Grazax programe

[Irishboy]

Any1 on this for allergies?

[Irishboy]

Hey guys for anyone that has severe allergys to pollen that affects there asthma they should talk to ther doctor about the Grazax programs.

It's a new immunotherapy drug which has to be taken under the tongue everyday for at least 3 years to try and reduce there symptoms.

I'm on day 3 and there is quite a few side effects but they shud settle down in a few weeks.

Any questions just ask

[yaf_user681_30355]

I am really interested to hear anything about this irishboy! If I have one more really bad summer it is something I could ask my GP. Can a GP refer you for this?

[Hidden]

Im not allowed to have this due to the risks. Grazax contains tiny amounts of grass pollen extract (75,000 units) in sublingual tablets. My sister had this treatment in Surrey a few years ago. She did not have asthma though, just severe allergy to grass.

BNF info:

3.4.2 Allergen immunotherapy

Immunotherapy using allergen vaccines containing extracts of grass can reduce symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. An oral preparation of grass pollen extract (Grazax®) is also licensed for disease-modifying treatment of grass pollen-induced rhinitis and conjuctivitis. Those requiring immunotherapy must be referred to a hospital specialist for accurate diagnosis, assessment, and treatment.

Desensitising vaccines

In view of concerns about the safety of desensitising vaccines, it is recommended that they are used by specialists and only for the following indications:

seasonal allergic hay fever (caused by pollen) that has not responded to anti-allergic drugs;

Desensitising vaccines should generally be avoided or used with particular care in patients with asthma.

Desensitising vaccines should be avoided in pregnant women, in children under five years old, and in those taking beta-blockers (adrenaline may be ineffective in case of a hypersensitivity reaction), or ACE inhibitors (risk of severe anaphylactoid reactions).

The first dose of oral grass pollen extract (Grazax®) should be taken under medical supervision and the patient should be monitored for 20–30 minutes.

For details on the management of anaphylaxis, see section 3.4.3.

JF I think its only done in specialist centres unless its now become more widespread.

[Irishboy]

JF as far as iam aware it is only used in specialist centres and can only be prescribed by a team of consultant immunologists on a case by case basis. Although my asthma is brittle I have still been given the go ahead for this treatment i am very strictly monitored and have fortnightly reviews with resp nurse specialist and and I see my cons every 6 weeks .i can also call the resp ward 24:7 to come in if I feel unwel.i also have to carry 2 epipens and take 30mg of cetrizene with the grazax but I hope it will be worth it as pollen my my already brittle asthma 10 times worse and my medical team believes it's worth the risk.i heard thou it very expensive and not all hospital trust will fund it

[Hidden]

I was considered for this last year (and have also been considered for desensitisation injections in the past) but then they decided against it because I have too many allergies (both because of the risks and questions over the effectiveness). This was at a specialist allergy clinic. I was quite disappointed as it sounded promising.

[Hidden]

I just started Grazax aka Grastek in the USA. I'm about 2 weeks in and every morning under my tongue I get significant swelling reaction which makes it difficult to talk for an hour or two and then it settles down. My question is to those who have taken Grazax does the reaction (side effects) reduce over time to the point of no reaction or little reaction lets say 15 weeks down the road?

Any input greatly appreciated.

Thank you.