Optimal Dose of Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) for Allergic Rhinitis

Grass pollen tablets with an index of reactivity (IR) of 300 provided the best risk-benefit ratio for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) of seasonal allergic rhinitis in a recent study.

The study included 628 adults with grass pollen allergic rhinoconjunctivitis who were randomized to receive standardized 5-grass pollen extract as SLIT daily. Treatment began 4 months prior to the expected pollen season and continued during the season. Both the 300-IR and 500-IR doses of SLIT improved symptoms compared to placebo.

Adverse events led to discontinuation of treatment in 5.2%, and 6.9% of patients in the 100-IR, 300-IR and 500-IR groups, respectively. No serious side effects were seen.

References:
Optimal Dose of Sublingual Immunotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis Identified. Medscape, 01/2008.
J Allergy Clin Immunol 2007;120:1338-1345.
Talking Points on Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) for Physicians Practicing in the United States. ACAAI.

Sublingual immunotherapy is an extremely complex issue in the U.S. - AAAAI http://goo.gl/wVOKr

Timothy grass allergy immunotherapy tablets safe and effective in American children with allergic rhinitis http://goo.gl/tsKL4

Efficacy and safety of timothy grass allergy immunotherapy tablet treatment in North American adults - it works. http://goo.gl/ePOFG
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