Meher S. Khan MD 146 Montgomery Avenue Suite #200 Bala Cynwyd PA 19004 Office (610)668-0836 Fax (610)668-7922 Website: www.allergymomMD.com Sublingual Immunotherapy SLIT II Common Questions (and Answers) We take the treatment of allergies (including food, mold and seasonal allergies) and asthma treatment very seriously, and we are committed to providing our patients expert care in allergy and asthma treatment. It’s no secret that asthma and allergy symptoms appear to be on the rise, and because of this, we’re more committed than ever to providing comprehensive treatment of these potentially serious conditions. One highly effective treatment for allergies is allergy drops, or Sublingual Immunotherapy or SLIT which is At Home Therapy, not shots in the doctor’s office. What is the difference between Sublingual Immunotherapy and traditional allergy treatments? Unlike traditional allergy treatments which are administered in a doctor’s office by injection, Sublingual Immunotherapy drops are taken at your convenience at home. With Sublingual Immunotherapy there are no shots. Just use the drop dispenser to place the required drops under your tongue. Are Sublingual Immunotherapy Drops safe? YES. In fact, they are safer than traditional allergy shots. This form of allergy treatment has been used in Europe for the last 60 years. How long does it take for the drops to work? After one month most patients report a 50% reduction in symptoms. By 6 to 9 months patients notice near complete resolution of symptoms. Meanwhile, patients receiving shots do not report any significant symptom relief until one year into therapy. Who can be treated with allergy drops Adults and children as young as 2 years old. What illnesses can be treated? Allergy drops will eliminate allergy symptoms and asthma triggers Meher S. Khan MD 146 Montgomery Avenue Suite #200 Bala Cynwyd PA 19004 Office (610)668-0836 Fax (610)668-7922 Website: www.allergymomMD.com in children and adults. They have also been proven to prevent the development of asthma in susceptible children. In fact, the National Institutes of Health recommends immunotherapy for many patients with asthma and World Health Organization promotes allergy drops to prevent asthma in children. Are there any side effects to the treatment? There are no serious side effects. In over 60 years of use in Europe, the most common side effect is tingling under the tongue. Rarely, mild to moderate wheezing occurred. Unlike treatment with shots, there are no reported cases of anaphylaxis. Is there a taste to Sublingual Immunotherapy Drops? There is slight sweet taste. How often do I take Sublingual Immunotherapy Drops? Once daily for 5 years. Individual treatment may vary. After 5 years, most patients can stop the drops without developing recurrent symptoms. What type of allergies can be treated by Sublingual Immunotherapy Drops? Sublingual Immunotherapy treats allergies caused by dogs, cats, grasses, weeds, trees, dust mites and mold. What types of allergies cannot be treated? Sublingual Immunotherapy cannot be used to treat allergies caused by foods or stinging insects. Are Sublingual Immunotherapy Drops covered by insurance? Most insurance companies do not cover Sublingual Immunotherapy Drops. How will I be billed for my Sublingual Immunotherapy Drops? You will be billed annually, semi-annually or quarterly.