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Grazax (grass pollen allergen extract)

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Grazax (grass pollen allergen extract)

How does it work?

Grazax sublingual tablets contain a standardised extract of grass pollen allergen from Timothy grass (Phleum pratenase). The tablets are a type of medicine called immunotherapy. They are used to treat hayfever caused specifically by an allergy to grass pollen.

It is not fully understood how the medicine works. However, the grass pollen extract is thought to stimulate the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against grass pollen. These antibodies can then bind to any grass pollen that you encounter during the grass pollen season and prevent it from causing allergic symptoms.

The medicine is used to prevent hayfever symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose (allergic rhinitis) and itchy, red watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) that are caused by a grass pollen allergy in adults. The allergy must be diagnosed with a positive skin prick test and/or specific IgE test to grass pollen. The therapy will only work in people with this specific allergy.

To have the greatest effect, the tablets should ideally be started four months before the grass pollen season starts. However, some effect will still be seen if they are started at least two to three months before the season begins. The tablets are taken once a day and should be continued throughout the whole grass pollen season.

If your allergic symptoms do not improve during treatment your doctor will not prescribe the tablets for the following years pollen season, because they are unlikely to be effective.

Grazax tablets are known as oral lyophilisates. They are designed to dissolve in the saliva underneath the tongue, so the medicine can be absorbed from the rich supply of blood vessels in this area.

What is it used for?

Hay fever symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose (allergic rhinitis) and itchy, red, watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) caused by grass pollen allergy in adults. (The allergy must be diagnosed with a positive skin prick test and/or specific IgE test).

Warning!

Grazax tablets are fragile and should not be forced through the foil on the blister pack as they will break easily. Instead, fold back the marked corner of the foil and pull it off. Remove the tablet using dry fingers and immediately place it under the tongue. Leave it there for a few seconds until it dissolves. Try not to swallow for a minute. You should not eat or drink for at least five minutes after taking the tablet.

The first dose should be taken under medical supervision so if you get any side effects you can discuss these with your doctor.

Do not exceed the prescribed dose. If you take more tablets than you should they may cause allergic symptoms, including symptoms in the mouth and throat. If you do experience allergic symptoms you should consult your doctor.

This medicine contains the allergen that you are allergic to. As a result it may initially cause mild local side effects that are allergic responses, but these usually settle down within a week of starting the treatment. The most common allergic responses are itching in the mouth and ears, throat irritation, sneezing and swelling in the mouth. They may last for a few minutes to a few hours after taking a tablet. If side effects are troublesome you could talk to your doctor about taking an antihistamine. If you experience symptoms of a more severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, mouth or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing, voice changes, worsening of asthma, or a rash, you should stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor or hospital immediately.

If you have a tooth removed or any other dental surgery or surgery on your mouth, you should stop taking this medicine for seven days after the procedure to allow your mouth to heal.

You should not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you, because it may not be suitable or effective for their allergy.

This medicine has not been studied fully in people aged over 65 years or in children under 18 years old.

Use with caution in

People who have recently had surgery on the mouth or a tooth removed.

Severe allergy to fish.

Not to be used in

Diseases affecting the immune system.

Uncontrolled or severe asthma.

Cancer.

Severe inflammation of the mouth due to lichen planus or severe fungal infections.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

Treatment with Grazax should not be started in pregnant women as the effects of Grazax during pregnancy are not yet known.

If you get pregnant while taking this medicine you should tell your doctor, who will let you know if you can continue the treatment after assessing your general condition and how you have reacted to the medicine in the past.

If you have asthma your doctor will want to monitor you more closely if you continue this treatment during pregnancy.

There is no proven data about the effects of this medicine during breastfeeding. The manufacturer state that no effects on the breastfed infants are expected. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine:

swelling and itching in the mouth

sneezing

itching in the ears

throat irritation or tightness

itchy/red eyes

runny or blocked nose

burning, tingling or numb sensation in the mouth

blistering in the mouth

feeling of tiredness (fatigue)

cough

headaches

indigestion