Professionals, in order to facilitate patient care and information, you will find below a selection of questions commonly encountered in clinical practice.
What types of immunotherapy treatments are available?
In Canada, there are several forms of immunotherapy. Treatments are available in injectable and sublingual forms for seasonal or perennial allergies, and in oral suspension form for food allergies.
Injectable treatments are divided into two types.
• "Perennial" treatments, which are administered throughout the year according to a precise individualized protocol over a period of three to five years.
• "Pre-seasonal" treatments, which generally target a single allergen and must be administered before the pollen season according to a precise individualized protocol and repeated annually for three to five years.
Sublingual tablet treatments, on the other hand, are available for certain allergens only. For example, tablets for the management of ragweed or grass allergies must be used daily according to each manufacturer's recommendations before the pollen season. Tablets for dust mite desensitization must be taken daily throughout the year according to each manufacturer's recommendations.
Oral suspensions are the most common and versatile form of treatment for food immunotherapy. The main foods for which immunotherapy is used include milk, eggs, tree nuts, and peanuts, among others.
What are the possible reactions to injectable treatments?
Local and immediate reactions at the injection site are possible but usually disappear within a few hours. More severe systemic reactions may occur within 30 minutes following the injection, hence the importance of observing the patient in the doctor's office. Swelling at the injection site may occur; it is usually harmless and may persist for up to several days after the injection.
Your patient is starting immunotherapy, what should they know?
Immunotherapy is the progressive exposure of the body to allergens to which it is sensitive, in order to make it tolerant. Desensitization is effective and its effects persist even after the end of treatment.
Subcutaneous injection treatments are prepared according to the needs of each patient and are administered year-round for 3 to 5 years.
It is also possible to target a single allergen and administer the treatment before the specific pollen season and repeat it annually.
Tablet treatments are also available, and are formulated for a single category of pollens.
Regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding, they are not in themselves a contraindication to ongoing immunotherapy. The protocol can be continued without interruption.
However, it is not recommended to start subcutaneous treatment during pregnancy.
We invite you to consult our brochure for more information.
Your patient is starting oral immunotherapy; what should they know?
Immunotherapy, i.e., gradual exposure of the body to food, is the only known and effective method to prevent a severe and dangerous allergic reaction in children. Oral immunotherapy is effective, and its effects are long-lasting.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for any additional questions or for further information.