If you hate needles even more than you hate allergies, there may be some new needle-free allergy relief for you. Earlier this year the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new oral immunotherapy pill for the treatment of certain allergies in the U.S. The pill works similar to an allergy shot by helping your body gradually get small amounts of your allergy trigger over time. Here are a few things you need to know about the new treatment to see if it is an option for you.
Benefits
- Convenience: Unlike allergy shots that have to given by your doctor in the office, the pill dissolves under your tongue (Note: Only the first dose needs to be given in the allergist’s office.)
- Less risk of adverse reactions: Both the shot and pill come with potential risk of harmful side effects. The allergy pill isn’t as strong as the shot, which may lower the risk of serious reactions like hives or anaphylaxis.
Allergy Shot Vs. Pill: Which Is Right For You? was originally published on blackdoctor.org
