|
|
Allergy Shots |
Allergy Drops |
|
Method of Administration |
Shot in the Arm(s) |
A Drop Under the Tongue |
|
Insurance Coverage |
Yes (excluding co-pays and pre-existing conditions) |
Not for actual drops (about $10-14 per week) |
|
Risk of Anaphylaxis |
Small |
None Reported |
|
Adverse Reactions |
Multiple (Swelling, Itching, Hayfever, etc.) |
Rare: Nausea, Itching/Swelling/Tingling in the Mouth |
|
Physician Visit Required? |
Weekly for Years |
Every 3-12 Months |
|
Allergy Testing Required |
Yes (every 1-3 years as needed) |
Yes (every 1-3 years as needed) |
|
Insurance Coverage for Allergy Testing |
Yes for Most Insurances |
Yes (but usually not more than 1 per year; check with your carrier) |
|
Contraindications? |
Yes (beta-blockers, history of anaphylaxis, young children, infants; severe asthmatics in our practice) |
Infants |
|
Duration of Treatment |
3-5+ years |
3-5+ years |
|
Treatment Frequency |
Every 1 to 4 weeks |
Daily (one drop 3 times a day) |
|
Treatment Location |
Physician Office on Build-Up; Home on Maintenance |
Home |
|
FDA Approved? |
Yes |
Off-Label use of same antigens used for allergy shots |
|
Effective? |
Yes |
Yes |