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All allergy injection patients are required to carry an EpiPen (or EpiPen Jr.) in the event of an anaphylactic (severe allergic) reaction. You are to only use
your EpiPen for a systemic (severe) reaction such as: generalized itching, your throat swelling and/or you are unable to breathe. If you ever have to use your EpiPen, you
are to see a physician immediately. If we are open, please come in to see us if you are not far away or call us with any questions. If you do not have an EpiPen, please
request a prescription for one from a nurse.
Wait 30 minutes after your allergy injection! The reason we ask for this is because if you were to have a systemic (severe) reaction to your injection, it will most
likely occur within the first 30 minutes after the shot. There is a small risk for this since we are giving you what you are allergic to. The allergy injections are stimulating
your immune system to produce the antibodies needed to help your body become immune to your allergies, therefore there is a risk for a reaction.
What is considered a reaction to my allergy shot? Any increased allergy or asthma symptoms within the first 24 hours of receiving an injection(s) should be reported to the
nurse giving the shots. Swelling, redness, watery eyes, swelling of the face or eyes, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and/or hives may also be possible significant side
effects from the allergy injection(s). It is normal and common for you to have itching at the site of your injection(s), but it should not become swollen larger than the size of
a half-dollar – if this happens, inform the injection nurse so that we can adjust your dosage for your next visit in hopes of avoiding these reactions. Taking an antihistamine
prior to your allergy shot(s) can help reduce the likelihood of these reactions. Some people are more sensitive to the injection and will take longer to build up to maintenance – this is okay.
Please inform the allergy shot nurse if you have any medication changes, if you are on a beta-blocker (heart or migraine medicine), or become pregnant.
If you have asthma and are wheezing, have shortness of breath, and/or are coughing on the day of your injection, you cannot receive an allergy injection. If you are sick it is also advised that
you skip your allergy shot. If you have questions about whether or not you are able to receive your injection, please ask the injection nurse.
All patients currently receiving allergy injections are required to make a follow up appointment at least every 6 months to 1 year with your physician here. This is
for evaluation and if needed to adjust your dosage. If your last allergy skin test was over 5 years ago, and you would like to continue with your injections, please make an
appointment to be re-tested.
Please be considerate while in the waiting room. If you have small children, please make sure they are not screaming and running around so that the other patients can hear
their names being called.
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After you have completed the build up phase of allergy injections, you have reached the maximum dose and what is called maintenance therapy. From now on you will be receiving the same dose each time you get an injection. |
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The following is the maintenance schedule for your allergy injections:
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- Once every other week for 3 times
- If you are not having any problems, then once every 3 weeks for 3 times
- If you are still doing okay, then once every 4 weeks
- This interval can be cut back to every 2 weeks, or every week in some cases, during your bad allergy season(s).
- If you are sick or having increased asthma symptoms, please wait on your injection until you start felling better. If you are not sure about this, you may call our office and speak to an injection nurse.
- It is very important that you receive the injections at least every 4 weeks to maintain your body’s immune system. If you go longer in between each injection, we will need to cut the dose down in order to prevent a reaction.
- The injections are usually maintained for 3-5 years before a reevaluation is necessary. If you feel your allergies are not well controlled, speak with your physician here.
- The physician would like to consult with you every 6-12 months to evaluate how you are doing. If you are having any problems at any time, please make an appointment.
- If you have any questions regarding the maintenance schedule, please ask an injection nurse.
- When a new vial is made, your dosage will be cut back in order to prevent a reaction since the antigen will be more potent. You will need to come back within 2 weeks for 2 times to reach your maintenance dose once again.
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