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Allergen immunotherapy is a treatment that repeatedly exposes a person to controlled amounts of a substance that triggers an allergic response. The goal is to reduce sensitivity and improve tolerance over time. Treatment can be given as injections under the skin or as approved tablets placed under the tongue. It is used for selected environmental and insect-venom allergies rather than for every type of allergy.
read more about allergen immunotherapy ...Allergen immunotherapy can reduce symptoms from allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and allergic asthma caused by specific allergens. Injection therapy is also used for serious allergy to stinging-insect venom. Sublingual tablets are available for certain pollens and dust-mite allergy, depending on the country and approved product. Treatment is considered when allergen exposure is confirmed and symptoms remain significant despite avoidance measures or medicines.
Immunotherapy changes how the immune system responds to a specific allergen. Repeated exposure can increase immune tolerance and reduce the inflammatory response that causes allergy symptoms. Benefits develop gradually rather than immediately. The treatment affects only the allergens included in the prescribed injections or tablets.
Allergy shots commonly begin with a buildup phase in which the dose increases over time, followed by maintenance injections at longer intervals. Treatment usually continues for several years when it is effective and well tolerated. Sublingual immunotherapy tablets are generally taken regularly at home after the first dose is given under medical supervision. Missed doses, illness, asthma symptoms, and reactions can require changes to the schedule.
Injection-site redness, swelling, and itching are common after allergy shots. Sublingual tablets can cause itching or irritation in the mouth and throat. Systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur, so treatment requires prescribed safety measures and access to emergency care. Uncontrolled asthma, certain heart conditions, pregnancy timing, and medicines such as beta blockers can affect whether treatment is appropriate.
It does not guarantee a permanent cure, but it can substantially reduce symptoms and medicine use for many patients. Some people continue to benefit after treatment ends.
Improvement can begin during the first year, but the timing varies. Maximum benefit commonly requires continued treatment over several years.
Both are forms of allergen immunotherapy, but they use different routes, schedules, and approved allergens. The safety instructions and suitability also differ.
Yes, although severe reactions are uncommon when treatment is properly selected and monitored. Patients should follow observation, epinephrine, and emergency instructions provided by their allergy specialist.
Allergy Immunotherapy. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https://acaai.org/allergies/management-treatment/allergy-immunotherapy/. Date Accessed August 5, 2026.
Allergen Immunotherapy: A Practice Parameter Third Update. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https://www.aaaai.org/Aaaai/media/MediaLibrary/PDF%20Documents/Practice%20and%20Parameters/Allergen-immunotherapy-Jan-2011.pdf. Date Accessed August 5, 2026.
Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy). American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https://acaai.org/allergies/management-treatment/allergy-immunotherapy/allergy-shots/. Date Accessed August 5, 2026.
Immunotherapy With Allergy Tablets. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https://acaai.org/allergies/management-treatment/allergy-immunotherapy/immunotherapy-with-allergy-tablets/. Date Accessed August 5, 2026.
ODACTRA Package Insert. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/media/103380/download. Date Accessed August 5, 2026.