Allergy Shot Primer
- State-of-the-art allergy treatment, particularly for patients with multiple allergies
- Can treat both environmental allergies (pollens, animal dander, dust mite, and mold) and bee allergies
- Significantly reduces nasal, eye, and respiratory symptoms
- The injection is a small dose of the allergens that cause your symptoms
- Desensitizes the patient so the body will tolerate the allergens that trigger symptoms
- Initially receive one injection per week. After 5-6 months, increase intervals until the monthly maintenance dose is achieved
- Allergy shots must be administered in the clinic for patient safety to ensure that adverse reactions can be promptly treated
- Many patients notice improvements after 6 months, though some patients may take longer
- The average course of treatment is 3-5 years
For Allergy Shot Patients
- You must stay at the clinic for 30 minutes after your injection so we can monitor you for any symptoms of an allergic reaction
- Common side effects vary from local redness, itching, and swelling; throat itching; congestion; sneezing; hives; wheezing
- We will treat your symptoms as necessary if they occur
- Treatment of side effects can range from administering antihistamines, breathing treatments, and sometimes use of an EpiPen (in rare situations)
- Certain medications may interfere with allergy shot treatment. These include beta-blockers (e.g. Metoprolol) and ACE inhibitors (e.g. Lisinopril). If you are taking these medications, please inform your allergist so we can adjust your treatment accordingly