Patient’s are placed on allergy shots for 3-5 years. With our standard protocol patient’s may come in 1-2 times a week to get their shot until they build up to their therapeutic dose (the top dose). Once reaching top dose patients come less often. Eventually patients receive shots only once a month.

Yes there is. We offer cluster immunotherapy (allergy shots). We have a protocol in place whereby you may go through a vial in one day. With this protocol people can reach their therapeutic dose in as soon as 3.5 weeks instead of several months.

Yes. Through evidence based medicine this has shown to be highly effective for hay fever and to help improve allergic asthma.

The most severe reaction that can occur when receiving biologics is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition which requires immediate medical attention. Some biologics should only be administered in a healthcare provider’s office where you can be closely monitored for symptoms of wheezing, shortness of breath, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, itching or hives. The risk of anaphylaxis is extremely low ranging from 0.09% to 0.2%.

We can work with your insurance company to see if you qualify for assistance based on your income. If you qualify, you may be eligible to receive biologics injections at a low cost.

Package inserts are available during your visit.

The IgG is prepared from the plasma collected from normal individuals who are screened to make sure they are healthy. The IgG collected is very safe because the donors must meet the criteria and strict guidelines enforced by the American Association of Blood Banks and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The IgG is purified and and the plasma is carefully tested for any infectious diseases.

Since the IgG administered may be metabolized by your own immune system, the source must be constantly replenished. Repeat doses are often required at regular intervals. Depending on how your body reacts to the IgG, you may need infusions weekly or as often as every 1 to 3 days. Each infusion session may last from 2 to 4 hours from start to finish. IgG therapy only replaces what is missing from the immune system and does not act to correct antibody production; therefore, patients may have to receive the infusions for a lifetime.

There are 2 methods for IgG injections: subcutaneous or intravenous. Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin therapy (SCIG) involves giving injections directly under the skin. Intravenous Immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG) involves giving injections into the vein. Depending on how you may react to the different types of injections, medical history, or insurance coverage the physician can discuss with you the best method.

You may receive the infusions at an outpatient clinic or even at your own home. We work with a third party infusion company and take into account you insurance coverage to provide you the best treatment options.

Many patients tolerate IgG infusions very well. Some common side effects include a low-grade fever, aching muscles, and headaches. Less often, patients may also experience local skin irritation and swelling that subside in 1-2 days.

Drug desensitization usually takes place in a hospital setting, typically the intensive care unit, for safety purposes. The drug is administered in escalating doses over the course of a few hours to even a full day. The patient is usually required to stay at the hospital overnight to monitor their vital signs.

The desensitization effect will only last as long as the patient is taking a daily dose of the medication.

Yes. A team, consisting of two consultant physicians—usually an allergist and pulmonologist—and an admitting physician, and specially trained nurses will monitor the patient closely during the drug desensitization process. The team is professionally trained to respond if the desensitization does trigger a life-threatening reaction.