Pharmalgen

How does it work?

Bee and wasp allergen extracts are used to treat severe allergic reactions to bee and wasp stings. These types of allergies result in the release of certain chemicals including histamine, which can cause a variety of symptoms. Histamine may be released from and act in a small localised area of the body resulting in redness, swelling and itching at the site of the sting. These symptoms usually appear within minutes. Alternatively, histamine can cause a more serious reaction affecting the whole body. In a severe allergic reactions there is usually swelling of the lips, eyelids, palms and soles of the feet, itching, sweating, faintness, tightening of the chest or a choking sensation with swelling of the throat. In extreme cases an anaphylaxis reaction may occur, which may cause a collapse of the airways, fall in blood pressure, heart failure and potentially, death. Bee and wasp allergens are used as a preventative treatment in those people who experience allergic reactions to bee or wasp stings. The treatment involves a repeated administration of these allergen extracts. The amount of allergen extract given is gradually increased in concentration with every dose. The aim of this process is to dampen the body's immune system response to a bee or wasp sting. These extracts are also used to diagnose allergies to bee and wasp stings. This process is carried out by introducing the allergens using a skin prick test, and is carried out in a hospital under supervision.

What is it used for?

Allergic reaction to bee and wasp stings

Diagnosis of bee and wasp allergies

Warning!

Individuals should be monitored for 1 hour after receiving the injection.

Diagnosis and treatment must only be carried out by experienced practitioners in hospitals where resuscitation equipment is immediately to hand.

Use with caution in

Asthma

Eczema

Not to be used in

Inadequately controlled asthma

People whose immune systems have a decreased ability to fight infection and disease, eg due to diseases such as leukaemia, lymphoma, HIV infection or immunodeficiency syndromes

Severe 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.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available regarding the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. 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. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

An extreme allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Flushing of the skin due to widening of the small blood vessels (erythema)

Breathing difficulties due to a narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)

Swelling immediately around the area where the medicine was administered.

Redness around injection site

Inflammation of the lining of the nose (rhinitis) causing a blocked or runny nose

Severe swelling of lips, face or tongue (angioedema)

Itchy rash (urticaria)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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