Can the effectiveness of allergy shots fade after quitting?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have tried allergy shots twice over the last two years and had to quit due to adverse effects both times. The first time in six months of shots, it had no noticeable impact. The second time, I quit it in eight months. The second time, I reached the maintenance dose for five injections.

My allergies have almost completely cleared up in just one month since hitting the maintenance dose. I have quit shots now, and I wonder how likely my allergies are to relapse given the duration of the shots I got.

How long will the effect of shots last?
Is it likely the allergy will return with the same intensity as before?

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your history and details regarding the allergy shots.

According to the allergen report (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), it is evident that you have a significant allergy to trees, grass, pollen, and dust mites. First, I would like to provide some information about allergy shots and then address your query.

Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, help your body become accustomed to allergens (the substances that trigger an allergic reaction). They are not a cure, but over time, your symptoms should improve, and you may experience fewer symptoms.

Immunotherapy is recommended if you have symptoms for more than three months a year and medications do not provide sufficient relief. The serum is prepared in various dilutions and is usually administered in increasing concentrations over a period of three to five years.

In your case, you mentioned that you received the treatment for only eight months, including the initial failed attempt. Therefore, it is likely that while your allergy symptoms may have initially improved, the inadequate duration of treatment has led to a relapse of symptoms. Additionally, you should consider whether any other medications or herbal supplements might be interacting adversely with the allergy serum.

I suggest discussing with your allergist the appropriate duration of therapy and the use of higher dilutions based on your allergy reports. Relapsed symptoms may resemble the previous ones but can sometimes be more severe and difficult to manage.

Typically, antihistamine tablets such as Levocetirizine, Loratadine, and Montelukast can help alleviate allergic reactions like itchy eyes, shortness of breath, or sore throat. If you experience stomach upset, antacid tablets or liquid can provide prompt relief. Minor allergic reactions such as redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site are common initially and should not be a cause for concern.

To summarize, I recommend that you consult with your allergist about extending the duration of therapy and consider higher dilutions for optimal results. Explore allergy shots from a different brand, as sometimes variations in dilution or combinations of allergens may affect effectiveness.

It is crucial to discuss these issues thoroughly with your treating allergist.

Take care.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Regarding your query, yes, it is very likely that the relapse of your allergy symptoms is due to the inadequate and suboptimal duration of the allergy shots. It is generally advisable to continue therapy for at least two to three years to develop a strong immunological response. This extended treatment helps to reduce the recurrence of allergic reactions.

With a suboptimal duration, you may experience initial improvement in symptoms, but without continued exposure, immunity may wane, leading to a return of similar or even more severe symptoms. Therefore, appropriate dilutions and the duration of allergy shots are crucial in determining the final effectiveness of immunotherapy.

I hope this clears your remaining doubts.

Thank you.