We have found many people have questions concerning allergy injections (allergen immunotherapy). The following information should help answer some of these questions.
How often should I come for an injection?
In the beginning, we would like for you to receive your injection twice weekly. Although it is not important for you to have your injections on the same days each week, most people find it easier to remember to come if they establish a routine. However, you may vary the days if your schedule so demands. If you know that you will be out of town for a week or two, you may wish to come in some extra days prior to leaving and when you return, (although it is not crucial to do so).
When Should I Not Receive My Injection?
You should not come in for your injection if you have a fever, or if you are actively wheezing. If wheezing keeps you from coming in, please call to let us know so we may help you gain better control of your asthma. You may receive your injection if you are taking antibiotics, assuming you do not have a fever and are not wheezing.
What Type Of Reactions Might I Expect From The Injection?
Allergy injections usually cause no immediate problems. The only side effect we will ask you to tolerate is localized swelling at the sight of your injection no larger than the size of a quarter. If you tend to have swelling after each injection, it may be helpful to take an antihistamine prior to receiving it, and applying ice to the sight of the injection will help to relieve some of the swelling. You should not expect to have a flare-up of your allergy symptoms after your injection, and you should notify us immediately if you think you are having a reaction. Worrisome reactions include wheezing, swelling of the throat or tongue, hives, or fainting. These "anaphylactic" reactions should be treated promptly by injections of adrenalin, breathing treatments, and/or antihistamine. Most reactions occur within 20 minutes of the injection, but some will not occur until later. Please do not ignore symptoms even if they begin some hours later.
When May I Come For An Injection?
You may come for an injection anytime between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on any Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday that is not an observed holiday. No injections will be given on Thursdays.
Where May I Receive My Injections?
Allergy injections contain potent doses of extract to which we know that you are allergic. No matter how long you have been on allergy injections, the potential exists for you to have a serious allergic reaction to the injection. You need to be in a place where such a reaction could be treated immediately and aggressively. Therefore, we will allow you to receive your injections ONLY in a location where a physician is immediately available to treat such reaction.
Why Am I Required To Wait 20 Minutes Each Time I Receive An Injection?
As noted above, there is always a risk that you could have a reaction to an allergy injection, no matter how long you have been receiving them. If you do not have the 20 minutes to wait after your injection, please do not come that day for the injection. Please come on another day when you have time to stay, so that we may administer your injection in the safest manner possible.
When Do I Have Follow-Up Visits?
We plan to see you to check on your progress with your injections regularly. The first follow-up visit will occur when you start your first red vial, then every six months thereafter. Please be sure to come in for these visits so that you may receive the most benefit possible from your treatment.
Do You Need To Know About Changes In My Medications?
Certain medication, primarily beta-blockers (frequently used for control of high blood pressure or migraine headaches), may cause problems if you were to experience an anaphylactic reaction to your injection. If you are taking a beta-blocker, please discuss this situation with your allergy physician before continuing with your injections.
What If I Become Pregnant While On Injections?
Allergy injections are felt to be quite safe during pregnancy. The only possible harm to your baby could occur if you have a major reaction with drop in blood pressure and the need for oxygen. We, therefore, encourage being conservative during your pregnancy and not "pushing" your dose if you are having any reactions at all. The injections will not cause or prevent allergy problems in your baby. Please check with us if you become pregnant so that we may review your medications.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR ALLERGY INJECTIONS OR OTHER ASPECTS OF YOUR CARE, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO ASK US.