SUBLINGUAL IMMUNOTHERAPY
Are you interested in a PROACTIVE approach in managing your allergies?
SLIT may be an option for you!
SLIT is considered for long-term control of allergen- induced rhinitis with or without conjunctivitis when the symptoms are not adequately controlled by environmental control measures and/or medications.
SLIT is contraindicated in individuals with severe, unstable, or uncontrolled asthma.
Sublingual immunotherapy may decrease sensitivity to allergens, resulting in improved symptoms and decreased need for medications.
Allergen immunotherapy is prescribed for patients with allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies or hay fever) who may or may not have asthma. Immunotherapy is given as injections under the skin or as rapidly dissolving tablets under the tongue (known as sublingual allergen immunotherapy or SLIT).
Immunotherapy is the only medical treatment that can potentially cure or improve allergic disease long-term. In patients who have nasal allergies, injectable immunotherapy might prevent them from developing asthma. Research is ongoing to see if this holds true for SLIT as it is a newer form of immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy can "turn down" reactions to allergens. In most cases, taking sublingual immunotherapy is effective in reducing symptoms during the pollen seasons to which an individual is allergic.
There are generally two phases to immunotherapy:
INITIAL PHASE: This is started 3 to 4 months before pollen seasons or anytime for year-round allergens.
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Take your first dose of the sublingual tablet in our office
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You will be observed for at least 30 minutes to ensure there is no reaction
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Our office recommends taking non-sedating anti-histamines daily for the first week of SLIT, then continue to take them as needed for control symptoms
MAINTENANCE PHASE: This is when you will take a sublingual tablet at home every day.
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Continue to use the medication daily at least until the pollen season for which you are being treated is over
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In some cases your physician may recommend that you continue taking sublingual tablets year round.
It is important to remember to take the sublingual pills daily. Missing your daily dose may decrease the effectiveness of SLIT and increase the risk for medication-related side effects.
If you miss one dose of the medication, do not take two pills the next time. It is important to only take one tablet daily as prescribed.
Please contact us if you miss your sublingual allergy medication for more than ONE WEEK so that dose adjustments or appropriate monitoring in our office can be arranged.