House dust mite allergy is a common allergic disease. Currently, there is a sublingual tablet vaccine for house dust mite allergy to help treat allergies caused by house dust mites. This vaccine is extracted from two types of house dust mites combined. It helps treat asthma and allergic rhinitis caused by house dust mites by using the principle of exposing the patient to the allergen they are allergic to, stimulating the patient’s body to build immunity against the allergen. This treatment addresses the root cause of the allergy and helps alter the course of the disease.
Advantages of the Sublingual House Dust Mite Allergy Vaccine
- This treatment targets the immune system abnormalities in patients with respiratory allergies, which may lead to a complete cure.
- For those with asthma symptoms combined with allergic rhinitis, treatment with the sublingual house dust mite allergy tablet vaccine (SLIT) has been shown to alleviate asthma symptoms, reduce exacerbations, and decrease the use of inhalers.
- Can be self-administered at home without weekly hospital visits (except for the first tablet, which must be taken in front of a doctor for observation).
- Has a lower chance of systemic side effects compared to injectable allergy vaccines.
Who is this vaccine suitable for?
This vaccine is suitable for those who have…
- Allergic rhinitis
- Allergic rhinitis combined with asthma that does not respond well to medication
- Those who experience significant side effects from medication
- Patients allergic to allergens that cannot be avoided
How to use the sublingual tablet vaccine
The doctor will treat by prescribing the sublingual house dust mite allergy tablet vaccine, one tablet daily at the same dose for 3 years. The first tablet must be taken in front of a doctor or nurse for observation. Once deemed appropriate, the patient can continue using the vaccine at home.
Possible side effects after using the medication
If the following symptoms occur, monitor the condition. Antihistamines can be used, but if symptoms are severe, see a doctor.
- Itching inside the throat, mouth, tongue, or ears
- Swelling, inflammation, burning, redness around the lips, tongue, throat; possible mouth ulcers or pain inside the mouth
- Feeling like needles pricking or numbness inside the mouth or tongue
- Hoarseness, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, altered taste
- Enlarged tonsils or salivary glands, or increased saliva production
- Eye inflammation, itchy eyes
- Discomfort in ears or nose, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, asthma symptoms, respiratory infections
- Stomach pain or discomfort, esophageal irritation, indigestion, heartburn
- Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Symptoms requiring immediate discontinuation and medical attention
- Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, hives
- Fainting, chest tightness, difficulty breathing
- Red rash, blisters, skin peeling, fever
- Severe or unusually worsening asthma attacks
What to do if you forget to take the medication
Take the medication as soon as you remember on the same day. Do not take two tablets in one day. If you forget to take the medication for more than 7 days, contact your doctor before resuming the medication.
Overdose
Taking an overdose may increase side effects such as allergic reactions in the mouth and throat. If severe allergic reactions occur, seek medical attention or take the patient to the hospital immediately.
