Allergy injections are prescribed to reduce a patient's sensitivity to specific substances.  Properly used, over 85% of patients will favorably respond to such therapy.  Unfortunately, not all substances that cause adverse reactions can be treated by allergy injections.  Specifically, a position statement by the American College of Allergy & Immunology states allergy injections for food and such items as tobacco smoke have been deemed ineffective and potentially dangerous.  Therefore, although we perform food allergy skin tests, we do not prescribe food allergy  injections.  

    Initially, allergy injections should be given twice weekly in order to quickly reach a "maintenance" dose prescribed.  After reaching maintenance, usually in about 12 weeks, allergy injections can be extended to every 2 weeks, depending on how soon allergy symptoms return.

    Side effects of allergy desensitization consist of primarily of local discomfort and swelling.  Other more generalized reactions include itching and hives.  

    Difficulty breathing, or a drop in blood pressure are very rare events. but may have serious potentials.  This explains why allergy injections should be administered in a physician's office, where immediate treatment can be rendered if necessary, and why a twenty minute wait after is mandatory after each allergy injection.  We do however, allow our patients to take their allergy extract to another physician's office for administration.  

    Before receiving each additional injection, it is important that you notify the nurse or physician of any abnormalities that occurred after departing from your previous injection.  You must also notify the nurse of physician if you have a fever or respiratory illness before receiving any additional injections.

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