Allergy Drops vs GRASTEK: Which Treatment Works Better?

What Are Allergy Drops and How Do They Work?

Allergy drops are a form of sublingual immunotherapy that works by placing small doses of allergens under the tongue to gradually desensitize your immune system. They train your body to stop overreacting to specific allergens through regular exposure to controlled amounts of these substances.

Sublingual Immunotherapy Mechanism

The mechanism involves absorbing allergen extracts through the tissues under your tongue, where specialized immune cells process them differently than inhaled allergens. Your immune system gradually shifts from producing allergy-causing antibodies (IgE) to protective antibodies (IgG4) that block allergic reactions. This process typically takes several months of consistent daily dosing to achieve noticeable symptom reduction.

Types of Allergy Drops Available

Custom-formulated allergy drops can treat multiple allergens simultaneously, including pollens, dust mites, pet dander, and molds. These personalized treatments are prescribed based on your specific allergy test results and can address numerous allergens in a single daily dose. Unlike FDA-approved tablets that target single allergens, compounded drops offer broader coverage for patients with multiple sensitivities.

What Is GRASTEK and How Does It Work?

GRASTEK is an FDA-approved sublingual immunotherapy tablet specifically designed to treat Timothy grass pollen allergies through daily dissolution under the tongue. It contains standardized Timothy grass pollen extract that gradually builds your immune system's tolerance to grass pollen over time.

GRASTEK as Sublingual Tablet Therapy

GRASTEK works similarly to allergy drops but comes in a pre-measured tablet form that dissolves rapidly under your tongue. The tablet delivers a consistent dose of 2,800 BAU (Bioequivalent Allergy Units) of Timothy grass pollen extract daily. Patients must take their first dose under medical supervision due to potential allergic reactions, then continue treatment at home for the remainder of the therapy period.

FDA Approval and Standardization

The FDA approved GRASTEK in 2014 for treating grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis in patients aged 5 through 65 years. Unlike custom allergy drops, GRASTEK offers standardized dosing that ensures consistent allergen exposure across all patients. This standardization provides predictable treatment protocols but limits flexibility for patients who need multiple allergen coverage or dose adjustments based on their specific sensitivity levels.

Which Allergies Can Be Treated with Allergy Drops vs GRASTEK?

Allergy drops can treat multiple allergens including trees, grasses, weeds, dust mites, mold, and pet dander, while GRASTEK only treats Timothy grass pollen allergies. This fundamental difference makes allergy drops more versatile for patients with multiple environmental allergies requiring comprehensive treatment.

Allergy Drops Coverage

Allergy drops offer customized treatment for a broad spectrum of environmental allergens tailored to your specific sensitivities. Your allergist can formulate drops containing multiple allergen extracts based on your allergy test results, addressing various triggers simultaneously. Common allergens treated with drops include:

• Tree pollens: oak, birch, cedar, maple, elm • Grass pollens: Timothy, Bermuda, Kentucky bluegrass, rye • Weed pollens: ragweed, sagebrush, pigweed • Indoor allergens: dust mites, cat dander, dog dander, mold spores

GRASTEK for Grass Pollen

GRASTEK exclusively targets Timothy grass pollen allergies and cross-reactive grass species within the same botanical family. While Timothy grass extract provides some cross-protection against related grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and orchard grass, it won't address tree or weed pollen allergies. Patients with multiple environmental allergies beyond grass pollen would need additional treatments alongside GRASTEK to achieve comprehensive allergy relief.

How Do You Take Allergy Drops vs GRASTEK?

Both allergy drops and GRASTEK are taken sublingually at home, but allergy drops require daily liquid doses under the tongue while GRASTEK involves dissolving a tablet under the tongue once daily. The first dose of each treatment should be administered under medical supervision to monitor for reactions.

Allergy Drops Administration

Allergy drops are placed under the tongue using a dropper or dispenser, typically requiring 2-4 drops held for 1-2 minutes before swallowing. Most patients take their drops once or twice daily, preferably at the same time each day to establish a routine. The drops should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain potency and can be taken with you when traveling using a cooler pack.

