Allergy Shot FAQ's
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What pre-meds are required for the Conventional schedule? When do I need to take pre-meds?
● Antihistamines as zyrtec, allegra, Claritin x2, Loratidine x2, Clarinex, Xyzal● Epi-pen or Auvi-q● Pt must take at least 1 hour prior to allergy shot
What pre-meds are required for the Cluster schedule? When do I need to take pre-meds?
● Antihistamine and Singulair (generic is called Monteulast)● -Epi-pen or Auvi-Q● Patient must take at least 2 hour prior to cluster appointment.
What happens if I don’t take pre-meds or bring epi-pen/auvi-Q?
● Rescheduling appointment is a possible outcome.● We can offer liquid Zyrtec, however you will have to wait the required time prior to the administration of your allergy injection.● Singulair/ Montelukast can be offered, however there is a required wait time before allergy injection.● Loaners for Epi-pen/Auvi-Q may be available. Ask injection nurse about availability.
How long will it take to reach maintenance dose if I am on a conventional schedule? (varies from patient to patient)
● Aggressive schedule can take up to 25 weeks if you come in once a week.● Slow/Asthmatic schedule can take up to 39 weeks if you come once a week.● You can come in as soon as 3 days to build up quicker.
How long will it take to reach maintenance dose if I am on the cluster schedule? (varies from patient to patient)
● Regular Cluster- 8 total clusters and (1) weekly build up injection to reach maintenance.● Slow Cluster- 7 total clusters and (4) weekly build up injections to reach maintenance.
How will I know what schedule I am going to be on?
Your provider will review skin test results and determine which build up protocol is best for you. Your availability may be a factor.
What happens if I am late for an allergy injection?
● You will receive a “missed dose adjustment schedule” at your initial injection.● If you go greater than 45 days without an injection you are required to be seen by a provider for a dose adjustment and to discuss the importance of staying on schedule.
When can I get an injection?
● Conventional: 7:00AM-5:30PM (WALK-INS)● Cluster: 7:00AM-3:30PM (MUST HAVE AN APPOINTMENT)
When I start my injections, how often will I need to see my provider?
Typically, every 6 months to discuss progress and refill medications.
How long will I be on allergy shots?
● Skin test one year after meeting maintenance dose● This helps determine the progress and duration of allergy injections● The provider will revise extract order to accommodate any adjustments for serum
What happens when I finish the serum and it is not time to skin test yet?
We monitor your serum and have you sign a remix form prior to running out.
What is a REMIX?
It is a refill on current extract order.
What will happen with a REMIX on my dosage and frequency?
You will be decreased a few doses and frequency will be every 3-14 days until reach maintenance dose. Patient will be able to go back to monthly once reaches maintenance dose.
Why will I have to be decreased after a remix?
The protein from allergens breaks down and is more concentrated when serum is freshly made. This will minimalize risk of reactions. Your safety is our priority.
If I am having increased allergy symptoms in a specific season, what do I need to do and why?
● You will need to come in more often for extra protein.● It varies on what is pollinating in different seasons and what patient is most allergic too.
What are the symptoms I should be aware for a reaction (anaphylaxis)?
● Chest tightness● Severe wheezing● Coughing● Shortness of breath● Throat tightness● Hives● Flushing● Lightheadedness, and/or severe abdominal cramping.
How will I know how to use my Epi-pen or Auvi-Q?
We will train you and you will also receive a epi/auvi trainer with prescription.
What is the expected side effect of allergy injections?
● Swelling, redness, warmth, tenderness and/or pain around the injection site● This is called a local reaction.
What can I do for a local reaction?
● Ice injection site (20 minutes at a time)● Take Benadryl every 4-6 hours as needed or may repeat another antihistamine.● Take Ibuprofen, Motrin or Tylenol to reduce swelling/ pain● Elevate the arm that is having a reaction
Can I workout or do any strenuous activities after my injections?
Any time you do strenuous activities after an injection it may increase the risk of a reaction, however we haven’t seen many cases of this.
What if I have a reaction when the clinic is closed?
We always have a provider on-call.ON-CALL NUMBER: 405-225-0238
What if I am sick, should I still come for allergy shot?
We recommend you wait if you have severe asthma symptoms, running fever, or any severe illness. Always call the office so we can note how you are feeing to determine if you need to wait on your injection.
How long do I have to monitored after my allergy shot?
● Conventional 30 minutes (WALK-INS)● All clusters are 90 minutes appointments.-( MUST BE SCHEDULED)● There is always a slight risk that you could have a serious reaction to your allergy injection, no matter how ling you have been on injections. Since serious reactions can be life-threatening, a provider should be readily available. If you do not have time to wait after your injection, please do not come for your shot that day. It is better to come another day when you have the time to stay.
Why can’t I give the injections to myself at home?
Allergy injections contain potent doses of allergens to which you are allergic. No matter how long you have been on allergy injections, the potential always exists for you to have a serious (and possibly even life-threatening) allergic reaction to the shot. Therefore, you must receive your injections in a physician’s office where emergency treatment is immediately available.