Allergy Shots versus Allergy Drops

	Allergy Shots	Allergy Drops
Method of Administration	Shot in the Arm(s)	A Drop Under the Tongue
Insurance Coverage	Yes	NO
Risk of Anaphylaxis	Small	None Reported
Adverse Reactions	Multiple (Swelling, Itching, Hayfever, etc.)	Nausea, Itching/Swelling/Tingling in the Mouth
Physician Visit Required?	Weekly for Years	Every 6-12 Months
Allergy Testing Required	Yes (every 1-3 years as needed)	Yes (every 1-3 years as needed)
Insurance Coverage for Allergy Testing	Yes for Most Insurances	Yes (but usually not more than 1 per year; check with your carrier)
Contraindications?	Yes (beta-blockers, history of anaphylaxis, young children, infants; severe asthmatics in our practice)	Less than 3 years of age, severe asthmatics in our practice
Duration of Treatment	3-5+ years	3-5+ years
Treatment Frequency	Every 1 to 4 weeks	Daily (one drop 3 times a day)
Treatment Location	Physician Office on Build-Up; Home on Maintenance	Home
FDA Approved?	Yes	Off-Label (Currently Pending)
Effective?	Yes	Yes
Cost	Per Insurance Carrier	$200 for 3 months supply (less than $20 a week)

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