What is immunotherapy?
Allergy vaccines, or immunotherapy with allergen extracts, are considered by the scientific community to be the only treatment capable of altering the natural course of respiratory allergic diseases.1
The goal is to reduce hypersensitivity—that is, the exaggerated response to the substances that trigger it.
Immunotherapy is indicated for respiratory allergies (pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander) and hypersensitivity to hymenoptera venom (bees and wasps).
It involves administering increasing concentrations of an allergen—the substance that causes the allergy—until a maximum dose is reached, which can be maintained for a period of 3–5 years. Currently, administration regimens vary depending on the indication, the type of extracts, and the route of administration.
Because of the differences between the products, it is essential to understand and distinguish between the various types of immunotherapy available.
What are the benefits? 2
Allergy immunotherapy helps the body develop a tolerance to the administered allergens, which results in a reduction or elimination of the symptoms the patient experiences when naturally exposed to them. The gradual improvement in disease symptoms (sneezing, watery eyes, wheezing, or shortness of breath) leads to a reduced need for medications used to relieve or control them (antihistamines, eye drops, bronchodilators, etc.).
Effects Induced by Allergen Immunotherapy.
Short-termresponse (fewer symptoms, less need for medication).
Long-termresponse (the benefit persists for several years after discontinuation; in some cases, for life).
Disappearanceor marked reduction of allergicsymptoms.
Monitoring thenatural progression of allergicdisease:
– Onset of bronchial asthma in children with allergic rhinitis.
– Onset of new allergies.
What are the different types?
Information for Patients 4
 (Subcutaneous immunotherapy)
- It may cause local reactions around the injection site and, less frequently, general (systemic) reactions.
- It must be administered at a healthcare facility: clinic, health center, hospital, specialist’s office, etc. Never at the patient’s home. It is important to observe the intervals between injections as indicated in the package insert.
- It must be stored in the refrigerator (preferably in the refrigerator door). Do not freeze it (because it will become unusable and you will have to order a new one).
- Administration of the extract should be delayed in the following cases:
– asthma attack;
– fever or respiratory infection (cold with flu-like symptoms, such as malaise, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, or tremors);
– hepatitis, mononucleosis, active tuberculosis, or another similar infectious condition;
– if you have received a live-attenuated vaccine within the last 7–10 days. - If you have been prescribed another medication for a different condition, please let us know, as some medications are contraindicated when taking immunotherapy.
- It is recommended that you avoid physical activity for at least the next two hours.
- Immunotherapy is usually a long-term treatment: 3 to 5 years.
1. Tabar Purroy A.I., Serrano Delgado P., Beitia Mazuecos J.M., Núñez Acevedo B. Types of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy with allergens. In: SEAIC, AstraZeneca, eds. Review of Allergology. Vol. I. 2nd ed. Madrid; 2017. pp. 1195–1209.
2. Guardia MartÃnez P., Moreno Aguilar C. Allergy vaccines or immunotherapy. In: José Manuel Zubeldia, Mª Luisa Baeza, Ignacio Jáuregui, Carlos J. Senent. The BBVA Foundation’s Book on Allergic Diseases. 2nd ed. Bilbao: Editorial Nerea, S.A.; 2012. pp. 445–452.
3. SEAIC: Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (cited November 21, 2009). Available at: https://www.seaic.org/pacientes/procedimientos-terapeuticos
4. Immunotherapy follow-up chart. SEAIC (Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology)
