Antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants, and similar “quick-fix” allergy treatments only last for so long. After a day or two, you’ll be back to square one, dealing with a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, or whatever your symptoms might be. It can be a vicious cycle.
So, you might find yourself looking into longer-lasting solutions, like allergy immunotherapy. This treatment offers promising, lasting results, so it might seem like a no-brainer. But if you’re working with a snug budget, it’s important to consider the cost of the treatment. So, how much are allergy drops? Let’s find out.
Allergy drops, also known as sublingual immunotherapy, are an innovative approach to managing allergies without the need for injections. These drops, placed under the tongue, gradually expose the body to small amounts of allergens to build tolerance and reduce allergic reactions over time. They are convenient, safe, and effective for both adults and children, offering a personalized alternative to traditional treatments. For parents managing allergies in young children, maintaining proper skin care routines is also crucial. Simple measures, such as using hypoallergenic diapers and creams, can go a long way in preventing diaper rash and keeping your baby comfortable.
What Are Allergy Drops?
Allergy drops are a type of allergy immunotherapy called sublingual immunotherapy. The treatment is designed to slowly reduce the body’s reactivity to a particular allergen through repeated exposure.
Sublingual means “under the tongue,” so allergy drops are administered underneath the tongue. Generally, it’s as simple as using the provided dropper to transfer the designated amount of the allergen liquid to your mouth. Your doctor or allergist will provide instructions for dosing and frequency.
How Do Allergy Drops Work?
Each type of allergy immunotherapy, including sublingual (allergy drops) and subcutaneous (allergy shots), works the same. To understand those workings, we need to grasp the basics of an allergy. In simple terms, an allergy is the immune system’s reaction to a foreign substance it deems harmful.
Your body produces antibodies, blood proteins that counteract a specific antigen, that react when you’re exposed to the allergen. They communicate with cells that release specific chemicals, triggering the symptoms you recognize as an allergic reaction.
So, to help with your allergy, the treatment slowly decreases the production of the “blocking” antibodies responsible for initiating that reaction. This process takes time, often requiring two to three years before the best results appear. In that time, your immune system has ample opportunity to build an allergen-specific tolerance.
That tolerance is what will help alleviate your allergy. With time and consistency, those microdoses of the allergen can help your body become less sensitive. You might even find you can be around the allergen without a significant allergic reaction!
Are Allergy Drops Effective?
Allergy drops can be incredibly effective in alleviating allergic symptoms. While they’re less common than subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy drops), they’re just as effective. Countless studies demonstrate this remarkable efficacy.
For example, one study took a closer look at both types of AIT and their long-term impact on allergic rhinitis. It found that both allergy drops and allergy shots are effective in offering clinical benefits and immunological changes indicative of an allergen-specific tolerance.
That is just one of the many resources out there. If you want to learn more about the research, different types of immunotherapy, or how this treatment can help with various allergies, you’ll have no shortage of materials.
How Much Do Allergy Drops Cost?
The cost of allergy drops can vary dramatically. It can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per year per person based on multiple factors.
Factors That Affect Costs
A couple of factors drive the cost of allergy drops.
First and foremost: you. Every person is different. Different allergies, varying severities, and different medical histories. So, the specifics of each treatment plan can vary drastically from one person to the next.
For example, you might need to take your allergy drops three times per week in the beginning, while someone else might only need one dose per week. Since you need more, you’ll pay more.
Second: the treatment provider you choose. Costs range from as little as $50 per month plus copays to several thousand dollars each year (hundreds of dollars each month). This cost variation is, in part, due to the treatment provider. Some offer more affordable and budget-friendly plans than others.
Third: health insurance coverage. Few health insurance policies cover allergy drops since FDA-approved options aren’t yet plentiful. While most cover allergy shots, the allergy drops coverage is still rather scant. However, a couple of providers may offer allergy drop coverage in a health insurance policy. Since health insurance coverage can greatly reduce costs, it’s worth checking if your provider covers allergy drops.
Managing Allergy Drop Costs
Keeping allergy drop costs in check doesn’t have to be a huge deal. With the right methods, you can manage your treatment costs, ensuring you get the treatment you need while remaining within budget.
First, check with your health insurance provider. They might not cover the treatment, but it doesn’t hurt to check (the worst they can say is no, right?).
Second, look for more affordable treatment providers. Plenty of providers offer budget-friendly options, such as affordable monthly costs or flexible payment plans. Sift through the options to find something that matches your budget.
Wrapping Up
Allergy drops can be pricey, but the price tag doesn’t have to be a barrier to entry. While the cost of allergy drops may seem daunting, there are strategies to manage and potentially reduce these expenses. Whether you check with your health insurance provider about coverage or explore affordable treatment programs, you can take proactive steps to make allergy drop treatment more accessible.
Of course, before you fully commit, remember to chat with your healthcare provider or allergist. They can help you choose the best type of allergy immunotherapy based on your needs, preferences, and budget.
