SLIT tablets approved by FDA treat grass and ragweed pollens and house dust mites. Each SLIT tablet covers one type of allergen.
Allergy tablets may not be the best option for people with multiple allergies as they only treat one at a time. Allergy shots can treat multiple allergens at once.
Also, if you have severe or uncontrolled asthma, you are not eligible to take the tablet.
How is SLIT administered?
The first SLIT dose is always administered in the doctor’s office, similar to allergy shots. Ten patients can take the tablets at home. But epinephrine auto-injectors must be available in case of a severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis.
- Patients using SLIT tablets for grass and ragweed pollen should start taking them 4-12 months (depending on the tablet given) prior to the start of their pollen season. They should be taken throughout the entire pollen season, for best effectiveness. Tablets for certain grass pollens are available for children as young as 5 years old. Ragweed tablets are for patients 18-65.
- Patients using SLIT tablets for house dust mites should take them year-round. It can take 8-14 weeks of daily dosing to experience a noticeable benefit. The tablets are indicated for patients 18-65 years of age.
Another form of SLIT involves drops of liquid allergen extracts held under the tongue. This is not approved for use in the United States. The treatment is typically not reimbursed by health insurance.
How are SLIT tablets administered at home?
When taking a SLIT tablet at home, you place the tablet under the tongue. Then you old it there without swallowing for at least a minute. After taking the tablet, you can’t eat or drink anything for at least five minutes.
The tablet is highly allergenic, so it’s important to wash your hands after taking it. If you rub your eyes immediately after handling the tablet, you could risk an allergic reaction.
You need to be diligent about taking it on a daily basis. If you happen to miss too many days in a row, you need to contact your doctor. It can be dangerous to restart immunotherapy on your own.
If you’re a parent giving your child a SLIT tablet at home, make sure you watch the child for 30 minutes after giving the tablet. Keep epinephrine auto-injectors close by in case of a severe allergic reaction
© 2021 Allergy and Asthma Network
Last updated : 2/8/2021