Have any of you done immunotherapy (allergy shots) while pg?

White0rchid

I am at the end of my rope. I've had to use my inhaler a few times each day for the past week. I wake up every morning feeling like someone has been beating me in the head with a hammer. My eyes are always itchy and swollen, and I spend half the night shoving tissues in my nose so I can sleep without it running constantly. I am miserable right now. I am thinking about asking my OB tomorrow at my appointment if she thinks I should see an allergist. I've read that immunotherapy is okay while pg. Are any of you currently getting regular shots? I feel like I have to do something. I was reading a local allergist's website, and he also treats my food allergy (eosinophilic esophagitis). I don't won't to step on my GI's toes because she has helped me, but do you think I would benefit further by seeing an allergist?

IBackBevo

I'm an allergy shot veteran. 

They will not start you on allergy shots while you are pregnant.  If you are already on them, they keep your dose the same while pregnant, but do not increase it.  And if you are already on maintenance (where you get shots less frequently and at the same dose), they will continue you on them. But they won't start you new or increase your dose due to the dangers of you going into shock. 

Also, have you had allergy testing done recently where they give you the like 60 shots in your back and 20 shots in each arm?  If not, they will not do this while you are pregnant.  Too much risk of you having a reaction and going into shock.

hunter91011

I definitely think it is worth it to see an allergist.  I haven't had immuno-therapy during pregnancy, but I did have them for about 2 years.  I think they made a difference, but I had to go 2 to 3 times per week for 2 years, and there was no end in sight (so I finally quit).  They are a long process, and they didn't make me feel better very quickly at all.  I actually felt worse at first because the allergens that were making me sick were being injected into my body.

White0rchid

IBackBevo:

I'm an allergy shot veteran. 

They will not start you on allergy shots while you are pregnant.  If you are already on them, they keep your dose the same while pregnant, but do not increase it.  And if you are already on maintenance (where you get shots less frequently and at the same dose), they will continue you on them. But they won't start you new or increase your dose due to the dangers of you going into shock. 

Also, have you had allergy testing done recently where they give you the like 60 shots in your back and 20 shots in each arm?  If not, they will not do this while you are pregnant.  Too much risk of you having a reaction and going into shock.

I have not had skin testing done. I knew that that would be offs limits, but I thought I could get reasonable results with a RAST test. I have only looked into the shots, so I guess that's out. I also read that you don't get real results from the shots for 2-4 months, so it's kind of useless right now. I just feel like I need something more than Claritin and that there has to be something that would keep me from using Albuterol 2-3 times per day. I'm just grasping at straws at this point to try and find a fix for this.

Flamingemu

If you already have a prescription for an abuterol inhaler, they may be able to also offer a pill to help. I was on Singulair for a bit while trying to get my asthmas under control, but that didn't help my skin allergies so I had to switch once my lungs were better controled.

I do not know if they will make that jump without further testing, but it certainly can't hurt to ask.

Brie2010

White0rchid:

IBackBevo:

I'm an allergy shot veteran. 

They will not start you on allergy shots while you are pregnant.  If you are already on them, they keep your dose the same while pregnant, but do not increase it.  And if you are already on maintenance (where you get shots less frequently and at the same dose), they will continue you on them. But they won't start you new or increase your dose due to the dangers of you going into shock. 

Also, have you had allergy testing done recently where they give you the like 60 shots in your back and 20 shots in each arm?  If not, they will not do this while you are pregnant.  Too much risk of you having a reaction and going into shock.

I have not had skin testing done. I knew that that would be offs limits, but I thought I could get reasonable results with a RAST test. I have only looked into the shots, so I guess that's out. I also read that you don't get real results from the shots for 2-4 months, so it's kind of useless right now. I just feel like I need something more than Claritin and that there has to be something that would keep me from using Albuterol 2-3 times per day. I'm just grasping at straws at this point to try and find a fix for this.

Are you being treated for asthma at all?

I have asthma and allergies.  Pre-pregnancy, I was under control with Zyrtec and a VERY occasional albuterol inhaler.  The last few months, it's been a nightmare, and I'm now also on Singulair and FloVent, which is keeping it manageable.  The two really go hand in hand, at least for me, and it sounds like you need to treat the asthma more aggressively, not necessarily the allergies.

I would absolutely not do allergy testing and shots while pregnant.  The risk of an adverse reaction would really freak me out.

tinabean00

I've been wanting shots for a while now.  Figured out how to get them at a reasonable price (without copays at the office) right before I got pregnant.   I second they won't start them during pregnancy.  You never know how you will react to them.

And I wouldn't bank of being able to get the shots if you haven't been tested.  Your allergies have to be a specific degree in order to receive them.

Good luck finding a solution that works for you!  Have you been taking over the counters to help?  I find that if my prescription meds aren't working after a while benedryl does a decent job. 

IBackBevo

White0rchid:

IBackBevo:

I'm an allergy shot veteran. 

They will not start you on allergy shots while you are pregnant.  If you are already on them, they keep your dose the same while pregnant, but do not increase it.  And if you are already on maintenance (where you get shots less frequently and at the same dose), they will continue you on them. But they won't start you new or increase your dose due to the dangers of you going into shock. 

Also, have you had allergy testing done recently where they give you the like 60 shots in your back and 20 shots in each arm?  If not, they will not do this while you are pregnant.  Too much risk of you having a reaction and going into shock.

I have not had skin testing done. I knew that that would be offs limits, but I thought I could get reasonable results with a RAST test. I have only looked into the shots, so I guess that's out. I also read that you don't get real results from the shots for 2-4 months, so it's kind of useless right now. I just feel like I need something more than Claritin and that there has to be something that would keep me from using Albuterol 2-3 times per day. I'm just grasping at straws at this point to try and find a fix for this.

I would think it would be worth going to see an allergist to see what other medications are available and safe during pregnancy...they just won't do shots right now.  My Mom takes drops, but I suspect that the protocal for them would be the same as shots.  They might be able to give you a different RX, though.  Have you tried benadryl in the evenings before you go to sleep in conjunction with the other?

aishabyron

I'm experiencing the same thing you are!! I got preg. in The beginning of December, since i didnt know I was preg. I took the allergy skin test and started the shots in December as well. IN 2 weeks I noticed a HUGE difference. But once i found out I was preg. (in early Jan.) I told my allergist and he told me that since I was only on the shots for a month while he encouraged me to stop until I have the baby in SEPT!!! I also have asthma. I take singular and Advair. I know Advair is a Catagory C med., but without it I was taking my inhaler 5x/day and having regular asthma attacks. MY allergies are the WORST right now and with me having 2 dogs, I have constant headaches. To help I've been drinking non caff no herb hot tea to reduce inflammation in my sinus and i wash my hair at least once every 3 days and im constantly washing my hands. Its a slight strain dealing w these allergies and sinus issues but 3 more mths till baby is born

alliedoe

My doctor had me stop my shots when he found out I was pregnant.  Good luck!