FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ALLERGY DROPS

What is Sublingual Immunotherapy (Allergy Drops)?

Sublingual immunotherapy is a safe and effective way of treating the underlying cause of a patient’s allergic symptoms by using allergy drops placed under the tongue. Allergy drops work by delivering a small dose of what a patient is allergic to in order to desensitize the body and build a tolerance to their specific allergens. Allergy drops are taken daily at home.

Do allergy drops actually reduce allergic symptoms?

The World Health Organization has endorsed sublingual immunotherapy as a viable alternative to allergy shot therapy. Also, the well-respected Cochrane Collaboration, the world’s most trusted international organization dedicated to reviewing healthcare treatments, has concluded that allergy drop immunotherapy significantly reduces allergy symptoms and the use of allergy medications.

How long have allergy drops been available as a treatment?

Allergy drops have been used in the United States for more than 35 years. Thanks to research in Europe over the past decade, we have valid scientific evidence that corroborates what we have known for years, which is that allergy drops are safe and effective.

Who should take allergy drops?

Allergy drops are for any allergy sufferer whose symptoms are not controlled with medications or who prefers not to take medication, and anyone who wants to treat the underlying cause of their allergies. Allergy drops are beneficial to patients with seasonal allergies, dust, mold, and pet allergies, asthma, and especially for allergic children. Treating children with immunotherapy for allergies and eczema can help prevent the latter development of asthma.

What are the differences between taking allergy medication and using allergy drops?

Allergy medications do not cure allergies. They can only help reduce the symptoms, and can also have side effects. Allergy drops work on the underlying cause of allergies, the immune system, to desensitize the patient. This can markedly improve symptoms and even possibly rid the body of the allergies without producing side effects.

What are the advantages of allergy drops over allergy shots?

Allergy drops are safer than shots and can treat patients of all ages. Then there is the convenience of taking drops at home, and a cost and time advantage of not having to take off from work or school to come to the office for shots. Also using allergy drops makes it more likely for a patient to complete the full course of treatment than with allergy shots.

When will I start noticing symptom relief and how long will I take the allergy drops?

We expect symptom relief within two to three months after starting the drops. In order to achieve tolerance to your allergies and thus long term relief after stopping the drops, it is necessary to take the allergy drops for three to five years.

How does the cost of allergy drops compare to allergy shots?

Allergy drops cost approximately $15 per week. Although this is not covered by medical insurance companies, you can be reimbursed for drops if you use a Health Saving Account (HSA) or Flex Plan. Allergy shots usually requireinsurance co-pays, as well as time off from work or school, and at least 30 minutes in the office. And with allergy drops, NO SHOTS!

If you have other questions, please do not hesitate to discuss them with the doctor. We are here to help you feel better by controlling your allergies.

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