New Ragweed Under the Tongue Pill Instead of Allergy Shots Recommended by FDA Panel

Yesterday, the FDA Allergenic Products Advisory Committee supported approval for a new sublingual allergy tablets (Ragwitek) that work the same way  allergy shots  do... but instead is dissolved under the tongue at home instead of a shot in the arm in a medical office. Given this is only a panel recommendation, final "official" FDA approval may not occur for another year or so for sale/distribution under prescription in the United States. Ragwitek is made by  ALK-Abello  and  Me…

1/29/2014 0

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Two New Sublingual Allergy Tablets Approved by FDA Advisory Committee

This week, the FDA Allergenic Products Advisory Committee unanimously supported approval for two new sublingual allergy tablets (Oralair and Grastek) that work the same way allergy shots do... but instead is dissolved under the tongue at home instead of a shot in the arm in a medical office. Although both tablets have been available in Europe for some time, final "official" FDA approval may not occur until end of 2014 (or later) for sale/distribution under prescription in the Unite…

12/13/2013 0

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Another Egg-Free Flu Vaccine Approved by FDA

First there was Flucelvax  introduced in 2012 and now there is Flublock , both considered egg-free for those concerned with egg allergy in traditional flu vaccines. Rather than being cultured in eggs, Flucelvax is cultured in mammalian cells and Flublock is grown in caterpillar cells injected by an insect virus containing the flu gene. Both vaccines are approved for use in people 18 years and older. Why the concern of egg-allergic patients with the traditional flu vaccine used to defend…

1/17/2013 1

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Egg Free Flu Vaccine Approved by FDA

Why the concern of egg-allergic patients with the flu vaccine used to defend against both seasonal and pandemic flu virus ? Traditionally, the flu shot vaccine (both H1N1 and seasonal) are grown inside eggs which is where this concern arises. It also doesn't help that the pre-flu shot questionnaire specifically asks about egg allergy. Though egg-based, during vaccine production the egg protein is filtered out such that there should be no egg contaminants in the final vaccine. However, i…

12/02/2012 0

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Is Flu Shot Safe for Patients With Egg Allergy?

It is the season for flu shots... and with that... we invariably get phone calls from patients asking whether it is safe to receive the flu shot if they are egg allergic. Generally speaking, the blunt answer is that it is safe... even if you have a life-threatening egg allergy. Why the concern? The flu shot vaccine (both H1N1 and seasonal) are grown inside eggs which is where this concern arises. It also doesn't help that the pre-flu shot questionnaire specifically asks about egg allerg…

10/09/2012 0

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Why Does EpiPen Have to be Injected into the Thigh?

As any severely food allergic patients know, when suffering from a potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reaction, they need to jab an epinephrine needle into the side of their thigh... But... why the thigh? Why not the arm like most other shots? Per AAAAI , there have been 3 anatomic sites investigated to determine which location offers the fastest systemic absorption of epinephrine when injected intramuscularly and/or subcutaneously. Intramuscular injection in the upper arm (delto…

4/20/2012 2

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Possible Novel Cure for Cat Allergy?

A research team in Canada has developed a possible cure for patients suffering from cat allergy using a novel type of allergy shot called peptide immunotherapy. To understand the significance of this development, one needs to understand how traditional allergy shots are made. Currently, allergy companies purify a protein called Fel d1 from cats and make a vial out of it. This purification process is like removing the corn kernels from a cornstalk to put into a can to sell at the supermark…

4/01/2011 0

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Home Allergy Shots

DISCLAIMER: This post is not meant to condone or promote allergy shots to be given at home. It is meant to promote discussion and make patients aware of the issues involved. Allergy shots , unlike medications like claritin and flonase , offer patients with significant allergies a way to potentially be cured of their misery without the need for daily medication use. However, there is a small, but substantial risk for anaphylaxis and even death with allergy shot administration. After all, a…

3/20/2011 0

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Allergy Shots in Britain Require a LONG Waiting Period Afterwards

I recently heard that one reason why allergy shots  are rare in England (and why sublingual "under-the-tongue" drops aka SLIT , are so common) is that British patients are required to wait under observation for anaphylaxis as long as ONE HOUR after each and every injection!!! In fact, initially the waiting period was as long as TWO HOURS when the British Committee for Safety of Medicines became alarmed with some deaths that followed allergy injections in 1986. Subsequently, the safe…

11/08/2010 0

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Egg Allergy and the Flu Shot

Several patients have called our office asking whether it is safe to receive the flu shot if they are egg allergic. Generally speaking, for most patients, the blunt answer is that it is safe. The flu shot vaccine (both H1N1 and seasonal) are egg-based from which this concern arises. It also doesn't help that the pre-flu shot questionnaire specifically asks about egg allergy. Though egg-based, most of the egg protein is filtered out such that there are no egg contaminants. However, it is …

10/10/2009 0

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New Webpage on How to Give Allergy Shots Properly

A new webpage has been created describing how to administer allergy shots correctly. Often, patients are not able to get their weekly injections at the allergy office and as such, have their shots given at a more conveniently located medical office. However, many medical offices are not completely familiar with how to give allergy shots since it is administered differently than most vaccines. Incorrect administration increases the risk of anaphylaxis which everyone wants to avoid. This webp…

2/28/2008 0

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