This medication is used to treat certain allergies that
may occur seasonally or year round. It is an extract of certain plant
pollens that can cause allergies. Before prescribing this medication, your
doctor must do lab/medical tests (such as skin or IgE tests) to learn what
you are allergic to. This pollen allergen extract works by making your body
less sensitive to the pollens (such as ragweed, grasses) that cause your
allergies. This medication will not work right away to relieve allergy
symptoms. When taken as directed, it may help relieve symptoms such as
sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, cough, or itchy/watery eyes that are caused by
allergies.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If
you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth without food as directed
by your doctor, usually once daily. With dry hands, remove one tablet from
the package just before taking. Place the tablet under the tongue and allow
it to dissolve for at least 1 minute before swallowing. Do not chew or
swallow the tablet. Do not eat or drink while the tablet is dissolving in
your mouth and for 5 minutes after taking it. Wash your hands after
handling the tablet.
If needed, an adult should help a child take this
medication properly. Watch the child for at least 30 minutes after each
dose to make sure the child does not have an allergic reaction to the
medication.
For some brands of this medication, your doctor may
direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase
your dose to reduce your risk of side effects. Follow your doctor's
instructions carefully.
Usually, your doctor will direct you to start taking
this medication about 4 months before the expected start of allergy season,
and keep taking it throughout the season. Use this medication regularly to
get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same
time each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Mild mouth/eye/ear/throat itching, throat
dryness/irritation, cough, mouth/tongue swelling, or mouth blisters may
occur, especially during the first few days of treatment. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- throat tightness/swelling
- trouble swallowing/breathing
- chest pain
- voice changes
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction (see also Warning Section).
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
See also Warning Section.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other allergen extracts; or if
you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive
ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to
your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- breathing disorders (such as asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease-COPD)
- heart problems (such as angina, irregular heartbeat, previous
heart attack)
- high blood pressure
- mouth irritation (such as due to cold sore, ulcer,
infection)
- a certain esophagus problem (eosinophilic esophagitis)
- previous allergic reaction
- other current allergy treatments (such as allergy shots,
other allergen extracts)
Before having surgery or a dental procedure, tell your
doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription
drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Your doctor or dentist
may direct you to temporarily stop treatment with this medication after
dental surgery or a procedure (such as tooth extraction). Ask your doctor
or dentist for details.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also Warning Section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others. It may harm
them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
Your doctor may direct you to also use other medications
for allergy symptoms or mild side effects (such as antihistamines, nasal
sprays for allergies). Ask your doctor for details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.