0

Home > Drug Category > Allergy Medication > Grastek and Equivalent

Grastek Information

Grastek (Standardized Allergen Extract, Timothy Grass Pollen) is a prescription sublingual (under-the-tongue) tablet used for immunotherapy to treat grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis, with or without conjunctivitis. It is indicated for adults and children aged 5 to 65 years who have been confirmed to have a grass pollen allergy through skin and/or blood tests. Unlike traditional allergy medications that only treat symptoms, Grastek is a form of allergen-specific immunotherapy.

The medication contains a small, standardized amount of Timothy grass pollen extract. The goal of this treatment is to help the body gradually build tolerance to the allergens by exposing the immune system to them over a prolonged period. This process works by changing the immune system's response to the grass pollen, essentially training it to no longer react with an allergic response when exposed.

Grastek is designed to be taken once daily. The tablet dissolves quickly when placed under the tongue. To ensure proper absorption, it is crucial not to swallow the tablet for at least one minute after placing it under the tongue, and to avoid eating or drinking for at least five minutes afterward. Treatment should be initiated at least 12 weeks before the expected onset of the grass pollen season and continued throughout the season. In some cases, a doctor may recommend taking Grastek daily for three consecutive years to provide a sustained effect for a fourth year. It is important to remember that Grastek is not an acute-relief medication for symptoms; it is a long-term treatment designed to reduce the severity of allergic reactions over time.

Grastek Side Effects

The most common side effects of Grastek are generally mild and localized to the mouth and throat. These include oral pruritus (itching of the mouth), throat irritation, and swelling of the mouth, lips, or tongue. Other common side effects can include itching of the ears, tongue, or lips. Gastrointestinal side effects like stomach pain, nausea, or dyspepsia can also occur. These side effects are usually most frequent and pronounced during the first few days or weeks of treatment as the body adjusts to the allergen and typically subside over time.

However, Grastek can cause serious and potentially life-threatening side effects, which require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, you should stop taking the medication and seek emergency care immediately:

• Severe Systemic Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis): Grastek can cause a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. Symptoms may include trouble breathing, throat tightness or swelling, difficulty swallowing or speaking, dizziness or fainting, and a rapid or weak heartbeat.

• Asthma Exacerbation: This medication can cause or worsen asthma symptoms. Patients with severe, unstable, or uncontrolled asthma should not take Grastek. Suppose you have asthma and experience worsening symptoms, such as wheezing or shortness of breath. In that case, you should contact your doctor immediately.

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis: This is a rare inflammatory condition of the esophagus that has been reported with sublingual allergen immunotherapy. Symptoms may include heartburn, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing that persists or worsens.

• Other Serious Reactions: Less common but serious side effects can include severe stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Grastek Precautions

Due to the risk of severe allergic reactions, the first dose of Grastek must be taken at a doctor's office or a similar healthcare setting. A healthcare professional must monitor patients for at least 30 minutes after taking the first tablet to check for any signs of a severe reaction. For home administration, your doctor will likely prescribe an auto-injectable epinephrine pen for you to use in case of a severe allergic reaction. It is crucial that you and any caregiver know how to use this device properly.

You should not take Grastek if you have severe or unstable asthma, a history of a severe allergic reaction to allergen immunotherapy, or if you have any sores, ulcers, or inflammation in your mouth. Taking the medication with a pre-existing mouth condition can increase the risk of a severe reaction. You should also temporarily stop taking Grastek following any oral surgery, such as a tooth removal, until the area has fully healed.

It is essential to inform your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or any autoimmune or immune system disorders. Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Specifically, beta-blockers may interfere with the effectiveness of epinephrine, which is used to treat anaphylaxis.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should discuss this with your doctor. The safety and effectiveness of Grastek in these populations have not been well-established. The excretion of Grastek components in human breast milk is not known. Always store Grastek at room temperature and keep it in its original foil packaging to protect it from moisture. It is crucial to take the tablet on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after a meal, to ensure proper absorption. Do not take a double dose if you miss a dose.

Do I need a prescription to order Grastek?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Grastek.