Environmental Sublingual Immunotherapy

ALLERGY DROPS – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are allergy treatment options?

The best therapy for your allergies is avoidance of substances to which you are allergic. Medications can help in control of symptoms; Immunotherapy is a safe and effective alternative and works by increasing your allergy tolerance. You have the option of traditional subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) or sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops).

What are allergy drops?

Allergy drops are allergens administered as a drop under your tongue instead of an injection. The drops are prepared individually for you based on your own allergies. The drops may include pollen, dust mite, animal dander and/or other allergens. They are not yet available for treatment of insect venom, or bee sting allergy. Traditional allergy injections are administered weekly to monthly at your doctor’s office, while allergy drops are administered daily at home. Studies have shown that allergy drops provide approximately 60% improvement of symptoms, whereas allergy injections have a reported 80% improvement in symptoms. Either treatment is more effective than medications alone, which only offer about a 40% short-term improvement.

What are the benefits of allergy drops?

Allergy drops allow the convenience of fewer office visits and the benefit of no needles, which is especially appealing for small children. There is also a reduced risk of severe reaction with allergy drops.

How much do allergy drops cost?

Treatment is recommended for a period of 3-5 years. Because insurance companies do not currently offer reimbursement for this form of therapy