Short Ragweed Pollen Allergen Extract (Under the tongue)
Treats short ragweed pollen allergic rhinitis.
Drug classes
Immunological Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Ragwitekâ„¢ is an allergen extract, for immunotherapy treatment of symptoms of short ragweed pollen allergic rhinitis (hay fever), with or without conjunctivitis (itching, redness, and tears in the eyes). This is confirmed by a positive skin test that is caused by short ragweed pollen allergen extract.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Start taking this medicine at least 3 months before the expected onset of each ragweed pollen season, and continue taking it daily throughout the pollen season.
Wash your hands before and after you take the tablet.
With dry hands, remove the tablet from the blister pack and place it under your tongue. Let it dissolve for about 1 minute before you swallow it. Do not eat or drink anything for 5 minutes after you swallow the tablet.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: If you miss one dose of this medicine, skip it and take the next dose at your normal scheduled time the next day. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you miss more than one dose, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for instructions.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have severe asthma, or you have a history of severe allergic reactions or eosinophilic esophagitis.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have breathing or lung problems (such as COPD), heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, severe chest pain, or you had a recent heart attack. Tell your doctor if you have mouth ulcers, oral thrush, or recently had oral surgery or dental extraction.
Call your doctor right away if you have trouble breathing or if your asthma becomes difficult to control.
Ask your doctor if you should keep an emergency injection with you in case of a severe allergic reaction. If you have a severe allergic reaction, seek medical care right away and stop using this medicine.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain or trouble swallowing
Fast, pounding, or weak heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Itchy ears, mouth, or tongue
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Ragwitek
There may be other brand names for this medicine.