What is allergy immunotherapy?

The purpose allergy immunotherapy, or allergy shots, is to increase resistance to specific allergens by injecting small doses of each allergen into the upper arms, at intervals, over a prolonged period of time. Usually, this will cause the allergic symptoms to decrease or disappear completely.

How often are allergy shots administered?

The first injections are very dilute and are given at weekly intervals.The concentration of the allergen is then increased gradually, over a period of approximately 20 weeks until a maintenance dosage is reached. Maintenance dosage is given less frequently, on an every two to four week schedule.

Occasionally, more severe or systemic reactions (such as hives or shock) may occur. The most severe reactions usually occur within the first 30 minutes after an injection; any reactions occurring after that time are generally mild. For this reason, you must remain under observation in the waiting room for 30 minutes after your injections. Report any unusual discomfort, itching, hives or other problems immediately to an Allergy Program doctor or nurse. Antihistamines or epinephrine treatment may be needed if symptoms progress. Rarely, more intensive treatment may be necessary.

Is there anything else I should report to the allergist?

The safety and effectiveness of your individualized allergy injection treatment depends on noting and reporting reactions.

Inform your doctor and nurse of any changes in your medical condition, such as wheezing, a cold, a new illness or a pregnancy.

Report any changes in medications. Certain medications, called beta blockers and mao inhibitors, are not to be taken by our patients who receive allergy injections. These medications may increase the serious side effects of allergy therapy. Some of the medications which should not be taken with immunotherapy include beta blockers such as:

• Propanolol (Indural)
• Atenolol (Tenormin)
• Timolol eye drops (Timoptic)
• Acebutolol (Sectral)

• Phenelzine (Nardil)
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

  Please inform your doctor or nurse if you are taking any of the above medications or if you are taking any other new medications.

  It is important to remain on schedule. If injections are interrupted for a prolonged period of time, we should be contacted before resuming injections.

  Please note: These injections must be given in a medical office with a physician present.

  This information is general. Your physician will discuss your specific course of therapy, its expectations and methods of evaluating the results.

  Remember that injection therapy is only one part of your allergy treatment plan. Environmental controls and medications prescribed by your doctor, combined with injection therapy, are necessary for the successful management of your allergic symptoms.