What it is
Subcutaneous immunotherapy, often called allergy shots, exposes the immune system to gradually increasing amounts of the allergens a patient reacts to. A clinician selects the allergens from the patient’s testing and history, and sets the build-up and maintenance schedule.
AccuMix compounds each patient’s vial set from FDA-licensed allergen extracts. The mixed vials are a compounded preparation and are not reviewed or approved by the FDA.
What the clinic receives
- A sterile multi-dose vial set for one named patient, clearly labeled by dilution.
- Dilutions from 1:10,000 to 1:10, as set by the prescriber’s protocol.
- Airborne and environmental allergens: pollens, grasses, trees, dust mites, molds and animal dander.
- Mixing documentation and titration worksheets for the clinic’s records.
How to get it
- Clinics and providers: send the prescription by e-prescription or fax with the patient’s target allergens, vial set and dilution schedule. See our Providers page or call 866-817-5303.
- Patients: allergy shots are prescribed and given by your allergy clinic. Ask the clinic to send your prescription to AccuMix Pharmacy.
SCIT vials ship to the prescriber’s clinic for the named patient; they are not supplied for general office use. Our turnaround time is 24 hours, and we ship to the 37 states and Washington, DC where we hold a license.
How it is made
Prepared with aseptic technique under the Allergenic Extracts section of USP <797>, from FDA-licensed allergen extracts. A pharmacist verifies each patient’s preparation against the prescription, and every preparation is labeled and traceable by lot.
Safety and what to expect
- Allergy shots are given in the clinic, followed by an observation period.
- Redness, itching or swelling at the injection site is common. Whole-body reactions are rare but can be serious, which is why clinics keep emergency protocols.
- Before each injection, tell the clinic about new medications, a recent asthma flare, illness or pregnancy.
- Keep to the schedule. After missed doses the clinic may need to adjust the next dose.
Storage
For the clinic: follow the storage directions and the beyond-use date (BUD) printed on each vial, including refrigeration. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets.
Common questions
What is the difference between SCIT and SLIT?
SCIT is given by injection in the clinic. SLIT is taken as drops under the tongue at home. Our article SCIT vs SLIT compares them in detail.
How long does treatment take?
Programs usually have a build-up phase followed by maintenance. The timing depends on the clinician’s protocol and the patient’s response.
Can you supply vials for general office use?
No. Every vial set is compounded for a named patient on a prescription.
Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the FDA. AccuMix Pharmacy is a 503A compounding pharmacy and compounds only after receiving a valid prescription for an individual patient. This page is general information, not medical advice. Your prescriber decides whether this therapy is right for you.
More about Allergy Immunotherapy at AccuMix Pharmacy.
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