Allergy Immunotherapy is Safe and Effective

Filed in archive Allergy Medications , Allergy: Research and Development , Hay Fever by ruth on January 29, 2007

A big 2,871-patient study confirms that allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, are effective and safe for reducing symptoms of hay fever.

[snip]the Cochrane reviewers determined that the injections resulted in significant reductions in symptoms and less need for allergy medications when used in suitably selected patients with hay fever. Overall, quality of life was better for people who had undergone the treatment. The studies showed no long-term consequences from adverse events and no fatalities.

"We conclude that injection immunotherapy is a safe and valid treatment option in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis," the reviewers said.

Have you had your immunotherapy shots yet? I've never had them, only because my hay fever hasn't been that bad, really (knocks on wood!). If you've undergone such therapy, I would be glad to hear from you! I'm sure a lot of other readers would love to hear first hand-info on the experience, too!

Related Entries:

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Allergy Shots: Effective But Unpopular - 06 March 2007
Reader Feedback on Grazax Allergy Vaccine - 13 June 2007
Immunotherapy Against Hay Fever Prevents Asthma in Children - 13 August 2007

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Vote for Allergy Immunotherapy is Safe and Effective:

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Rating: 8.75 out of 4 vote(s) cast.

Response from: Jim (08/08/07 3:29pm)

This April the guidelines for Allergic Rhinitis and its Effect on Asthma (ARIA) were published which showed the evidence for allergy drops was better than for allergy shots (JACI, 2/07).

I took allergy shots for years. My allergies didn't improve until I started the sublingual drops. The drops are taken at home, there are fewer doctor visits, less medication use fewer allergy symptoms and almost no side effects.

As far as safety, shots still have a substantial risk of serious allergic reaction versus almost no risk for drops. While allergen specific immunotherapy is effective the relative risk is several orders of magnitude greater for shots. Both work, which would you choose for your kids.