Diagnosis & Treatment Options
Oral allergy drops have proven safe and effective for patients facing rhinitis, asthma, and eczema caused by airborne allergens including grass, pollen, ragweed, pet dander, mold, and dust mites.
Once an allergy specialist has identified your specific allergen, he or she will create an extract of that substance and place the extract in tablets or drops to be taken under the tongue. You will receive detailed dosing instructions and can then self-administer at home, at work, on vacation, wherever you are. A big benefit of allergy drops over allergy shots is that you do not need frequent office visits to continue treatment. As with allergy shots, allergy drops need to be taken consistently for three to five years. Most people see some symptom improvement in a matter of months, but the drops should still be taken for the entire recommended time in order to develop lasting immunity.
- People who may particularly benefit from allergy drops include:
- Those with a needle-phobia
- Patients who cannot take allergy shots due to beta blocker usage or previous adverse reaction to allergy shots (Persons who are taking any Beta blockers cannot take sublingual drops.)
- People whose busy schedules prohibit regular office visits
Mild side effects such as an itchy mouth have been reported. A small number of patients will experience moderate symptoms upon beginning the therapy. These reactions typically dissipate within a week or two. Severe anaphylactic reactions are exceedingly rare, which is why allergy drops are considered safe to administer at home.
You may have heard that most allergy drops are not FDA-approved, while allergy shots are approved. The truth of the matter is, the antigens used in allergy shots and drops are the same. The difference is in usage of a bottle dispenser or tablet instead of an injection. Allergists around the country frequently recommend allergy drops to their patients. While this is considered “off-label” use of the antigens, it is widely accepted and entirely legal.
Not all patients are ideal candidates for allergy drops. Schedule a consultation with a Southern Nevada Allergy allergy and immunology specialist so we can discuss the treatment method that best suits your lifestyle and specific allergen needs. You are not destined to suffer from allergies!