SLIT - Sublingual Immunotherapy

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), or "allergy drops," is a individualized treatment for allergies where small, incremental doses of an allergen are placed under the tongue to build tolerance and reduce symptoms. 

Sublingual immunotherapy, also called allergy drops, is similar to allergy shots. By gradually adjusting your dose, allergy drops help your body build tolerance to the substance(s) causing your allergies. The difference is that the antigen is placed under your tongue in a liquid drop instead of an injection.

The area under the tongue has the highest concentration of antigen/allergen presenting cells found anywhere in the body. This cell, called the dendritic cell, is the messenger that delivers antigens to the cells that enable allergic tolerance. By consistently delivering allergy drops to this cell daily, the body learns to tolerate things that cause allergic reactions.

Allergy Drop bottles with instruction sheet.

• How it works:

  SLIT involves exposing the body to gradually increasing amounts of an allergen (a substance that triggers an allergic reaction) in a prescribed manner.

• Mechanism:

  Over time, this repeated exposure helps the immune system to learn to tolerant the allergen, becoming less sensitive, leading to reduced allergy symptoms. 

• Delivery Method:

  SLIT is delivered through allergy drops which are placed under the tongue. 

• FDA-Approved Products:

  The FDA has approved specific SLIT therapies for certain allergens, including grass pollen and ragweed. 

• Alternatives to Allergy Shots:

  SLIT is an alternative to traditional allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT), which involve injections under the skin. 

• Effectiveness:

  SLIT is considered effective for treating allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and can also be used for asthma. 

• Food Allergies:

  While less common, SLIT can also be used for food allergies, where a food allergen is dissolved in a small amount of liquid and held under the tongue. 

Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) is recommend at three doses daily for 3-5 years. Treatment length may vary based on allergy severity and type, and how well people follow treatment guidelines. Many people feel better within a few months, but continuing treatment through all phases is necessary to help you stay symptom-free after your allergy drop treatment is complete.

Allergy drops work in three phases:

Phase 1: Initial Oral Tolerance (0-3 months)

In early treatment your body adjusts to allergy drops and symptoms begin to improve. Minor oral itching may occur early on and will decrease as tolerance begins.

Phase 2: Symptom Relief (3 months-2 years)

As symptoms decline, your immune system is adjusting toward allergen tolerance. Patients in this phase might feel tempted to stop treatment as they start to feel better, but it's important to continue for lasting relief. By finishing treatment, your body can learn long-term tolerance.

Phase 3: Long-term Tolerance (2-5 years*)

As symptoms continue to improve, your body increases its allergy tolerance. This long-term learning is needed for you to stay symptom-free long after treatment is done.

*Depending upon the severity of your allergies, your provider will monitor, adjust, and retest to determine the final length of treatment which varies between patients.

Allergy drops treat a broad range of allergies, including:

• Dust mites

• Mold

• Animals

• Foods

• Seasonal pollens: grass, trees, ragweed, sage, cedar, etc

Allergy drops have been used around the world for more than 100 years with many studies showing that they are safe and effective. You can treat your allergies without weekly injections and doctors visits, and avoid skin reactions that are common with allergy shots.

If you and your family suffer from increasing allergies every year, give allergy drops a try. Set up a consult to discuss how SLIT can help you recover and live allergy-free for years to come!