In Cluster Immunotherapy, multiple allergy injections are administered over a single day in order to build-up your tolerance to the things that you are allergic to more quickly. With Cluster Immunotherapy, patients are able to reach their maintenance dose in a few months, which is in contrast to conventional immunotherapy, which requires 4-6 months of weekly injections to reach the maintenance dose. In addition, most patients begin to notice more significant benefits earlier and decreased symptoms once they reach higher doses of allergy injections. Therefore, the advantage to Cluster Immunotherapy is to decrease the number of weekly injections and to begin feeling better more quickly.

The risks of Cluster Immunotherapy are similar to standard conventional immunotherapy. Given the nature of the rapid build-up, it is more likely you will have a reaction with Cluster Immunotherapy versus standard conventional immunotherapy. All patients who cluster their immunotherapy will need to take pre-medications to minimize risk of reaction.

In addition, local reactions such as swelling, itching, or redness at the site of the injection are common, and typically subside in about a day. More significant allergic reactions can occur anytime, and they are more common during the buildup phase. Most generalized reactions are mild and may consist of any or all of the following symptoms: swelling and redness at the injection site, itchy eyes, nose, or throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, tightness in the throat or chest, coughing, wheezing, hives, or generalized itching.

The Cluster Immunotherapy protocol for your allergy shorts is an optional one.

You should confirm your benefits with your insurance company prior to beginning immunotherapy. The decision to choose Cluster vs.Conventional immunotherapy is totally voluntary. If anytime you decide you do not wish to proceed with the Cluster Immunotherapy, you may continue to receive immunotherapy on a conventional schedule.