After you take an allergy test and decide that you want to undergo immunotherapy, you need to choose which method is right for you: subcutaneous (shots) or oral (tablets or drops). Let’s look at each type and some factors to consider as you make your decision.
Allergy Shots
Allergy shots consist of regular injections for three to five years. The frequency of injections will vary depending on what phase of treatment you’re in:
- Build-up phase: lasting about six months, you’ll receive shots with gradually increasing doses one or two times a week
- Maintenance phase: lasting through the remainder of your treatment, you’ll receive shots containing consistent doses about once a month
After you receive the shot, you will need to remain at our office for about 30 minutes in case you have a serious reaction. Though serious reactions are rare, it’s always best to be cautious.
We can treat pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mite or insect allergies with allergy shots. Allergy shots aren’t available for food allergies at this time.
Patients undergoing allergy shot treatment may notice some improvement around the six-month to one-year mark, but more significant results in the second and third year.[1]
Allergy Drops or Tablets
Allergy drops or tablets are administered under the tongue. You will need to take the dose daily for several years to build up tolerance. Like shots, oral immunotherapy has a build-up phase, where you’ll receive gradually increasing doses until you reach the maintenance phase, where you’ll receive the same dose for three to five years.
We may have you take your build-up phase doses in our clinic, but you can take your remaining doses at home.
The FDA has approved allergy tablets for dust mites, ragweed and certain types of grass. To this date, allergy drops are not FDA-approved. That doesn’t mean they aren’t effective, but your insurance may not cover the treatment.
Oral immunotherapy works a little faster, with some patients noticing relief within the first three to four months. [2]
Choosing Your Treatment Path
There are a few things to consider when choosing your treatment path:
- Schedule and transportation. You may need to come into the office regularly for your allergy shots. If you have a busy schedule or unreliable access to transportation, oral immunotherapy might be a better fit.
- Comfort with needles. People who aren’t comfortable receiving shots may want to consider oral immunotherapy.
- Type of allergy. Allergic shots treat a wider range of allergies than oral immunotherapy. We’ll walk you through the best option based on the results of your allergy test.
- Insurance. You will need to talk to your insurance provider about which treatment avenues they cover.
We’re here to help you make the best treatment decision for your needs. Call us at Hampton Roads ENT ~ Allergy to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
[1] Cleveland Clinic medical professional. (2023). Allergy shots. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25194-allergy-shots
[2] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024, July 13). Could allergy drops be the key to allergy relief? Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/seasonal-allergies/could-allergy-drops-be-the-key-to-allergy-relief