The Longevity Centres of America Now offers Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), also known as Allergy Drops. Schedule an Appointment to see if this non-invasive and convenient alternative to allergy shots is right for you.

What is Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)?

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), also known as Allergy Drops, is a form of immunotherapy that serves as an alternative to allergy shots and involves the placement of allergen extracts under the tongue. SLIT has been used for many years in Europe as an effective alternative to allergy shots and is currently undergoing approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The extracts that are used in preparing SLIT are the same extracts that are used in traditional allergy shots. These extracts are approved and closely monitored by the FDA. The difference is in the method of delivery. With SLIT, the extracts are placed under the tongue rather than administered with a shot.

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How is Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) Administered?

SLIT is typically administered by placing drops of allergen extract under the patient's tongue for usually one minute. The patient will then swallow the extract. Swallowing the extract has been proven more effective than not swallowing the extract.

The therapy is usually administered once daily for a period of 2-3 years, and most patients are able to self-administer the therapy themselves. Studies have measured the effectiveness of the SLIT treatment when given either before or during pollen season, both before and during pollen season, and year-round. We recommend continuous year-round treatment.

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How Does Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) Work?

Allergy symptoms are relieved when the allergen extract is introduced to the body in a way that does not cause the immune system of the gastrointestinal tract to overreact, as it would if the extract was simply swallowed. By placing the extract under the tongue, it is naturally absorbed and more readily tolerated by the body. A patient is then able to tolerate the symptoms of their allergies when exposed to the allergy source, such as airborne pollen or pet dander.

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Is Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) Safe? What are the Side Effects?

In studies over the past 10 years, SLIT has been well documented as a safe alternative to allergy shots. Fatal reactions have not been reported, and serious reactions are extremely rare.

Mild side effects, such as an itchy mouth, are common but usually resolve in time. Moderate side effects are rare, estimated to occur in 1 out of every 12,000 doses, and include:

• lip, mouth and tongue irritation

• itchy, red or swollen eyes

• nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and diarrhea

• sneezing, nasal itching and congestion

• asthma-like symptoms

• hives, itching and swelling of the skin

SLIT is so safe that patients usually treat themselves at home, with regular follow-ups at The Longevity Centres of America to monitor their response to the treatment.

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Is Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) Right for Me?

SLIT is the non-invasive, convenient alternative to allergy shots.

While allergy shots have been used for almost a century to successfully treat allergies, they must be administered in a physician's office, due to the risk of severe side effects. With SLIT, a patient can administer their own treatment. Unlike an invasive shot, SLIT is pain-free. The allergy drops do not have to be refrigerated and are easy to travel with, no matter where you go or how long you're away.

If you suffer with allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis or allergic asthma, you should consider SLIT as an alternative to allergy shots. Young children and older adults have been shown to respond well to SLIT. Pregnant women can continue SLIT during pregnancy, but as with all other allergy therapies, should not begin the therapy while pregnant. Patients with severe asthma may need to be closely monitored while on SLIT, as it can increase the symptoms of asthma.

Schedule an appointment with the physicians of The Longevity Centres of America to review your options and see if SLIT is right for you.

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