WHAT IS IMMUNOTHERAPY? WHAT ARE ALLERGY SHOTS? HOW DOES IMMUNOTHERAPY WORK?
You may be trying to find answers to these questions, and you have come to the right place!
Allergy immunotherapy is a treatment in which a patient is injected with small amounts of an allergen on a regular basis. The doses are slowly increased over time, causing the patient’s immune system to become less and less sensitive to the allergen. This type of therapy is also called “allergy shots.”
When people have allergies, their blood contains high levels of Immunoglobulin E (abbreviated IgE), an allergic antibody. IgE is activated by an allergen (ragweed, cat, dust mites, etc), and then binds itself to “mast” cells that will then release histamine. Histamine is the chemical directly responsible for your allergy symptoms – sneezing, swelling, allergy cough, congestion, etc.
HOW LONG DOES IMMUNOTHERAPY TAKE?
Immunotherapy is a long-term commitment of up to five years (or more) of treatment. The results are slow and gradual, but some patients do notice an improvement in allergy symptoms within six months of starting this allergy treatment.
After two years of immunotherapy, your NY allergist can assess how successful the treatment has been. If you have been able to reach high doses of allergen, you should have noticed an improvement in your allergy symptoms by this point.
After four or five years, most patients can discontinue treatment and will experience reduced allergy symptoms (or no symptoms at all) for a significant period of time. However, it is likely that symptoms will slowly return over the next several years. If or when you start to experience significant allergy symptoms again, you may consider continuing immunotherapy treatment.
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER IMMUNOTHERAPY?
Immunotherapy is recommended for patients with significant allergy symptoms that last at least six weeks out of each year. It is also considered for patients with asthma, frequent sinusitis, or allergies to insect stings. Because of the time required and the risk associated with immunotherapy, it is not recommended for patients with mild allergies. It is also not approved in the US for people who have food allergies.
REACTIONS TO IMMUNOTHERAPY
During your course of treatment with allergy shots, you may experience adverse reactions. These reactions fall into two classes:
Local reactions are those that occur at the injection site (usually the backs of the arms). You may experience redness, swelling, itching, or an irritating lump. An antihistamine (like Benadryl) and/or an ice pack can be useful in reducing any swelling or discomfort. This type of reaction can occur during the recommended 30-minute waiting period at the allergy doctor’s office, or sometime over the next 24 hours. It is helpful if a patient can describe the location and size of any local reactions, so that the allergist can properly adjust your next dose. Depending on the severity of the reaction, your NYC specialist may hold your dose the same or reduce your dose.
Systemic reactions (also called anaphylactic reactions) are much more troublesome than local reactions because they can be life-threatening. A systemic reaction usually begins with itchiness or a tingling/tickle in the throat. It can evolve to include difficulty breathing, hives, chest tightness, dizziness, swelling of the lips or throat, or a general sense of warmth in the body. This type of reaction usually occurs right after the injection (within ten minutes) but can be slightly delayed (up to an hour). If you may be experiencing a systemic reaction, you should return immediately to your NY allergist’s office or go straight to the emergency room.
DRUGS TO AVOID IF YOU ARE ON IMMUNOTHERAPY
Beta-Blockers are a class of drugs that are used to treat heart problems. However, Beta-Blockers should not be taken by patients who are undergoing immunotherapy. Beta-Blockers can make you resistant to epinephrine, the most critical drug used to treat systemic reactions. Also, there is some evidence that patients who are taking Beta-Blockers are more likely to experience reactions from immunotherapy.
If an ear, nose, and throat doctor or any other NYC dr has prescribed Beta-Blockers to you, it is very important to let him/her know that you are on immunotherapy and were informed that you should not take Beta-Blockers.
SUMMARY
If you are interested in immunotherapy, call us at 212-686-4448 to schedule an appointment. NYASC has access to the latest testing and treatment, and we offer convenient allergy & asthma clinics throughout NYC: Murray Hill, Midtown, Upper West Side, Chelsea, and Queens. We see pediatric and adult patients from all around the NYC area, including Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island. And our specialists can also help you find relief for your asthma, nasal and sinus symptoms, ENT (ear, nose, and throat) conditions, respiratory allergies, & skin problems. 212-686-4448.
IMMUNOTHERAPY (ALLERGY SHOTS) AND PREGNANCY
Allergy shots are usually not started for a woman during pregnancy, though there is no medical reason not to do so. The beginning of immunotherapy has the most allergic reactions to the shots (see reactions to shots). If a woman has been receiving immunotherapy and becomes pregnant, she may safely continue the shots during the pregnancy. Immunotherapy has been used for over 75 years and does not harm the baby.
Immunotherapy Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Still Have to Take Allergy Pills While On Allergy Shots?
During the first phase of immunotherapy, you will most likely still need allergy pills to control your symptoms. However, about 80% of patients on immunotherapy note significant improvement of symptoms and become less dependent on medications.
Does Insurance Cover Allergy Immunotherapy?
Most insurance plans cover immunotherapy. However, we recommend consulting with your insurance company and physician to determine if your treatment will be covered.
How Much Do Allergy Shots Cost?
Without insurance, shots may be $1,000 to $4,000 each year when you first begin treatment. During the maintenance phase, you'll receive a shot once or twice per month for 3 to 5 years, so your costs will come down. Check your insurance plan to ensure allergy costs are covered.
How Successful Is Allergy Immunotherapy For Allergies?
Allergy immunotherapy is successful for most people. About 85% of people with hay fever report improvement from allergen immunotherapy.
Is Allergy Immunotherapy Safe?
When given in a clinical setting by a board-certified allergist, allergy immunotherapy is safe. Talk to your allergist about possible risks of allergy immunotherapy.
Is Immunotherapy Only Offered As Shots?
Immunotherapy is offered as shots or drops. Allergy shots, also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), are the most commonly used and most effective form of allergy immunotherapy. Sublingual (under the tongue) immunotherapy is an alternative way to treat allergies without injections.
What Allergies Does Immunotherapy Treat?
Allergen immunotherapy can be used to treat allergies to pollen, insects, pets, environmental allergens, and most recently, peanuts.
When Do You Need Allergy Shots?
Allergy shots are recommended to any allergic individual who suffers from moderate to severe allergies at least six weeks of the year. It is also recommended for patients with asthma, frequent sinusitis, or allergies to insect stings.
Where Are Allergy Shots Administered?
Allergy shots are usually injected in the upper arm to allow for slow absorption of the allergen extract, thereby decreasing the risk of systemic reactions. You should not attempt to administer allergy shots on your own. They should be given in a clinical setting.