What is Immunotherapy?

People who suffer from allergies that don’t respond to medical treatment may find relief from immunotherapy, a method of building tolerance to an allergen by introducing it to the body in small doses over a period of time. It is usually given as injections (allergy shots), but can also be taken orally. When ingested, it is known as sublingual immunotherapy, or allergy drops.

How Do Allergy Shots Work?

Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) are the most common form of immunotherapy. They can be used as a long-term treatment for seasonal, indoor and insect sting allergies. They work by getting your body used to the allergen slowly, with the hopes that you will develop an immunity or tolerance to the allergen. The process takes place in two phases, the build-up phase and the maintenance phase. The build-up phase involves a small amount of the allergen being injected into the upper arm once or twice a week for a few months. The dosage is gradually increased at each visit. The length of the build-up phase depends entirely on your body’s reaction. Once you have reached the effective dose, typically the most you can handle without showing symptoms, the maintenance phase will begin. The dosage is no longer increased at each visit and the number of shots is decreased. The maintenance phase involves an allergy shot once every month for three to five years.

Are There Any Risks with Allergy Shots?

Since allergy shots contain a substance you are allergic to, there are some risks involved. Swelling and redness usually develop at the site of injection but are quick to clear up. Sneezing, nasal congestion and hives may develop as well as more severe reactions such as wheezing or chest-tightness. Anaphylaxis, the most serious reaction, rarely occurs.

What Can I Expect from Allergy Shots?

Allergy symptoms will not improve overnight; symptoms will typically improve over the first year of treatment and continue to improve over the next few years. The shots may even decrease symptoms for other allergens and prevent new allergies from developing.

How Do Allergy Drops Work?

The principle of allergy drops is the same as allergy shots. It is a long-term treatment that decreases symptoms by increasing the body’s immunity. The patient drips liquid containing allergens under the tongue and holds it there for one to two minutes before swallowing. This is a more convenient option than allergy shots for many patients because allergy drops can be safely administered at home rather than at the doctor’s office. The dose varies by patient depending on several factors, including severity of allergies and sensitivity to allergy drop dosages. Patients generally self-administer treatments between three and seven days per week for an average of three to five years. The goal is to build up the body’s immunity to allergens so the patient no longer experiences symptoms once the treatment is over.

Are There Any Risks with Allergy Drops?

Like all medical procedures, there are possible risks and side effects. However, these are generally mild, ranging from localized itching in the mouth to intestinal discomfort, which often goes away after several weeks.

What Can I Expect from Allergy Drops?

Allergy drops are an important new treatment option for patients constantly refilling over-the-counter allergy medications or taking daily trips to the doctor’s office for allergy shots. Currently, allergy drops are effective for treating asthma related to dust mites, as well as allergies to grass, ragweed, pet dander and tree pollen. Researchers hope to expand the treatment’s effectiveness for other allergies such as hay fever, eczema and food sensitivities.

Allergy Immunotherapy | St. Cloud Ear, Nose & Throat

People who suffer from allergies that don’t respond to medical treatment may find relief from immunotherapy, a method of building tolerance to an allergen by introducing it to the body in small doses over time. At St. Cloud Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic, we offer sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), also known as allergy drops, as a safe, effective and convenient treatment option.

Allergy drops, also known as sublingual immunotherapy, are a more effective treatment than over-the-counter pills because, like allergy shots, they target the underlying cause of allergies rather than just the symptoms.

What Is SLIT (Sublingual Immunotherapy)?

It is a method of treating allergies that involves placing a mixture of antigens for which you tested positive under the tongue once daily. This desensitizes or “re-educates” the body’s immune system so that it does not overreact to them.

Why Choose Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)?

Sublingual immunotherapy offers a modern, patient-friendly approach to treating allergies by addressing the root cause—not just the symptoms.

Convenience

SLIT is taken at home once daily, eliminating the need for frequent office visits and injections. This makes it an ideal option for busy patients, children and those who prefer to avoid needles.

Safety

SLIT has a strong safety profile with a very low risk of severe reactions. Because it is not administered by injection, it avoids many of the risks associated with traditional allergy shots.

Personalized Treatment

Each SLIT prescription is tailored to your specific allergy test results, enabling treatment to target your unique sensitivities.

Effective Long-Term Relief

SLIT works by gradually retraining your immune system, leading to long-term reductions in allergy symptoms and decreased reliance on medications.

Improved Quality of Life

Patients often experience fewer symptoms, better sleep, improved daily functioning and less disruption from seasonal and environmental allergies.

Is SLIT FDA-approved?

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved antigens for administration to patients in this way. The FDA has approved and labeled allergy antigens for use as injections and sublingual tablets. Therefore, the sublingual immunotherapy drops will be considered an off-label use of the antigen, which is both legal and very common (just as physicians prescribe blood pressure medication for a migraine).

How Much Does It Cost?

SLIT is not covered by health insurance; therefore, you will be fully responsible for the treatment cost.

However, many patients can use Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to pay for treatment, which can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses with pre-tax dollars. We recommend checking with your plan administrator to confirm eligibility and coverage details.

How Long Will A Treatment Vial Last?

Your vial will last 12 weeks. You should make a note on your calendar to reorder nine weeks after you start your vial.

When Will I See Improvement In My Symptoms?

It may take 3 to 6 months to see symptom improvement, and your treatment will last 3 to 5 years.

Does It Need To Be Refrigerated?

No. You may keep the vial near your toothbrush to remind you to take the drops daily.

How Does It Taste?

The drops have a slightly sweet taste due to the glycerin content.

When Should I Not Take My Drops?

Please skip your daily dose if you have a fever, wheezing or any open sores in your mouth. Do not dose on days you have dental procedures.

What Are Some Common Side Effects?

Common side effects of SLIT include itching of the mouth or tongue, swelling of the mouth or tongue, sneezing, itching in the ears and throat irritation and soreness.

The risk of a serious reaction to treatment (anaphylaxis, throat tightness, wheezing, hives and low blood pressure) is extremely rare. You will be given a prescription for an EPIPEN® to take in the event of a severe reaction.

Is It Safe To Continue Taking These Drops If I Become Pregnant?

Please contact us if you become pregnant during immunotherapy. In most cases, you may continue taking sublingual drops if you become pregnant, but you should not begin immunotherapy during pregnancy.

Call St. Cloud Ear, Nose & Throat for more information or to schedule an appointment. (320) 252-0233