Sublingual Immunotherapy

Until recently, the only way to administer allergy extract in the United States was by injections or allergy shots at the doctor's office. Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) is an injection-free procedure that offers the patients the freedom to treat their allergies on their schedules in their homes.

Sublingual is the medical term for "under the tongue."

Common questions about SLIT

What are the advantages of Sublingual Immunotherapy compared to traditional Allergy treatments?
There are numerous advantages to sublingual immunotherapy. Medically, the patient does not have to endure an injection or arm soreness at the injection site. Also, there are no reported cases of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. From the convenience standpoint, the patient administers the procedure in the privacy of their home. There is no need to schedule an appointment for an allergy injection, drive to the office for the injection and then wait in the doctors office for 30 minutes after the injection to make certain there is no reaction to the injection.

Does SLIT have any side effects?
A small number of patients have reported tingling or itching sensations in their mouths.

What about taste?
Due to the glycerin additive to the extract there is a slight sweet taste. However, since there are no taste buds under the tongue, most patients don't experience any significant taste sensation.

How often, and for long do I have to administer the procedure?
SLIT is administered once a day, every day for three to five years. Treatment time varies from patient to patient, and the average duration is the same as tradional injection immunotherapy.

What type of allergies can be treated with SLIT?
Sublingual immunotherapy is used to treat allergies to grasses, weeds, trees, mold, dust mites, dogs and cats.

Sublingual Immunotherapy cannot be used to treat allergies associated with foods, stinging insects such as honey bees, yellow jackets, white-faced hornets and wasps.

Are there any drugs that could prohibit me from receiving sublingual immunotherapy?
Yes. If you are being treated with beta-blockers, you cannot receive sublingual immunotherapy.