GRASTEK Administration

GRASTEK tablets must be removed from the blister pack with dry hands and immediately placed under the tongue where they dissolve within 10 seconds. Patients should avoid swallowing for at least one minute and shouldn't eat or drink for five minutes after taking the tablet. Key administration requirements include: • Start treatment 12 weeks before grass pollen season • Continue daily throughout the season • Store tablets at room temperature in original packaging

Treatment Duration for Each Option

Allergy drops typically require 3-5 years of consistent daily treatment to achieve lasting immunity, though some patients notice improvement within 3-6 months. GRASTEK follows a similar timeline, with FDA approval for three consecutive years of treatment to maintain effectiveness. Both treatments work by gradually desensitizing your immune system, and stopping treatment prematurely may result in symptoms returning.

What Are the Side Effects of Allergy Drops vs GRASTEK?

Both allergy drops and GRASTEK commonly cause mild oral reactions like itching or swelling under the tongue, but allergy drops generally have fewer side effects. GRASTEK may cause throat irritation and ear itching more frequently, while serious allergic reactions are rare with both treatments when properly administered.

Common Side Effects

Allergy drops side effects typically include: • Mild itching or tingling under the tongue (usually resolves within minutes) • Temporary mouth or lip swelling • Mild stomach upset in sensitive individuals • Throat irritation during the first week of treatment

GRASTEK users frequently experience oral itching affecting up to 26% of patients, along with throat irritation in 22% of cases. Additional GRASTEK side effects include ear itching, mouth swelling, and tongue discomfort that may persist for several weeks. Most side effects with both treatments occur during the first month and decrease significantly as your body adjusts to the medication.

Safety Profile Comparison

Allergy drops demonstrate an excellent safety record with millions of doses administered worldwide and minimal reports of severe reactions. GRASTEK carries a black box warning requiring an epinephrine auto-injector prescription due to potential severe allergic reactions, though these remain uncommon. The risk of anaphylaxis is approximately 1 in 1 million doses for allergy drops compared to slightly higher rates with sublingual tablets like GRASTEK.

How Effective Are Allergy Drops vs GRASTEK?

Both allergy drops and GRASTEK effectively reduce allergy symptoms by 30-40% on average, with some patients experiencing up to 80% improvement. Clinical studies show comparable efficacy between the two treatments, though allergy drops can address multiple allergens simultaneously while GRASTEK only targets grass pollen allergies.

Comparative Efficacy Studies

Research demonstrates that customized allergy drops achieve symptom reduction rates similar to GRASTEK's published results of 20-30% improvement in grass allergy symptoms. Key efficacy findings include: • Allergy drops reduce medication use by 40-50% after one year • GRASTEK shows 18-28% symptom improvement during peak grass season • Both treatments maintain benefits for 2-3 years after discontinuation

Patient response varies significantly, with some experiencing relief within 3-6 months while others require a full year of treatment. Children often respond particularly well to allergy drops, showing improvement rates comparable to or exceeding adult outcomes. The ability to treat multiple allergens simultaneously gives allergy drops a practical advantage for patients with diverse sensitivities beyond grass pollen.

Grass Pollen Subcutaneous AIT vs SL-AIT

Studies comparing subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) shots to sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) like GRASTEK reveal similar effectiveness for grass pollen allergies. SCIT typically achieves 30-50% symptom reduction while SLIT ranges from 20-40%, with both methods proving superior to symptomatic treatments alone. The convenience and safety profile of sublingual options often outweigh the slightly higher efficacy rates seen with traditional allergy shots for many patients.

What Is the Cost Difference Between Allergy Drops and GRASTEK?

GRASTEK typically costs $300-400 per month with insurance coverage, while allergy drops range from $100-250 monthly without insurance assistance. The total treatment cost over three years averages $10,000-14,000 for GRASTEK versus $3,600-9,000 for customized allergy drops, making drops generally more affordable.

