Sub-Lingual Immunotherapy
Sublingual immunotherapy is designed to reduce or remove the symptoms of allergy caused by agents you are sensitised to. It is administered sublingually ie under the tongue.
The active agents in the immunotherapy vaccines are called allergens. Allergens are the substance your body is allergic to and which cause your immune system to react in a way that causes your allergy symptoms. These allergens are extracted and made into a sublingual vaccine which is taken once daily in the convenience of your own home.
Many clinical studies have shown that sublingual vaccines are almost as effective as traditional subcutaneous immunotherapy (injected under the skin) but have a much higher safety profile.
Subcutaneous vaccines carry a higher risk of serious side effects and so MUST be given at an appropriate medical facility. Studies have shown that sublingual immunotherapy has a significantly reduced risk of serious side effects and so can be taken at home.
Sublingual immunotherapy is more expensive than subcutaneous immunotherapy however because it offers the convenience of being able to be taken at home, it reduces the need to take time off work or school for doctor’s visits and travel/parking costs. This means that sublingual immunotherapy can be a more cost effective immunotherapy option.
Sublingual immunotherapy can be taken once daily at the same time each day. The treatment and dose is the same for children and adults.
Your doctor will inform you of the immunotherapy treatment course duration. Current recommendations are that a full treatment course should be for 3 years. After discussion with your doctor, treatment can be discontinued at any time before the full program is completed however the long term benefits of the immunotherapy will be reduced.
Sublingual immunotherapy is supplied pursuant to s29 of the Medicines Act 1981. Your doctor can discuss this further with you.