Allergy Drops: A Complete Guide

Understanding sublingual allergy drops

Immunotherapy drops for allergies represent a popular alternative to allergy shots. Both treatments aim to address the root cause of allergies, offering enduring relief. Sublingual allergy drops contain tiny amounts of allergens and are placed under the tongue, where they get absorbed by the body. As time goes on, the body gets used to these allergens, which can make allergic reactions less severe or even stop them completely. Typically, a five-year treatment plan is recommended for sustained symptom relief using allergy drops under the tongue.

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How do allergy drops work?

In contrast to over-the-counter medications that merely alleviate symptoms, allergy drops target the underlying allergy triggers. By gradually introducing small amounts of allergens into the body, allergy drops work toward reducing sensitivity over time.Through this process, the body learns to tolerate allergens, leading to milder or fewer symptoms upon subsequent exposure.

How to take sublingual drops

After you receive your allergy testing results, our team will provide a custom treatment plan with sublingual allergy drops composed of exactly what you’re allergic to. Drops are usually given for the first time in the office, although these days it can also be done via telemedicine. 

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Drops are placed under the tongue, and generally they are spaced out during the day. Most patients take one drop in the morning, one midday, and one in the evening, although many find it easier to take two drops in the morning and one at night or vice versa. It’s recommended to wait at least 20 minutes after taking allergy drops before eating or drinking.

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Advantages of allergy drops

Allergy drops offer several compelling benefits:

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Efficacy

Numerous studies demonstrate the effectiveness of allergy drops, equating them with allergy shots in treating allergic rhinitis.

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Safety

Allergy drops typically provoke minimal to no reaction, rendering them safe for home use. Instances of anaphylaxis are virtually nonexistent with allergy drops.

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Convenience

With the flexibility to administer at home or on-the-go, allergy drops eliminate the need for frequent clinic visits, accommodating busy schedules.

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Affordability 

Compared to daily over-the-counter medications, allergy drops often present a more cost-effective solution, particularly with various payment plans available.

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Comfort

Pain-free and available in a range of flavors including, raspberry, apple, grape, and strawberry, allergy drops offer a comfortable and palatable treatment experience.

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What allergens do allergy drops treat?

Sublingual allergy drops can effectively target a range of environmental and seasonal allergies.
The most commonly treated allergies are:

• Trees, like cedar (juniper), oak, and elm
• Weeds, like ragweed, tumbleweed, and russian thistle
• Grasses, like timothy grass, johnson grass, and bermuda grass
• Pet dander
• Dust mites
• Molds

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Who is a candidate for sublingual allergy drops? 

Candidates for sublingual allergy drops include individuals who suffer from environmental and seasonal allergies. Those who have experienced prolonged periods of allergy symptoms and rely on over-the-counter medications like antihistamines or nasal sprays may also benefit from allergy drops. Additionally, individuals with a fear of needles or those with busy schedules that make weekly clinic visits impractical may find allergy drops to be a convenient and accessible treatment option. Furthermore, children, who may struggle with the discomfort of allergy shots, are excellent candidates for allergy drops due to their painless administration and the ability to take them from home.

Allergy drops vs shots

Both allergy shots and allergy drops aim to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens, offering long-term relief from allergic reactions. The fundamental similarity lies in their approach of gradually exposing the body to allergens to build tolerance over time. However, the administration methods differ significantly: allergy shots involve injections of small amounts of allergen under the skin, while allergy drops are taken orally, placed beneath the tongue. While both treatments have been shown to be effective, sublingual allergy drops are typically administered at home, offering greater convenience and flexibility compared to the clinic visits required for allergy shots. Furthermore, allergy drops are associated with fewer adverse reactions, making them a safer option for many individuals, including children or those with needle phobias. Despite these differences, both treatments represent valuable options for managing allergies at their source.

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Allergy drop side effects

The side effects of allergy drops are generally mild and infrequent. Commonly reported reactions include mild tingling or itching in the mouth, which typically subsides quickly. Some individuals may experience a temporary stomach ache after taking the drops, though this discomfort is usually short-lived. Overall, allergy drops are considered safe and well-tolerated, with the occasional mild side effects far outweighed by the potential benefits of long-term allergy relief.

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Allergy drop costs

At Aspire Allergy & Sinus, the cost of allergy drops is tailored to accommodate varying needs and budgets. We offer three pricing plans to ensure accessibility for all patients. With transparent pricing and flexible payment options, we strive to make allergy drop therapy affordable for everyone seeking long-term relief from allergies.

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