OTC vs. Immunotherapy: Which Allergy Treatment Is Best?

Immunotherapy should not be prescribed for the immediate relief of allergy symptoms. As with other allergy immunotherapies, such as Subcutaneous (SCIT), Sublingual (SLIT) and Epicutaneous (EPIT), TdIT has the possibility of causing life-threatening allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. Patients prescribed immunotherapy should be prescribed an auto-injectable epinephrine device, and should be trained in proper use of that device. Allergy Immunotherapy (AIT) is contraindicated in certain types of conditions. Allergy Immunotherapy is a speciality and clinicians administering AIT should be familiar with contraindications, dangers, and further education may be necessary before prescribing SCIT, SLIT, EPIT or TdIT.  *TdIT has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not an approved route of administration for allergy immunotherapy.