Grass and Ragweed Sublingual Immunotherapy: Is Ready for Prime Time

Ragweed is a major source of allergic rhinitis in North America. Initial studies have shown promising results with sublingual immunotherapy for grass allergy. There was a recent study comparing two doses of allergy immunotherapy tables for ragweed for allergic patients. The trial included 565 patients with ragweed pollen-induced allergic rhinitis. They received a dosage of 6 or 12 Amb a 1 units or placebo and were treated for one year.  Both dosages significantly improved daily symptoms and treatment scores. Adverse events were typically mild oral reactions, with no systemic reaction. This provides a convenient new treatment for ragweed allergic patients. 

We now have both grass and ragweed sublingual tablets available for patients with pollen allergic rhinitis. They have the option to obtain tablets or our own droplet sublingual immunotherapy which we also have available for dust mite and cat allergy.

Author

Saraleen Benouni, MD Dr. Benouni specializes in the treatment of asthma, allergies, atopic dermatitis, and immune disorders for both adults and children. She has presented and published research at national allergy meetings and has authored papers on drug allergies and skin conditions. She is a member of the American College and American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and the Los Angeles Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology.