Download El Paso Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Center, P

Southwest Allergy and Asthma Associates
Joe Venzor, M.D.
11410 Vista Del Sol, Suite A, El Paso Texas 79936, (915) 592-6269
Immunotherapy Facts
What is Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is the treatment in which we give small amounts of pollens or
mold spores that a patient is allergic to which over time desensitizes the
immune system and causes an improvement in a person’s allergies or possibly
a cure. This is done by injection or by placing drops under the tongue. This is
the only treatment available that addresses the cause of allergies and does not
just relieve the symptoms.
There are now four options for beginning immunotherapy:
1) ALLERGY SHOTS – MOST EFFECTIVE, LONGEST EXPERIENCE
Allergy injections are the type of immunotherapy that’s
been around the longest since 1910. Allergy shots are
the most studied type of immunotherapy. A majority of
patients will become desensitized to the allergens
contained in the shots and no longer have allergic
reactions to those substances. Allergy shots can provide relief from symptoms
that continues after treatment is complete. In children, allergy shots help to
prevent them from developing new allergies and prevent allergy related
asthma later in life.
The build-up phase of 5 months involves receiving injections with increasing
amounts of the allergens once a week. Benefit begins within a few months
often after a few weeks.
The maintenance phase begins when the highest dose is reached. Once the
maintenance dose is reached, the injections are given once a month for three
years.
2) RUSH IMMUNOTHERAPY – QUICKEST, MORE RISK
Same as the normal allergy shots with one big difference.
The build up phase occurs in a six hour session during one
day. The patient then comes in weekly for one month and
then begins their maintenance shot program once a
month for three years.
Advantages: Four months of weekly shots are skipped.
Effectiveness is the same as with normal allergy shots.
Disadvantages: A small chance of a severe allergic reaction is present. In order
to decrease this chance, four different medications will be given to you as a
premedication two days before your visit.
3) CLUSTER IMMUNOTHERAPY – QUICKEST, MORE RISK
Faster buildup like Rush immunotherapy but the buildups
occur over a two hour period for five weeks instead of in one
day. Only two medications are given for premedication and
the risk of an allergic reaction is much smaller. After the five
weekly sessions you will be at the maximal dose and begin the
monthly maintenance dosage.
Advantages: Three months of weekly shots are skipped.
Effectiveness is the same as with normal allergy shots. Lower risk than with
Rush immunotherapy.
Disadvantages: A small chance of a severe allergic reaction is present. In order
to decrease this chance, two different medications will be given to you as a
premedication before your two hour shot session.
4) SUBLINGUAL IMMUNOTHERAPY – LEAST EFFECTIVE, MOST CONVIENIENT
This is the injection free way to take your immunotherapy
in the comfort of your own home. Sublingual
immunotherapy is given by placing drops which contain
the allergens you are allergic to under your tongue and
swallowed on a daily basis. Duration – 3 years.
Advantages: No needles, done at home, and perfect for
young children with the advantage of decreasing future allergies and asthma
without the trauma of injections.
Disadvantages: Not as effective as allergy shots. Health insurance does not
cover as this therapy is not approved by the FDA yet. Used extensively in
Europe. Cost is similar to monthly medication copays at $60 a vial which lasts
one month.