Open LaboratoriesAllergy Care Education
Is It Safe?
side effects and severe reactions
Open’s method of immunotherapy has a strong track record of safety with its decades in practice around the world. With a low history of safety incidents, it is considered a safe allergy treatment as endorsed by the World Health Organization. However, there are risks to be aware of, including potential for severe, life-threatening allergic reactions.
Side Effects to Expect
Temporary side effects are uncomfortable but fortunately low-risk. Typical side effects can include:
- Itching in mouth/lips (most common)
- Temporary increase in allergy symptoms like congestion, coughing, sneezing
- Digestion problems like upset stomach, cramping, diarrhea
- Skin rashes including light hives
- Very rarely, headaches
Strategies to Reduce Side Effects
Be proactive with antihistamines
Take your antihistamine before treatment each day. As an added bonus, we include these for you in your package.
Don't miss a dose!
Taking your immunotherapy regularly as prescribed prevents negative effects of individual doses.
Proper nutrition
Eat well and drink plenty of water to help your body and immune system process the medicine.
Severe Reactions
Anaphylaxis is an emergency medical condition.
Severe reactions are extremely rare with sublingual immunotherapy but can lead to a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. You must know the symptoms and how to respond. Symptoms can include:
- Unusual swelling and/or tenderness at the administration site
- Swelling of the face and/or mouth
- Throat tightness
- Serious wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Serious, unusual nausea
- Dangerous drop in blood pressure and rapid heart rate
- Serious hives or itching of the skin
- Clammy skin
- Dizziness or faintness
- Collapsing or losing consciousness
These severe symptoms can indicate anaphylaxis, an emergency medical condition.
Most severe reactions occur within the first 30 minutes, but be watchful as severe reactions can happen at any time.
How to Respond to an Emergency
Dial 911
In the event of a medical emergency, always dial 911. State your location, where emergency responders can find you, and that you believe you are having a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Administer epinephrine
While waiting for emergency responders, inject an epinephrine auto-injector (aka EpiPen, Auvi-Q), if one is available.
Sit down
Sit the patient down on the floor with their back against a wall. This prevents injury if they lose consciousness and helps the body respond.
Takeaways:
- Open’s method of immunotherapy has a strong track record of safety, but there are risks to be aware of
- Side effects are common, but can be reduced by following strategies like taking an antihistamine and never missing a dose
- Anaphylaxis is an emergency medical condition. Its symptoms are severe and require you to Dial 911