Allergy shots are not for everyone.  In most cases, your allergies can be treated without needles.  This treatment is called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), because the medication is placed under the tongue (sublingual) rather than injected in the arm.  Typically the medicine is held under the tongue once daily for 2 minutes and then swallowed.  New prescription medications are available for dust mites, grass pollen and ragweed pollen.

If no specific medication is commercially available for your allergies, our office can prepare pleasant tasting drops to treat your unique allergy profile.  Treatment for seasonal allergies usually begins 3-4 months before the pollen season and continues to the end of the season.  Treatment for year-round allergies, such as house dust, is taken daily.

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been proven safe and effective for over 35 years *. Nevertheless, any allergy desensitization program carries a small risk of causing a severe allergic reaction.  We will administer the first dose in the office and observe you for side effects.  We will also prescribe an epinephrine autoinjector for you to use in case of a rare emergency at home.  Mild, momentary itching of the lips or tongue is common and should not be alarming.  You should stop using sublingual immunotherapy and seek immediate medical attention if you experience trouble breathing, talking or swallowing, if you sense swelling or tightness in your throat, or if you develop a sudden rash, nausea or abdominal pain.

For more information on commercially available prescriptions, visit:

* Cox L. Sublingual immunotherapy for aeroallergens: Status in the United States. Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, Volume 35, Number 1, January/February 2014 , pp. 34-42(9)