Understanding Allergy Drops and SLIT

Allergy Drops and Shots: Information for Bethesda, MD Residents

Understanding Two Approaches to Allergen Immunotherapy

Persistent sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy or watery eyes can interfere with sleep and everyday comfort. For some people with confirmed allergies, allergen immunotherapy may be considered as part of a treatment plan.

For residents of Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and the surrounding Washington metropolitan area, understanding allergy drops and shots can help support informed discussions with a qualified healthcare professional. This guide explains their differences, potential benefits, limitations, and risks.

What Is Allergen Immunotherapy?

Allergen immunotherapy involves repeated exposure to selected allergens with the goal of reducing the immune system’s sensitivity over time. It may help some patients experience fewer symptoms or reduce their need for allergy medications.

Treatment is selected based on symptoms, medical history, and clinically relevant allergy testing results. Improvement develops gradually, and individual responses vary. Immunotherapy does not guarantee complete or permanent relief.

What Are Allergy Drops?

Allergy drops are a liquid form of sublingual immunotherapy, or SLIT. The prescribed preparation is placed under the tongue according to a clinician’s instructions.

Drops may contain selected environmental allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Their suitability depends on the individual evaluation and the evidence supporting the proposed formulation.

Important FDA Approval Information

Customized liquid allergy drops are not FDA-approved for sublingual allergy treatment in the United States. They may be prescribed off-label under medical supervision.

Certain sublingual tablets are FDA-approved for specific grass pollen, ragweed pollen, and dust mite allergies. These tablets are different from liquid drops; their approval does not apply to customized drop formulations.

What Are Allergy Shots?

Allergy shots, also called subcutaneous immunotherapy, deliver selected allergens through injections beneath the skin.

Treatment usually includes a buildup phase with gradually increasing doses, followed by maintenance injections. The schedule depends on the treatment plan.

Shots may be used for certain environmental allergies and stinging insect venom allergies. They are not used to treat food allergies. Injections are administered in a medical setting, with observation afterward because serious allergic reactions are possible.

How Do Allergy Drops and Shots Differ?

A general comparison of allergy drops and allergy shots
Compare	Allergy Drops	Allergy Shots
Administration	Liquid placed under the tongue	Injection beneath the skin
Treatment setting	Usually at home under prescribed instructions	In a medical office
Typical schedule	Often daily	Buildup phase, then maintenance injections
FDA status	Customized drops are not FDA-approved for sublingual allergy treatment	Injectable extracts are FDA-regulated; approval varies by product
Time commitment	Consistent home dosing and follow-up	Regular visits and observation after injections
Insurance coverage	Often paid out of pocket	Varies by insurance plan

Treatment suitability, schedules, and costs depend on the individual evaluation and prescribed plan.

Convenience is only one consideration. Formulations, dosing, supporting evidence, medical history, and potential risks also matter when comparing options.

Potential Benefits and Limitations

For appropriate candidates, immunotherapy may reduce symptoms associated with selected allergens. However:

Improvement takes time.
Treatment requires consistent adherence.
Some patients continue to need medication.
Not every allergy or symptom responds to immunotherapy.
Drops and shots are not interchangeable treatments.

A clinician can explain the evidence supporting the specific option being considered and how treatment response will be assessed.

Risks and Safety Considerations

Allergy drops may cause mouth or throat irritation or gastrointestinal symptoms. Allergy shots may cause redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site. Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur with immunotherapy.

Supervision, observation, dosing, and emergency medication instructions depend on the treatment. A prescribing clinician can explain whether epinephrine is needed and what to do if a reaction develops.

Severe breathing difficulty, throat swelling, faintness, or signs of anaphylaxis require immediate emergency attention. Call 911.

Questions to Discuss With a Qualified Healthcare Professional

Before beginning immunotherapy, useful questions include:

Do the allergy testing results match the symptoms and exposure history?
Why is this treatment being considered?
Is the proposed product and route of administration FDA-approved?
What benefits and risks apply to the specific treatment?
What dosing, supervision, and follow-up are required?
How long might treatment continue?
What costs and insurance coverage apply?

Learning About Allergy Options in Bethesda, MD

For Bethesda-area residents, understanding allergy drops and shots can help prepare for a discussion about treatment options. A qualified healthcare professional can evaluate whether immunotherapy is appropriate and explain alternatives, including medications and reducing exposure to relevant allergens.

Learn more through the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s allergy shot guide and Johns Hopkins Medicine’s information about sublingual immunotherapy.

This page provides general educational information about allergy drops and shots and does not describe services available at Bethesda ENT and Sinus Center. It is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.

Allergy Drops and Shots: Information for Bethesda, MD Residents

Understanding Two Approaches to Allergen Immunotherapy

What Is Allergen Immunotherapy?

What Are Allergy Drops?

Important FDA Approval Information

What Are Allergy Shots?

How Do Allergy Drops and Shots Differ?

Potential Benefits and Limitations

Risks and Safety Considerations

Questions to Discuss With a Qualified Healthcare Professional

Learning About Allergy Options in Bethesda, MD

Bethesda ENT & Sinus Center

ADDRESS

PHONE

FAX

HOURS OF OPERATION

Quick Links

HOME

SINUS TREATMENT

ALLERGY MANAGEMENT

GENERAL ENT SERVICES

SLEEP & SNORING SERVICES

MEET OUR PROVIDERS

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT