Guide to Allergy Drops (Sublingual Immunotherapy Drops)

Allergy immunotherapy is the go-to treatment for people who want to get rid of their allergy symptoms for good. Once upon a time the only way to get immunotherapy was to get allergy shots, but now patients can opt for sublingual immunotherapy drops and tablets.

Discover how this treatment works and what advantages it offers over other types of allergy treatments.

What Is Sublingual Immunotherapy?

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a long-term solution for allergies. This treatment builds tolerance to allergens (the substances that trigger your allergy) over time. It works by placing drops or tablets that contain a diluted version of the allergen(s) under the tongue.

SLIT is a great option for people who suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis), eye allergy symptoms (allergic conjunctivitis)  and allergic asthma. It’s commonly used to treat airborne allergies (like pollen, pet dander, dust mites and mold).

Most people who do SLIT find that their allergy symptoms have vastly improved after the treatment, and in some cases, they disappear completely.

Sublingual Immunotherapy Drops

Sublingual immunotherapy drops are also called allergy drops (not to be confused with eye allergy drops, which are a topical treatment for allergic symptoms in the eye). The solution used for treatment is customized to the patient’s allergies. It’s a similar type of solution used for allergy shots and allergy skin testing. Allergy drops can treat the following allergies:

• Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds (including ragweed)
• Pet dander
• Molds
• Dust mites
• Feathers

Allergy Drops vs Tablets

Allergy tablets are approved by the FDA to treat a small number of allergies, including ragweed, dust mites and northern pasture grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, orchard, perennial rye, sweet vernal and timothy). They are covered by many insurance plans. Allergy tablets typically target one allergen (with some exceptions like Oralair, which target multiple grass pollen allergies).

Allergy drops are not approved by the FDA. However, they have been approved and used in Europe for several years with great success and safety. Because allergy drops can treat a wider range of allergies than allergy tablets, their “off-label” use in the US is growing. Allergy drops can also target multiple allergens and are customized for each patient.

Allergy Drops vs Shots

Allergy shots are an alternative to allergy drops and tablets. They can be used to treat airborne allergies and allergies to stinging insects (like bees, hornets, wasps and yellowjackets). Unlike drops, allergy shots are approved by the FDA and covered by many insurance plans. Many providers only administer shots at the clinic, which requires regular visits to the clinic to receive your injection during the duration of treatment. However, Advanced ENT offers at-home allergy shot treatment for patients, which can be a good option for many.

Are Allergy Drops as Effective as Shots?

Allergy drops can be as effective as allergy shots for treating allergies. However, the duration of tolerance does not appear to last as long with allergy drops as it does with allergy shots. Allergy drops also offer the convenience of being needle-free and they can be taken at home. For many people, they are an attractive allergy immunotherapy option.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Allergy Drops?

Allergy drops are generally safe for children (as young as 5 years old) and adults who have a confirmed allergy diagnosis. It’s a good option for patients who can commit to long term treatment (3 to 5 years) and can adhere to a daily dosage schedule.

Allergy drops are not recommended for people who take beta blockers. People with uncontrolled asthma or those with a history of anaphylaxis to allergens are not considered good candidates in most cases.

It’s not recommended to start allergy drops while pregnant. If you are taking allergy drops and become pregnant, however, you can continue taking allergy drops during your pregnancy.

How Long is Sublingual Immunotherapy Treatment?

Sublingual immunotherapy takes time to work. The duration of treatment can vary depending on how severe your allergies are and how you respond to the treatment. This applies to both drops and tablets.

The treatment consists of three phases and usually lasts 3 to 5 years total:

• Starting phase: your initial prescription will be a small dose taken daily to introduce the allergen to your body and start generating resistance.
• Build-up phase: the dose is increased over about a week, allowing your body to adjust to the drops.
• Maintenance-phase: after the build-up phase, you will take a consistent dose daily.
  

How Long Does Sublingual Immunotherapy Take to Work?

You might start noticing an improvement at the 3 month mark, but will need to complete the whole treatment for long-lasting benefits. It’s not recommended to interrupt the treatment once you start.

How to Use Immunotherapy Drops

Place the prescribed number of drops directly under your tongue, using the dropper provided by your doctor. Keep the drops under your tongue for about 1–2 minutes before swallowing. This allows the allergens to be absorbed through the mucous membranes and begin the desensitization process.

Keep the drops in a cool, dry place as instructed on the label. Avoid exposing them to heat or sunlight, which can reduce their effectiveness. Do not freeze the drops.

What Happens if I Forgot To Take My Dose of Allergy Drops?

Consistency is important for this type of treatment. However, if you forget to take your dose and more than 8 hours have passed, skip the dose. Continue with your normal dose the next time. Do not double the dose. If less than 8 hours have passed, take your dose and continue your normal dose schedule.

Side Effects of Allergy Drops

Allergy drops can have some side effects, but they are typically mild and they subside as the body adjusts to the treatment. Your doctor will typically start you on a low dose to help your body build up tolerance gradually, which can reduce the likelihood of side effects. If your symptoms persist over time without improvement, bring it up with your doctor at your next appointment.

Mild side effects include:

• Itching or swelling in the mouth (usually under the tongue)
• Tingling or burning sensation
• Slight discomfort or a scratchy feeling in the mouth
• Mild swelling of the lips or throat
• Sneezing or runny nose

In extremely rare cases, anaphylaxis might occur. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction that includes difficulty breathing, dizziness, or severe swelling, especially in the throat. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any signs of anaphylaxis.

Immunotherapy Drops at Advanced ENT

Ready to try allergy drops? Schedule an appointment with one of the specialists at Advanced ENT. We offer comprehensive allergy services in Kentuckiana. Come to one of our Louisville, Bardstown and Shelbyville, KY and New Albany, IN. We are here to answer your questions and help you find the best treatment for your allergies.

Schedule an appointment with our team!