Anyone ever do allergy shots?

[Anonymous]

I’m exploring the idea of getting allergy shots to get rid of my seasonal allergies all together. After going to the Dr. I found out the shots are once a week for 2 years and then bi-weekly. That's a big commitment. Has anyone done this? Did it really work and did you think it was worth it in the end? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I opted for the allergy serum (same meds as the shots, they just dilute with a different liquid that is less bitter). Serum gets you to maintenance within 4 months. How mine work is I get them from the doctor (5 weeks worth), and week 1 I take one drop a day, under my tongue. Then 2 drops week 2, and 3 drops weeks 3-5. Then I go back and get a new bottle.

The only downside is insurance doesn't cover it, and my Dr. charges $100/bottle. It's not that bad, but if you don't have those funds available (in cash or through an HSA/FSA) stay with the shots. They are definitely a pain (literally), and your life will revolve around them for quite some time. I'd look into the serum if you can. I go to Otolaryngology Associates, and the allergist is based in Centreville.

I am allergy free after 5 months, and I was allergic to quite a bit!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I opted for the allergy serum (same meds as the shots, they just dilute with a different liquid that is less bitter). Serum gets you to maintenance within 4 months. How mine work is I get them from the doctor (5 weeks worth), and week 1 I take one drop a day, under my tongue. Then 2 drops week 2, and 3 drops weeks 3-5. Then I go back and get a new bottle.

The only downside is insurance doesn't cover it, and my Dr. charges $100/bottle. It's not that bad, but if you don't have those funds available (in cash or through an HSA/FSA) stay with the shots. They are definitely a pain (literally), and your life will revolve around them for quite some time. I'd look into the serum if you can. I go to Otolaryngology Associates, and the allergist is based in Centreville.

I am allergy free after 5 months, and I was allergic to quite a bit!

So one bottle lasts 5 weeks? Do you have to have a different bottle for each allergen, or are they combined into one serum? Just trying to get an idea of the cost as I don't thing I could make it to a clinic every week for shots.

[Anonymous]

Allergist Dr. T. Nsouli with offices in Burke, VA and DC/Watergate is a top-notch, as is his staff. I took shots (before pregnancy), and those helped a lot, though I didn't finish (due to pregnancy!). The vial of shot meds treats for several allergens. Sometimes you can take a break from the shots (if "life" demands this), and, providing your shots vial hasn't expired, you can resume later. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

The allergy serum would make me nervous though. At least with the shots you go to the drs office and sit for 30 minutes to make sure you do not have a reaction. If you get the serum, do you get an epipen jic?

Anyway, I had allergy shots about 8 years ago for about 2 years, and I thought they helped quite a bit. I am considering getting them again because I have developed allergies to different things - now mold instead of just pollen, cats and dust mites.