Short ragweed pollen allergen extract (Sublingual)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 11, 2022.
Short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) pollen extract can cause life-threatening allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and severe laryngopharyngeal restriction. Do not administer short ragweed pollen extract to patients with severe, unstable or uncontrolled asthma. Observe patients in the office for at least 30 minutes following the initial dose. Prescribe auto-injectable epinephrine, instruct and train patients or parents/guardians on its appropriate use, and instruct patients or parents/guardians to seek immediate medical care upon its use. Short ragweed pollen extract may not be suitable for patients with certain underlying medical conditions that may reduce their ability to survive a serious allergic reaction or for patients who may be unresponsive to epinephrine or inhaled bronchodilators, such as those taking beta-blockers .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Ragwitek
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Immunological Agent
Uses for short ragweed pollen allergen extract
Ragwitek® is an allergen extract, for immunotherapy treatment of symptoms of short ragweed pollen allergic rhinitis (hay fever), with or without conjunctivitis (itching, redness, and tears in the eyes). This is confirmed by a positive skin test that is caused by short ragweed pollen allergen extract.
Short ragweed pollen allergen extract is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using short ragweed pollen allergen extract
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For short ragweed pollen allergen extract, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to short ragweed pollen allergen extract or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of Ragwitek® in children younger than 5 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Ragwitek® is not approved for use in patients over 65 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating..
