SUBLINGUAL ALLERGEN DESENSITIZATION

Long developed and used in Europe as well as Canada, the United States has only recently had sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) commercially available. Ragweed (pollen) was the first allergen to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (US) followed by Grass (pollen). All of the these pollen based tablets are used under the tongue and except for the initial dose (which is typically given in the doctor’s office), is given at home. Grass pollen SLIT tablets have been manufactured by 2 different companies (Merck & Greer). The wafer like, self-dissolving tablet is placed under the tongue and the patient is asked not to swallow the tablets/secretions for about 5 minutes. Ragweed pollen sensitivity typically manifests as fall symptoms often starting around Labor Day, whereas grass pollen sensitivity peaks in the summer. These treatments are popular as they do not require injections. While grass pollen allergy predominates in the Midwest, in the Northeast tree pollen is the most prevalent seasonal allergy. Several tree pollens are responsible for symptoms including the main 3, oak, birch and maple. Sublingual tablets are not commercially available for tree pollen allergy in the United States. Other year round allergens include dander (cat and dog) and dust mite. Sublingual tablets are also not commercially available for these allergens.

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Studies have shown that sublingual immunotherapy requires much more source material than regular allergy shots. Specialists in the United States have used allergen extracts made for injection and provided them to patients as drops for patients to use sublingually. As these extracts were not prepared for oral use, this is considered “off-label” use. Furthermore health insurance plans do not reimburse for the costs of these extracts used in this manner. This means that patients have to pay out of pocket for these extracts usually provided in dropper vials. One advantage of sublingual immunotherapy is that 2-3 month supplies can be dispensed for a lower cost than that of a whole year’s supply. So patients can assess the efficacy before committing a larger purchase.

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Pre-seasonal treatment with sublingual immunotherapy is typical and it is continued throughout the pollen season as well. For grass, starting treatment by February is advised. For ragweed treatment by May is advised. For year round allergies such as for dander and dust mite, treatment is given continuously. Pollen sublingual immunotherapy can also be given throughout the year, and when given in this manner, a more durable desensitized state can be achieved.

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