Insurance Coverage

GRASTEK often receives insurance coverage as an FDA-approved medication, with most plans covering 50-80% of costs after deductibles. Coverage variations include: • Commercial insurance typically covers GRASTEK with $75-150 monthly copays • Medicare Part D may cover GRASTEK under specific formulary tiers • Allergy drops rarely receive insurance coverage due to off-label compounding status

Manufacturer assistance programs for GRASTEK can reduce copays to $20-40 monthly for eligible patients. Some flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) reimburse allergy drop expenses when prescribed by physicians. Prior authorization requirements often delay GRASTEK coverage approval by 2-4 weeks.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Without insurance, GRASTEK costs approximately $400-500 monthly, totaling $14,000-18,000 for the recommended three-year treatment duration. Allergy drops range from $100-250 monthly depending on the provider and allergen complexity, resulting in $3,600-9,000 total costs. Additional expenses for both treatments include initial allergy testing ($200-500) and follow-up appointments ($100-200 per visit).

Who Is a Good Candidate for Allergy Drops vs GRASTEK?

Good candidates for GRASTEK are patients aged 5-65 with confirmed grass pollen allergies seeking FDA-approved treatment, while allergy drops suit patients with multiple allergen sensitivities, needle phobia, or those requiring customized formulations. Both options work best for patients committed to daily long-term therapy.

Patient Selection Criteria

Ideal grastek candidates include: • Patients with moderate to severe grass pollen allergies confirmed by testing • Those who prefer FDA-standardized treatment protocols • Individuals with insurance coverage for prescription medications

Allergy drops better serve patients with multiple environmental allergies beyond grass pollen, including tree pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold. Patients experiencing persistent eye symptoms alongside nasal congestion often benefit from comprehensive allergy drop formulations addressing various triggers simultaneously. Those unable to visit allergists frequently appreciate the convenience of home-based allergy drop administration without mandatory medical supervision.

Age Considerations

GRASTEK has FDA approval for patients aged 5 through 65 years, with clinical trials demonstrating safety and efficacy within this age range. Children under 5 and adults over 65 require careful evaluation before starting GRASTEK due to limited safety data. Allergy drops offer greater flexibility for age groups outside GRASTEK's approved range, with some providers treating children as young as 2 years old.

Live Allergy-Free with Wyndly

If you want long-term relief from your allergies, Wyndly can help. Our doctors will help you identify your allergy triggers and create a personalized treatment plan to get you the lifelong relief you deserve. Start by taking our quick online allergy assessment today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do allergy drops work as well as allergy shots?

Yes, allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy) work as effectively as allergy shots for most patients. Studies show both treatments reduce symptoms by 30-40% and decrease medication needs. Drops offer the convenience of at-home administration with fewer side effects, though shots may work slightly faster for severe allergies.

What is the most effective treatment for dog allergies?

Immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) is the most effective long-term treatment for dog allergies, addressing the root cause rather than just symptoms. For immediate relief, antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and avoiding direct contact with dogs help manage symptoms. Consult an allergist for personalized treatment options.

What is the success rate of allergy drops?

Allergy drops have a success rate of approximately 80-85%, with most patients experiencing significant symptom reduction within 3-6 months. Clinical studies show that sublingual immunotherapy effectively reduces allergy symptoms and medication use in the majority of patients who complete the full treatment course.

What are the side effects of Grastek?

Grastek's common side effects include throat irritation, oral itching, ear itching, tongue swelling, and mouth swelling. Some patients experience nausea, throat tightness, or upper respiratory reactions. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible. Most side effects occur within the first few days of treatment and typically decrease over time.

What are the symptoms of allergy drops?

Allergy drops can cause mild side effects including itching or tingling in the mouth, throat irritation, mild swelling of the lips or tongue, and stomach upset. Most symptoms are temporary and resolve quickly. Severe reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention if breathing difficulties occur.

Which allergy med has the fewest side effects?

Second-generation antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra) typically have the fewest side effects. They cause less drowsiness than first-generation options and have minimal interactions. Fexofenadine is often considered the least sedating, though individual responses vary. Consult your doctor for personalized recommendations.

Is Grastek worth it?

Grastek can be worth it for people with moderate to severe grass pollen allergies who haven't found relief with standard medications. It offers long-term symptom reduction and may decrease the need for daily allergy medications. However, effectiveness varies by individual, and costs should be weighed against potential benefits.

Are allergy drops better?

Allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy) offer advantages like at-home administration, no needles, and lower risk of severe reactions compared to shots. However, "better" depends on individual needs. Drops may be ideal for needle-phobic patients or those with busy schedules, while shots might work faster for severe allergies.