Grastek

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Sublingual immunotherapy tablet for grass pollen allergies


CaptionSynonyms
Grastek
Drug Information
Image
Identifiers

CAS Number ATC Code PubChem DrugBank ChemSpider ID UNII KEGG ChEBI ChEMBL IUPAC Name

Chemical Data

C H N O Molecular Weight


Grastek is a sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablet used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis caused by grass pollen. It is specifically designed to target allergies to Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) and is approved for use in both children and adults. Grastek is manufactured by ALK-Abelló and marketed in the United States by Merck & Co. under a partnership agreement.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Grastek works by exposing the immune system to small, controlled doses of grass pollen allergens. This exposure helps to build up a tolerance to the allergens over time, reducing the severity of allergic reactions. The tablet is placed under the tongue, where it dissolves and is absorbed into the bloodstream, initiating an immune response.

Indications[edit | edit source]

Grastek is indicated for the treatment of grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis with or without conjunctivitis. It is suitable for patients aged 5 through 65 years who have been diagnosed with a grass pollen allergy confirmed by a positive skin test or in vitro testing for pollen-specific IgE antibodies.

Administration[edit | edit source]

Grastek is administered once daily. Treatment should begin at least 12 weeks before the expected onset of the grass pollen season and continue throughout the season. The first dose should be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional to monitor for any adverse reactions.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Common side effects of Grastek include:

Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are rare but possible. Patients are advised to carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case of severe reactions.

Contraindications[edit | edit source]

Grastek is contraindicated in patients with:

  • Severe, uncontrolled asthma
  • A history of severe systemic allergic reactions
  • Hypersensitivity to any of the inactive ingredients in the tablet

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD