medications.

Until recently, the only way to administer these doses in the United States was by injections or allergy shots at the doctor’s office.

Sublingual immunotherapy is an injection-free procedure that offers patients the freedom to treat their allergies in the privacy of their homes.

What are the advantages of sublingual immunotherapy compared to traditional allergy treatments?

From a convenience standpoint, the patient administers the procedure in the privacy of their home. There is no need to schedule an appointment for allergy injections. You do not have to drive to the doctor’s office for the injection, and then wait in the doctor’s office for 30 minutes after the injection to make certain that there is no reaction. Sublingual immunotherapy will also fit better into a patient’s schedule, for example, if they live away from home, such as students or busy professionals who are not able to get to the office for their allergy injection on a regular basis.

Medically, the patient does not have to endure the injection with soreness and swelling of the arm at the injection site as well as systemic reactions. There are no reported cases of anaphylaxis, life-threatening allergic reaction, when using sublingual immunotherapy.

Are allergy drops safe and effective?

Allergy drops have been used around the world for more than 60 years and many studies show that allergy drops are safe and effective. Dosing levels and the route of administration are safe enough to effectively treat infants, children, and people suffering from chronic conditions that previously made them unable to receive immunotherapy via shots.

In fact, the World Health Organization has endorsed sublingual immunotherapy as a viable alternative to injection therapy.

The safety profile for sublingual immunotherapy is superior to injection based on research studies and patient treatment experience. Systemic reactions occur 3 times less with sublingual, and there has never been an anaphylactic reaction (life threatening) recorded over the 30+ years of sublingual treatment.

How do allergy drops work?

Allergy drop treatment works similar to shots by delivering a slowly increasing dose of physician prescribed antigen that over time builds the body’s tolerance. The difference is that the drops are placed under the tongue and affect the immune system through very specialized cells found under the tongue. Research shows these cells are a friendlier and effective route for long-term desensitization, making it an ideal option for patients who aren’t candidates for shots. Most patients take allergy drops each day for 3 to 5 years.

How can I get started on sublingual immunotherapy?

Prior to starting on sublingual immunotherapy, you will be examined by a Board Certified Allergist. Allergy skin testing will be performed in order to determine the type of allergies you are suffering from. Patients should stop taking antihistamines, such as Allegra, Claritin, Clarinex, Zyrtec, Alavert, Loratadine, Phenergan, and Benadryl for at least two days prior to allergy testing.

At your first visit, you will be given a copy of your allergy testing, and a treatment plan will be discussed, including medications, conventional allergy injections or sublingual immunotherapy.

Research regarding the use of sublingual immunotherapy

The current understanding of clinical efficacy, safety, mechanisms and indications for the use of sublingual-swallow immunotherapy (SLIT) in the treatment of allergies is embodied in numerous studies, papers and publications.

Internationally, SLIT is used widely (50% in some European countries), with full regulatory and government backing. U.S. allergy leaders are writing in support of SLIT. The World Health Organization has endorsed sublingual immunotherapy as a viable alternative to injection therapy.

What kind of allergies can be treated with allergy drops?

The benefit of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is that a broad range of allergies can be treated, including those caused by dust mites, pollen, mold, and animals.

Who can benefit from allergy drops?

Allergy drops are especially helpful for people who can’t tolerate or don’t respond to allergy shots, including:

1. Infants and children. Allergy drops have been proven especially helpful for children with eczema and recurrent ear infections, which often have underlying allergic causes. Research shows that children with untreated eczema and allergies often develop asthma and other chronic conditions later in life, so treating them early can have lifelong benefits.

2. Severe asthmatics. Research studies show positive outcomes when SLIT was used to treat asthma, and a number of additional studies are currently underway. SLIT can provide desensitization for triggers and thus moderate the need for asthma medication. And because of its safety profile, even severe asthmatics can be given a chance to reduce their symptoms.

3. Patients with chronic conditions including sinusitis. Recent research has validated that chronic sinus conditions and allergies are connected. Treating the underlying allergic disease with SLIT has shown favorable results in patients with chronic sinus conditions.

4. Highly sensitive patients. SLIT may be the ideal solution for patients who are “needle averse,” unwilling or unable to undergo injection therapy. This includes patients who have experienced body-wide reactions to injection therapy, patients who dread shots, and especially children.

What are the advantages of allergy drops?

1. Excellent safety profile. The safety profile for SLIT is superior to injection based on research studies and patient treatment experience. Systemic reactions occur 3 times less, and there has never been an anaphylactic reaction (life threatening) recorded over the last 30+ years of sublingual treatment.

2. Compliance has not been studied extensively. However, one large managed-care organization did find 50% of patients receiving allergy shots dropped out of therapy during the first year. In looking at sublingual compliance among patients in many of the studies identified previously, approximately 90% of patients complete their treatment.

3. More convenient, fewer medications. You can take allergy drops anywhere, making it much easier to stick with treatment. Many patients find they need less medication to control their symptoms after beginning allergy drops.

4. A better quality of life, less school and work absenteeism, better asthma control, less nasal stuffiness, sneezing, itchy eyes, fatigue, and sinus infections.