What are Allergy Drops?

Allergy drops are also known as “sublingual immunotherapy”. Allergy drops are a convenient form of allergen immunotherapy that works by putting small amounts of allergen (the substances that cause your allergies) under your tongue. Specialized cells under the tongue called capture the allergens and signal the immune system to start building tolerance.  This is a similar idea to getting immunizations.  You subject yourself to a small amount of allergens every day- not enough for your body to have a major reaction- but just enough to tell your immune system to fight the allergies.

What are the benefits of allergy drops?

Allergy drops have been proven to be both safe and effective for many types of allergies. The drops typically begin relieving symptoms within the first year, but sometimes these effects are even noticed within a few months.

Once-a-day allergy drops are portable and easy to use. You may use them in the comfort of your own home. This will help you follow your treatment plan, and increase your ability to continue therapy as directed by your prescriber.

No need to worry about soreness from injections, or concerns with needles.

Who May Use Allergy Drops?

  • Children and adults
  • People with multiple allergies, including pollens, molds, pet dander, dust mites, or food
  • People who are not able to commit to weekly allergy shots or prefer a more convenient therapy
  • People with side effects to allergy medications or reactions to allergy shots
  • Allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis or asthma sufferers

 

What is allergy immunotherapy?

Allergy immunotherapy is a form of long-term treatment that decreases symptoms for many people with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, conjunctivitis (eye allergy) or stinging insect allergy.

Allergy immunotherapy treats the cause of your allergies, not just the symptoms. It builds tolerance by exposing your immune system to small amounts of what you’re allergic to on a regular basis. This can be done with weekly injections of “allergy shots,” the daily self-administration of “allergy drops” or “allergy toothpaste”, or by taking dry “allergy tablets”.

Over time, immunotherapy changes your immune system so that it is more “tolerant” of the allergens. As allergen tolerance grows, your allergies and their symptoms decrease, sometimes to the point that an allergy sufferer does not notice them anymore. Immunotherapy may also prevent conditions that often go along with allergies, like chronic sinusitis or asthma.