What is immunotherapy?
Allergy vaccines and immunotherapy with allergen extracts are considered by the scientific community to be the only treatments 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 among these 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 exposed to them naturally. 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.).
Side effects caused by allergen immunotherapy.
Short-termresponse (fewer symptoms, less need for medication).
Long-termresponse (persistence of the benefit for several years after discontinuation; in some cases, for life).
Allergicsymptomshave disappearedor significantly subsided.
Monitoring thenatural progression of allergicdisease:
– Onset of bronchial asthma in children with allergic rhinitis.
– Onset of new allergies.
What are the different types?
Information of Interest to the Patient 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 shivering);
– hepatitis, mononucleosis, active tuberculosis, or another similar infectious process;
– 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 indicate this, 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, editors. Review on Allergology. Tomo I. 2ª ed. Madrid; 2017. p. 1195-1209.
2. Guardia Martínez P., Moreno Aguilar C. Las vacunas contra la alergia o inmunoterapia. In: José Manuel Zubeldia, Mª Luisa Baeza, Ignacio Jáuregui, Carlos J. Senent. Libro de las enfermedades alergénicas de la fundación BBVA. 2.ª ed. Bilbao: Editorial Nerea, S.A.; 2012. p. 445- 452.
3. SEAIC: Sociedad Española de Alergología e Inmunología Clínica (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)
