Allergy Shots vs. Sublingual Tablets: Which Immunotherapy Works Best?

If allergy medications aren’t giving you enough relief, you might be considering immunotherapy. Allergy shots and sublingual tablets (SLIT) are two long-term treatment options that help retrain your immune system to become less sensitive to allergens. But which one is right for you? Let’s compare the two.

How Does Immunotherapy Work?

Both allergy shots and sublingual tablets work by exposing your immune system to small, controlled amounts of allergens over time. This gradually reduces your allergic reaction, leading to long-term symptom relief.

Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy, SCIT)

• How It Works: Small doses of allergens are injected under the skin, gradually increasing in strength.
• Best For: Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and insect allergies.
• Treatment Schedule: Weekly shots for 3–6 months (build-up phase), then monthly maintenance shots for 3–5 years.
• Effectiveness: Highly effective for a broad range of allergies.
• Pros:
  • Treats multiple allergens at once.
  • Long-term relief, even after stopping treatment.
  • Can reduce asthma symptoms in allergic patients.
• Cons:
  • Requires regular visits to a doctor’s office.
  • Slight risk of severe allergic reactions, so monitoring is needed after injections.

Sublingual Allergy Tablets (Sublingual Immunotherapy, SLIT)

• How It Works: A dissolvable tablet containing allergens is placed under the tongue daily.
• Best For: Grass pollen, ragweed, and dust mites.
• Treatment Schedule: Taken daily for several years, starting at least 3 months before allergy season (for seasonal allergies).
• Effectiveness: Works well but is limited to specific allergens.
• Pros:
  • Convenient, can be taken at home.
  • Lower risk of severe allergic reactions compared to shots.
• Cons:
  • Available only for a few allergens.
  • Must be taken daily—missing doses can reduce effectiveness.
  • Not as effective for those with multiple allergies.

Allergy Shots vs. Sublingual Tablets: Which One Should You Choose?

• If you have multiple allergies → Allergy shots are the better option.
• If you want home treatment and have only one major allergy → Sublingual tablets might be more convenient.
• If you have asthma worsened by allergies → Allergy shots may offer better symptom control.
• If you have a history of severe allergic reactions → Sublingual tablets are safer.

FAQ: Common Questions About Immunotherapy

Q: How long does it take for immunotherapy to work?
A: Both methods take several months to show significant improvement, with the best results after 1–2 years.

Q: Is immunotherapy a cure for allergies?
A: Not exactly, but it can greatly reduce symptoms and the need for medication, sometimes leading to long-term remission.

Q: Are these treatments covered by insurance?
A: Allergy shots are often covered, while sublingual tablets may have varying coverage depending on the insurance plan.

A Personal Story

One of my patients, Jake, had severe pollen allergies that made spring miserable. We tested him and found that he was severely allergic to many of the grasses, trees and weeds in Arizona. He started with sublingual immunotherapy but found they didn’t cover all his allergens. After switching to allergy shots, his symptoms improved significantly, and now he barely needs antihistamines.

If allergies are interfering with your life, immunotherapy could be a game-changer. Talk to your doctor to see which option is best for you!

What are you waiting for?  If you or your child need help controlling allergies or if you think you need testing or treatment or that you might be a good candidate for allergy shots, Dr. Wendt and her team staff at Relieve Allergy, Asthma & Hives would love to help. Call for testing or treatment today!

Call 480-500-1902 or request an appointment at https://relieveallergyaz.com/contact now!  Begin your allergy testing journey with Dr. Wendt at Relieve Allergy in Scottsdale, Arizona—It’s time to take care of yourself!

Learn more about Dr. Wendt and Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives at www.relieveallergyaz.com or connect with us: https://www.facebook.com/RelieveAllergy/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wendt/, https://x.com/RelieveAllergy, https://www.instagram.com/relieve_allergy/ or https://www.youtube.com/@JulieWendt-qx7jm.

Did you know? Dr. Wendt wrote the book on allergies.  Buy it NOW!

Relieve Allergy Asthma & Hives is located near Kierland Commons, 21803 N. Scottsdale Road Ste. 200, and has convenient evening and morning hours to accommodate your schedule. Dr. Wendt is also available for telemedicine appointments as appropriate. Most insurance plans are accepted.

DISCLAIMER: This blog is not meant to substitute for medical care by an Allergist-Immunologist nor is it intended to provide medical advice or imply a Physician-Patient relationship with its readers or their family. It is intended to provide guidance, direction, and moral support from someone experienced in testing and treating allergies. This is also not meant to be a “do-it-yourself” manual or a “how to” overcome your allergies. Some of the issues mentioned, whether allergic or look-a-like, can be dangerous or if left unchecked, deadly. Please develop a relationship with a Physician you trust to help you with diagnosis, advice, questions, and treatment regarding your and your family’s medical conditions.