Immunotherapy FAQ

Absolutely! Young children tolerate testing and treatment extremely well. There is a rare opportunity with young children to actually stop the well-known progression of allergies into asthma. This is the most effective path to a healthy future for children suffering from allergies!

It’s safe for children and adults; convenient because it’s administered at home and takes just two minutes per day; painless and easy; ideal for frequent travelers, who can take the drops anywhere; very cost effective.

The provider wipes the antigens off the skin with alcohol wipes. You may then receive hydrocortisone cream and/or oral Claritin if necessary to ease any lingering discomfort or itchiness. Then your provider will explain the results and discuss your options for treatment, if applicable.

If you miss one dose, or even a few, you can pick up where you left off. If the drops are discontinued for more than one month you may be advised to restart the treatment process.

SLIT drops are NOT medication and have no additives, so there is generally no reason to be concerned. However, it’s important to watch closely for signs of allergic reaction. Go to the emergency room (ER) immediately if you feel symptoms of severe allergic reaction.

SLIT drops are essentially grass, weeds, pollen, etc. and are completely nontoxic; there is generally no reason to be concerned if a child consumes them. But watch closely for signs of allergic reaction and take your child to the ER if he/she develops signs of reaction.

The ingredients of SLIT drops are part of a pet’s normal life so there is usually no reason to worry if your pet consumes them. However, if your pet shows signs of allergic reaction, take it to the vet immediately.

• Refrain from exercise for two hours before your test and plan to avoid exercise or strenuous activity for two hours afterward.
• Do not take antihistamines for three days before testing. If this is not possible, contact your provider to discuss options so you can take the allergy test as scheduled.
• Notify your provider before the test if you take beta blockers (blood pressure medication). If you are using beta blockers at the time of testing, your provider will perform a blood test instead of a skin test.
• Alert your provider if there’s any chance you’re pregnant. He or she can test for pregnancy before the skin test. If you are pregnant, you will receive a blood test instead of a skin test.
• Tell your provider if you are experiencing any signs of a severe allergic reaction on the day of testing (e.g. hives or difficulty breathing).
  Inform your provider if you have been diagnosed with cancer or an immune disorder.

Your provider will clean your skin on your back with an alcohol swab. That will feel cool and slightly wet. He or she will warn you before the testing begins. As the first set of antigens is applied to your skin, you’ll feel small pokes from the tines of the testing device. This will last for just a few seconds and then be repeated in five areas. You can expect slight discomfort, as well as some itchiness from positive results. Try to avoid scratching while the test develops. Notify your provider if you feel symptoms other than itchiness.

Within the first three months of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) treatment. By the time you come in for the follow up at 12 weeks you’ll likely be feeling much better and already taking less of your usual allergy medications. The length of relief varies from person to person but most patients experience significant improvement for at least 10-15 years. For some, it will be significantly longer!

Your SLIT serum will be specifically formulated for you based on the allergens you are allergic to.

The FDA approved antigens for injections, not sublingual delivery. Sublingual drops are proven to be safer than injections, but SLIT is still considered an “off label” use.

No, the testing unit (MAST device) is pressed onto your skin; no blood is drawn. If a spot of blood does appear, the provider simply blots the area and continues the procedure.