Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about sublingual allergy drops, including how they work, daily use, safety and effectiveness, treatment timelines, cost, insurance, and how they compare to allergy shots.

2 drops

ONCE DAILY

Age 8+

ADULTS & CHILDREN

3–5 yrs

TYPICAL TREATMENT

3–6 months

POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENT

01 The Basics

What sublingual allergy drops are, how they work, and what they're used for.

  • Sublingual allergy drops contain small amounts of the substances that cause your allergies, such as pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander. Like allergy shots, they are a form of allergen immunotherapy designed to help your body gradually become less sensitive to the allergens that trigger your symptoms. (1)

  • Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) works by gradually exposing your immune system to small amounts of the substances that trigger your allergies, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, dogs, or cats. Over time, this can help your body become less sensitive to these allergens and reduce allergy symptoms. (1)

  • Like allergy shots, sublingual allergy drops may be used as part of a treatment plan for seasonal and year-round environmental allergies, including allergies to pollen, dust mites, mold, dogs, and cats. They may help with symptoms such as nasal congestion, postnasal drip, and other allergy-related symptoms. (1)(2)

  • No. These sublingual allergy drops are intended for environmental allergies and do not treat food allergies.

  • Our sublingual allergy drop program is available for adults and children age 8 and older. Your medical history and allergy symptoms will be reviewed to determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.

02 Taking Your Drops

How, when, and how much to take, plus storage tips.

  • We recommend keeping your drops next to your toothbrush and taking 2 drops under your tongue each morning after brushing your teeth. Hold the drops in place for 10 seconds. You can eat or drink right after.

  • Take your drops once a day, every day, all year long. Daily consistency is an important part of sublingual immunotherapy, and keeping the bottle next to your toothbrush makes it easy to build into your daily routine.

  • Missing a dose isn't a problem. Just take your 2 drops the next day as you normally would.

  • We recommend taking 2 drops daily as directed and not intentionally increasing your dose. If you accidentally take more than your recommended dose or experience a concerning reaction, contact our office for guidance.

  • They have a mild, slightly sweet taste from glycerin, an ingredient used in the formulation.

  • Store your drops at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If you order two bottles, keep the second one refrigerated until you're ready to use it and the first one next to your toothbrush. Ordering two bottles at once can also save on the cost of a separate mailing later.

03 Safety & Effectiveness

What to expect from sublingual immunotherapy, treatment timelines, and using drops alongside other allergy medications.

  • Sublingual allergy drops are a form of allergen immunotherapy. Unlike antihistamines, which temporarily manage allergy symptoms, immunotherapy is designed to gradually change the body's response to specific allergens over time. (1)

  • Sublingual immunotherapy has been studied extensively and has been used for many years in the U.S. and internationally. (1) Unlike allergy shots, which are administered in a medical setting, sublingual allergy drops can generally be taken at home after your doctor determines that treatment is appropriate for you. (2)

    Serious allergic reactions are uncommon, but they are possible. (2) Follow your doctor's instructions and contact your healthcare provider if you experience a concerning reaction.

  • Some people experience mild itching, tingling, or irritation of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, particularly when beginning treatment. These reactions are generally mild and may decrease over time. (2) Contact your healthcare provider if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms.

  • Response to sublingual immunotherapy varies from person to person. Some patients may begin to notice improvement within about 3 to 6 months of consistent daily treatment. (2)

  • Like allergy shots, sublingual allergy drops are commonly taken daily for 3 to 5 years to gradually reduce sensitivity to specific allergens. (1)(2) Your individual treatment length may vary depending on your allergies, symptoms, and response to treatment.

  • Yes. Allergy drops may be used alongside antihistamines and other allergy medications when needed. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding your medications.

  • Yes. Never stop or reduce your asthma medication without your doctor's supervision, even if your allergy symptoms improve while using sublingual allergy drops.

  • Yes. Sublingual immunotherapy has been studied and used by major medical institutions. Johns Hopkins, for example, offers sublingual allergy drops as a treatment option for certain children and adults with environmental allergies. (2)

04 Comparing Options

How sublingual allergy drops compare with allergy shots and over-the-counter allergy medications.

  • Allergy shots and sublingual allergy drops are both forms of allergen immunotherapy. (1) Allergy shots are given by injection in a medical office or clinic and require regular visits and monitoring after injections. Sublingual allergy drops are placed under the tongue and can generally be taken at home, making them a convenient option for some patients. (2)

    Both approaches commonly involve treatment over several years. Your doctor can help determine which approach is appropriate for your allergies and medical history.

  • Antihistamines and many other over-the-counter allergy medications are designed to provide temporary symptom relief. Sublingual immunotherapy works differently by gradually exposing the immune system to specific allergens with the goal of reducing sensitivity over time. (1)

  • Depending on your medical history and allergies, switching from allergy shots to sublingual allergy drops may be an option. If you have a copy of your allergy test results, or complete our patient history form, we can use that information to evaluate your treatment options.

    In many cases, a completed history form provides the information we need to get started. If we have additional questions, we'll contact you by email.

05 Cost & Insurance

Sublingual allergy drop pricing, insurance coverage, and HSA/FSA information.

  • Your custom-formulated sublingual allergy drops cost $79 for a one-month supply, plus mailing. There's an additional $10 charge if dog or cat allergens are included.

    We recommend ordering a 2-month supply and refrigerating the second bottle until you're ready to use it. This can help save on the cost of separate mailings.

  • Most health insurance plans do not cover the cost of sublingual allergy drops, so treatment is typically an out-of-pocket expense. (2)

    When considering cost, you may also want to factor in the co-payments, deductibles, travel, and time associated with regular office visits for allergy shots.

  • You may be able to use Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds toward allergy treatment that qualifies as a medical expense. (3) Eligibility and documentation requirements can vary by plan, so we recommend checking with your HSA or FSA administrator to confirm coverage.