Allergy drops are not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and therefore are considered an experimental therapy.
However, given the wealth of medical studies showing the safety and efficacy of allergy drops for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and allergic asthma, many allergists in the United States are offering this form of immunotherapy.
As such, people with allergies may now be given a choice between allergy drops and traditional allergy shots. Here are some comparison points that can help you choose the more appropriate treatment option.
Allergy Shots
Shots are administered in the allergy office once to twice a week for three to six months; then once to twice a month for three to five years. Allergy shots often start working within 3 to 6 months, but definitely within 12 months, depending on how often shots are given.
Allergy shots are generally safe but need to be given under healthcare provider supervision. Patients receiving allergy shots then need to be monitored for 20 to 30 minutes, given the small chance of a serious allergic reaction occurring.
Most medical insurance companies cover a significant amount of the costs of allergy shots, although co-payments and annual deductibles apply.
Allergy Drops
Drops are self-administered once daily under the tongue at home, most often for 3 to 5 years total. Some studies show that allergy drops start working within eight weeks of therapy; other studies show benefit may take one to two years to occur.
Allergy drops are extremely safe —no fatal events have ever been reported—but severe reactions have been reported in rare instances. Allergy drops can be self-administered at home without direct medical supervision. However, because there is still a risk of rare severe allergic reactions with sublingual immunotherapy, the prescribing healthcare provider will often prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector for personal use in the event of one of these rare occurrences.
Since allergy drops are not FDA approved, they are not covered by insurance. However, the cost of allergy drops may be offset by savings in terms of not having to spend time and travel costs to a healthcare provider’s office to receive allergy shots.
The Takeaway
The type and severity of allergy you have plays a significant role in the choice of treatment. Speak with your healthcare provider about whether drops or shots are better suited for your condition.
According to a 2012 review in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, allergy drops were as effective as shots in treating nasal allergies.
A Word From Verywell
Allergy shots and allergy drops are not your only options for treatment. There are also four sublingual allergy tablets approved by the FDA for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis. These tablets, called Oralair, Grastek, Ragwitek, and Odactra are only indicated for allergies caused by grass pollen, ragweed pollen, or dust mites.
