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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first sublingual (under the tongue tablet) allergen extract called Oralair. This is for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), with or without conjunctivitis (eye itching, swelling, redness, puffiness), that is caused by grass pollens. It is approved for people aged 10 to 65 years old.

This once-daily tablet rapidly dissolves after it is placed under the tongue. It should be started 4 months before the start of the grass pollen season and continued throughout the season. The first dose is taken in our allergy office, where the patient is observed for at least 30 minutes for potential adverse reactions. Additional daily doses can be taken at home!

The tablet contains a mixture of freeze-dried extracts from the pollens of 5 grasses, including Kentucky Blue Grass, Orchard, Perennial Rye, Sweet Vernal, and Timothy. These are the common “Northern Prairie Grasses” found in Montana.

The safety and effectiveness of the sublingual therapy was evaluated in studies in the US and Europe, involving about 2,500 people. Some patients received the allergen extract and others received placebo (sugar pill). Patients reported their symptoms and additional medications needed to get through the allergy season. During treatment for 1 grass pollen season, patients taking the grass tablet experienced a 16% to 30% reduction in symptoms and the need for medications compared with those who received a placebo. That is great news!

The prescribing information includes a warning that severe allergic reactions (such as anaphylaxis) can occur and a medication guide for distribution to the patient. The risk of such a severe reaction is very low.

The most common adverse reactions reported by adults were itching in the ears, mouth, and tongue, as well as swelling of the mouth and throat irritation. In children, the most commonly reported adverse reactions were itching and swelling in the mouth and throat irritation.

For more information from the FDA go to: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm391458.htm

At Family Allergy & Asthma Care of Montana, we provide our patients with the latest information and options for treating their allergies. With this new break though treatment, our patients who don’t like needles, have an alternative!

This information is solely for informational purposes and not intended as a substitute for consultation with a medical professional.