Allergy Shots Verses Meds

Updated on December 13, 2010
D.G. asks from Milwaukee, WI
9 answers

What is your opinion? I am on some very expensive meds and they don't seem to be working. I have allergies/sinus infections year round even after a sinus surgery. I am having an allergy test tomorrow and am wondering if i should ask to get allergy shots instead because I read that it cures 80-90% of patients not totally but pretty much. I've also heard of someones child dying from these shots. Don't know the story though.

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So What Happened?

So I went in for my allergy test this morning. It was THE MOST AWFUL thing. I got pricked 46 times in my back. It hurt so bad! I couldn't hold back the tears by the 40th shot. The nurse kept telling me not to move but it hurt. I found out I have allergies to a lot of grasses, wheat,cats, dust & mites. The Dr.came in ans saw the reactions on my back and said I should definately get the shots. I told the nurse about the person dying and she said what I had thought , to know all the facts before u assume it was the shot. So knowing that I have allergies to so many things I am going to call my ins co and see what the shots will cost me and it makes me think my asthma would probably not be as bad since I use my inhaler to open up my airway when the grass and dust and stuff bother me. Thanks for all the advice. It's so nice to talk to people with any info they have about this stuff. Wish me luck!

Featured Answers

M.L.

answers from Houston on

My husband had bad allergies and the meds weren't touching it. He got the shot once and they went away for the whole year.

2 moms found this helpful

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M.S.

answers from Columbus on

I was a nurse in an allergy/asthma office. Our patients who had the immunotherapy were much better off than the ones who just took meds. Now, that being said, immunotherapy does take time. Our patients would have to come in weekly in the begining. Then, after awhile, they could got to every 2 weeks, three weeks, etc. If you miss a dose, you stay where you were last time you were in. You can't advance, until you have made the weekly visits. Sure, it is a hassle, but from what I've seen- well worth it. The shots are custom to your exact allergies. So, if you are allergic to dust, dog and mold (specific), that's what's in your serum. It gradually builds your own immune system. Also, you have to stay for 30 minutes after your shot, to make sure you don't have a reaction. It doesn't happen often, but if it does, it can get very serious, very fast. I would recommend the immunotherapy, if your schedule allows.
*As far as the kid dying, I won't say it doesn't happen, but it's extremely rare. That's why they require you to stay 30 min. after your shot. Of course there's risk with the treatment, but it's low, due to the slow progression of the immunotherapy. Your consistency in getting to appointments, will help with the progression of treatment.
Good luck!!!!

Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful
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T.S.

answers from Dallas on

I have been taking a great supplement since March that has dramatically improved my allergies as well as my chronic headaches and migraines. In regard to my allergies, I have not had to take any meds since May! Let me know if you'd like more info about it!

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I would get the shots! Everyone I know with serious allergies gets the shots because they help so much more. I've never heard of anyone dying from them, but I would think that would be extremely rare.

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A.C.

answers from Madison on

Destiny,

I would also think about visiting a naturopath doctor. You don't necessarily need shots, and there are natural ways to help combat your allergies and your asthma without having to resort to shots.

I used to have recurrent sinunitis, rhinitis, ear infections, and chest colds/infections/bronchitis. I discovered, through a naturopathic doctor, that I have an allergy to casein (found in cow's milk and cow products), and severe intolerance to gliadin/gluten (found in wheat, rye, barley) and soy. I quit eating them. Almost every single one of my issues I'd been plagued with since childhood went away. ESPECIALLY after I quit eating cow products and drinking cow milk. I no longer have any issues with my ears, nose, or chest, and I have gone off my Advair for asthma and I DO NOT have any more asthma issues. In fact, it's now winter; I've been off Advair since April 2010 and haven't gone back on. If I have to take an antihistimine for something, I take a natural antihistimine that I get from my naturopath.

I would look into all the alternatives before I would step up for allergy shots. Not only are they expensive, but you're getting a lot of stuff inside that shot that you don't know what it's doing to your body, or how much havoc it's going to cause your body. And for some people, the allergy shots are a waste because they don't help them.

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J.O.

answers from Detroit on

Get the shots! I had sinus surgery and it was great, but I still am going to finish my shots. I think it's 2 or 3 years. I had to stop due to pregnancy, and let me tell you they really do work! You go in every week but I can't see how you can live with sinus infections. That's awful!
I know of nothing bad about the shots. To me, my life would not be worth living if I were so miserable from sinuses. I don't tolerate that well at all. I love the shots!

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D.S.

answers from Tulsa on

I have done allergy shots. they helped to a degree but were expensive and I wouild have had to take them for 5 yrs to get the full effectiveness of them. needless to say my insurance ran out and I just started taking med. I dont have to take as many meds but if you are not on the right meds they wont help. the only way you can die from them is if they mix the shot wrong with too much of the stuff and you dont have an epinefrin shot at the house.

they should give you an epiniferin sp? shot if they give you the shots for that reason. by taking the shot my number of asthma attacks went down I am allergy induced asthmatic. and my need for allergy meds went down. I think the girls death was an overdose from the manufacterer and she had no epineferin shot available jmo

L.O.

answers from Minneapolis on

I used meds but would have to keep switching - probably because of getting immuned to them. I have heard that the shots do work pretty good but I found nutrition as the answer for me. Not only have my allergies disappeared but my energy level is amazing and I feel better then I ever have...I believe it is called over-all well-being :)

T.C.

answers from Austin on

I get the allergy shots, and they are helping. It is taking several years to build up the dose. But I still have to take allergy pills in addition to the shots.

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