Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Allergy:
(updated 12/3/07)

This section contains some of the most commonly asked questions in the clinic and allergy department.  It will be updated frequently with new questions.

How long will it take for immunotherapy (shots) to become effective? 

             Many people believe if they take an allergy shot or drops, they will not get sick that week. Well, that is just not how it works. It will take least 3-6 months before you'll experience benefit from immunotherapy.   Immunotherapy requires time to develop tolerance, but fortunately for most patients after 3-5 years, the protection is permanent even after stopping therapy.

If I start immunotherapy, will I need to take medications also?

            Most patients need both at least initially.  Allergy medications are like a weekly pay check, “the money you live on now” to control current symptoms.  Allergy shots are like saving for retirement, “the money for the future” to build up a tolerance over time.  The more consistent you are in saving, the less dependent you will be on a paycheck in the future. The same is true for allergy.  If you consistently take immunotherapy for 3-5 years, you will be less dependent on medications for relief.  Unfortunately, like with money, there are no guarantees, and it is unpredictable how long this lasts.

When I am building up on shots and I start a new vial, am I getting a weaker dose when I go back to a 0.05 cc shot from a 0.5 cc shot in the previous vial?

            Yes and No.  During the build up phase, each vial of antigen starts with a 0.05 dose and escalates each week by 0.05cc.  (0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.20,……..0.5).  After 0.5 cc, a new vial starts again at 0.05 dose, however, the concentration has been made 5 times stronger.  This means that the first week your dose is a little weaker (it would be equivalent to the 0.25 dose), but the following week you will be right back up to the 0.5 dose.  The third week you will actually be 5 times stronger again and every time thereafter 5 times stronger again.  Your immune system is quickly learning to tolerate more antigen without symptoms.

What are the differences between Subcutaneous and Sublingual Immunotherapy?

Can I take immunotherapy when I am pregnant?

          Allergy shots or allergy drops may be continued for patients that become pregnant while they are on therapy.  The strength of subcutaneous allergen mix will be maintained constant until delivery of the baby.  Advance can occur if necessary at that point.    Patients will not be started on either allergy shots or drops during pregnancy.