Apr 30, 2008 4:23 pm US/Eastern
Study Looks At New Way To Administer Allergy Meds
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Many people who have seasonal allergies opt to undergo a series of allergy shots to reduce their symptoms. Now a new study shows there may be a convenient and less painful alternative.
Joe Craighead suffers from bad allergies, especially in the spring, but he's now trying to combat the miserable condition with drops every day. He takes two drops under his tongue and holds for two minutes, and then swallows. He says this is a better way to treat his allergies. "It's much better than getting a shot and also, you can do it at home."
Craighead is taking part in a clinical trial run by allergist Dr. Hal Nelson. The drops are designed to work the same way as shots by gradually exposing the body to things like pollens to help build immunity.
Allergy drops aren't new. They've been used for several years in Europe. All combat just one allergy, but folks in the U.S. tend to be sensitive to a number of things, so Nelson tests drops that cover 10 allergic conditions. "I think it would be a wonderful thing for a lot of people."
The allergy drops have been approved by the FDA and Dr. Nelson believes within three years, they will be on the market for single allergies.
His study, slated to end in July, will tell if drops for multiple allergies will be effective as well.
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