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Allergen immunotherapy (AIT), such as allergy shots, uses naturally derived ingredients to work with the immune system and help improve outcomes for your patients.3
A study shows nearly 80% of allergy sufferers experienced moderate to significant symptom relief after completing AIT.4
Over 100 million people across the United States suffer from allergies.* Studies have shown that AIT can help—and, in some cases, significantly improve quality of life.2,5
Although the mechanism of action is unknown, AIT has been shown to help reduce allergic reactions by desensitizing the immune system to allergens. It utilizes controlled exposure to specific allergenic extracts via subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT; administered via injection) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT; administered via tablet under the tongue).1,2 AIT is effective for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and allergic asthma.2
AIT for allergic rhinitis has been shown to have persistent benefits even after it’s been discontinued as well as to reduce the risk for future development of asthma.2
By choosing to offer AIT to your allergy patients, you can provide them with a proven treatment option that may lead to long-term symptom relief.1,6
Looking to simplify treatment preparation?
Learn more about our expert extract formulation services.
*As of 2023.
The precise mechanism of action for AIT remains unknown. However, research shows it may help the immune system build tolerance to allergens, leading to reduced reactions over time.7,8
AIT may help by inducing the production of allergen-specific IgG antibodies, particularly IgG4. These “blocking antibodies” can bind to allergens before IgE does, reducing immune cell activation. Over time, AIT can modulate the immune system to increase tolerance to allergens, decreasing allergic reactions.1,9
IgE=immunoglobulin E; IgG=immunoglobulin G.
AIT is a proven treatment option for patients with known allergies who cannot avoid exposure.7,9,10 Although results may vary for each individual, research supports its potential for long-term relief, with efficacy shown for up to 3 years in clinical trials.6-8,11-13
AIT has been shown to help2,7,9,10,15-21:
Customized injections target relevant allergens identified through patient testing22
Administered in-office with at least a 30-minute observation period after the injection to monitor and treat potential acute reactions3
Doses are typically increased 1-3 times per week during the build-up phase, reaching a maintenance phase in 3-6 months based on clinical judgment2
Stallergenes Greer allergenic extracts* are approved for use in SCIT for reduction of allergen-induced allergic symptoms. Refer to product-specific package inserts for complete indications.
Always review the package insert for specific contraindications, warnings, and precautions.
There are risks of injection site and/or systemic reactions.
*Allergenic extracts are manufactured by either Greer Laboratories, Inc., or Allermed Laboratories, LLC.
When choosing AIT, discuss its benefits, risks, and costs with your patients. Results vary from patient to patient, so it may help to manage expectations about2,23:
It is important to enable shared decision making with patients. Consider individual and clinical circumstances like additional health factors, insurance coverage, and travel time in your treatment discussion.
INDICATIONS
Allergenic extracts are indicated for skin test diagnosis and treatment (immunotherapy) of patients with seasonal and perennial allergies.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Do not inject intravenously. Initial dose should be based on skin test reactivity.
The most common adverse reactions include localized erythema, itching, swelling, tenderness, and pain. Systemic adverse reactions include generalized skin erythema, urticaria, pruritus, angioedema, rhinitis, wheezing, chest tightness, laryngeal edema, and hypotension.
INDICATIONS
Non-Standardized Allergenic Extracts: Allergenic extracts are indicated for skin test diagnosis of patients with a clinical history of allergies to one or more of the specific allergens and treatment for reduction of allergen-induced allergic symptoms confirmed by positive skin tests or in vitro testing for allergen-specific IgE antibodies. Food extracts have not been proven safe or effective in allergen immunotherapy.
Short Ragweed Pollen Allergenic Extract and Short and Giant Ragweed Pollen Mix Allergenic Extract: Short Ragweed Pollen Allergenic Extract and Short and Giant Ragweed Pollen Mix Allergenic Extract are indicated for skin test diagnosis of patients with a clinical history of allergy to ragweed pollen (Short Ragweed or Short and Giant Ragweed pollen), and immunotherapy for the reduction of ragweed pollen-induced allergic symptoms confirmed by positive skin test or by in vitro testing for pollen-specific IgE antibodies for Short and/or Giant Ragweed pollen.
Standardized Cat Hair Allergenic Extract: Standardized Cat Hair Allergenic Extract is indicated for skin test diagnosis of patients with a history of allergy to cats and treatment of cat hair-induced allergic asthma, rhinitis and conjunctivitis when avoidance is not possible.
Standardized Grass Pollen Allergenic Extracts: Standardized Grass Pollen Allergenic Extracts are indicated for skin test diagnosis of patients with a clinical history of allergy to one or more of the following grass pollens: Bermuda, Kentucky Blue (June), Meadow Fescue, Orchard, Perennial Rye, Redtop, Sweet Vernal, Timothy; and immunotherapy for the reduction of grass pollen-induced allergic symptoms confirmed by positive skin test or by in vitro testing for pollen-specific IgE antibodies for Bermuda, Kentucky Blue (June), Meadow Fescue, Orchard, Perennial Rye, Redtop, Sweet Vernal, or Timothy grass pollens.
Standardized Mite Extracts: Standardized Mite Allergenic Extracts are indicated for diagnosis of skin test reactivity to dust mite allergen and treatment of mite-induced allergic asthma, rhinitis and conjunctivitis in patients that show hypersensitivity to dust mites based on clinical history, allergen exposure history, and skin test reactivity.
Please click here for Package Inserts with full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warnings.
To report suspected adverse reactions, contact Stallergenes Greer at 1-855-274-1322 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch.
