Sublingual Immunotherapy or SLIT
Allergy Drops (sublingual immunotherapy) are used to treat allergies. The goal is to reduce your body’s over-reaction to the things to which you are allergic. Allergy drops contain your most important allergy triggers, which may include dust mite, cat/dog, pollen or mold. The drops are prepared by your Allergist.
Are Allergy Drops done in the office setting or at home?
Allergy drops are a home based therapy. Allergy drops are applied under the tongue by the patient. The first dose is administered in the Allergist’s office under the supervision of a nurse. Subsequent doses will be self-administered at home.
When do I have to come into the office for a follow up appointment?
When starting Allergy Drops, you will see the allergist after the first 30 days of treatment. Typically office visits to monitor progress and provide vials of fresh drops (allergy extract) occur every 3 months.
How long will I have to be on Allergy Drops?
In order to build a “lasting immunity”, treatment is usually continued for 3-5 years.
Are Allergy Drops FDA approved?
Allergy Drops are currently an “off-label” use of an FDA-approved product. However there are several under the tongue allergy treatments currently being evaluated for FDA approval. According to a 2009 World Allergy Organization (WAO) paper, Allergy Drops are widely accepted and used in European, South American, and Asian countries as well as in Australia.