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VARIOUS › ALLERGENS › ALLERGENS › Allergen extracts
grass pollen
V01AA02
Forms & Strengths
- Sublingual tablet: 2,800 Index of Reactivity (IR)
- Sublingual tablet: 300 Index of Reactivity (IR)
- Sublingual tablet: 12 SQ-U
- Standardized allergen extract for subcutaneous immunotherapy: various concentrations
Adult Dosing
- Sublingual (tablet): 1 tablet (300 IR or 12 SQ-U) daily, initiated 4 months before anticipated pollen season and continued throughout
- Subcutaneous immunotherapy: Weekly updosing from dilution to maintenance (typically 0.5 mL of highest concentration), then maintenance every 2-4 weeks
Pediatric Dosing
- Children >= 5 years (sublingual tablet): 1 tablet daily, same schedule as adults
- Children >= 5 years (subcutaneous): individualized weekly updosing followed by maintenance injections every 2-4 weeks based on extract manufacturer labeling
Indications
- Treatment of grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis with or without conjunctivitis
- Confirmed by positive skin test or in vitro testing to grass pollen specific IgE
Mechanism of Action
- Administered allergen extracts stimulate the immune system, inducing allergen-specific IgG blocking antibodies
- Promotes regulatory T-cell induction and shifts Th2 response toward Th1 response
- Decreases release of mast cell and basophil mediators upon subsequent allergen exposure
Contraindications
- Severe, unstable, or uncontrolled asthma
- History of severe systemic allergic reaction or anaphylaxis to any component of the product
- Eosinophilic esophagitis or other active inflammatory conditions of the upper GI tract (for sublingual tablets)
- Patients with severe immunodeficiency or malignant diseases
Adverse Reactions
- Local reactions: oral pruritus, throat irritation, ear pruritus, tongue pruritus, mouth edema
- Gastrointestinal: nausea, dyspepsia, oral discomfort
- Systemic: acute allergic reactions, urticaria, rhinitis
- Rare: anaphylaxis, severe bronchospasm
Drug Interactions
- Beta-blockers: may impair the reversal of severe systemic reactions or anaphylaxis with epinephrine
- Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors: may potentiate the systemic effects of epinephrine used to treat allergic reactions
- Other allergen immunotherapies: concurrent administration increases the risk of systemic adverse reactions
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use