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Grastek

Generic name: timothy grass pollen allergen extract [TIM-oh-thee-grass-PAW-len-AL-er-gen-EX-tract]
Drug class: allergenics

What is Grastek?

Grastek contains pollen, which can cause seasonal allergies.Grastek helps your body build immunity against certain pollens, which can cause allergies such as sneezing and itching. Grastek can be used by adults and children up to the age of 65.This medication will not relieve allergy symptoms immediately.Grastek can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of Grastek

Grastek can cause a severe reaction. If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic response, stop taking it and seek emergency medical attention.

  • Dizziness that is severe or light-headed (as if you could pass out);
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea;
  • Hives, itching, and flushing (warmth or redness) are all symptoms of hives.
  • Difficulty breathing; chest tightness; cough
  • Swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

Do not take Grastek again if you have had an allergic reaction after stopping the medication.

Grastek can cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • Severe mouth or throat irritation
  • Breathing problems
  • Chest pains, difficulty swallowing, choking sensation

Grastek can cause the following side effects:

  • Your mouth or tongue could experience itching or swelling symptoms if there are symptoms such as inflammation.
  • Throat irritation;
  • Itching in the ears

There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; for reporting purposes contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Grastek should not be used if your asthma is uncontrolled, if there has been a previous allergic reaction to a medicine containing pollen extract, or if the allergy has affected your oesophagus.Grastek may not be suitable for you if your medical condition is heart disease or hypertension. You may also not be able to use this medicine if you are taking certain medications.Grastek can cause a severe reaction. You will be closely monitored by your doctor after the first dose to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction.You may be prescribed epinephrine, also known as Epi-Pen (epinephrine), to carry with you at all times in the event that you have an allergic reactionIf you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic response, stop taking this medication and seek emergency medical attention.

Before you take this drug

If you've ever experienced an allergic reaction after taking similar pollen extracts, or if:

  • Asthma that is severe or uncontrolled
  • A history of an allergic reaction that affected the esophagus, (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach), and caused reflux.

Tell your doctor if:

  • Breathing problems
  • Heart disease
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • You may have mouth sores, swelling of the gums, or other irritations in your mouth.
  • If you are taking an antidepressant, migraine headache, or any other medicine
  • If you are taking medicine for heart problems, high blood pressure, or prostate disorders,

FDA pregnancy class B. Grastek should not harm an unborn child. If you plan to get pregnant or are pregnant, tell your doctor.It is unknown if timothy pollen extract can pass into breast milk or if this could harm a baby who is nursing. You should tell your doctor if your baby is breast-fed.Grastek shouldn't be given to a young child under the age of five.This medication is not recommended for people over 65 years of age.

How to take Grastek?

You may need to undergo an allergy test, either a skin or blood test, to determine if you are allergic to Grastek.Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or take it for a longer time.It is possible that your doctor will want to administer the first dose in a clinic. After taking the first dose of this medicine, you should be closely monitored for at least 30 minutes to ensure that you don't have an allergic response.Grastek sublingual tablets dissolve under the tongue. This tablet should not be chewed or swallowed whole.

Take the sublingual tablet.

  • Keep the blister pack in which you received your tablet until it is time to use it. Peel back the foil and open the package.
  • Remove a pill using dry hands and place it directly into your mouth.
  • Place the sublingual tab under your tongue and allow it to completely dissolve.
  • For at least one minute, do not swallow. For at least five minutes, do not eat anything or drink any liquids.

After handling the sublingual tablets, wash your hands.While a child is taking timothy pollen extract, an adult should supervise them.Grastek should be taken daily during allergy season. Start taking this medication at least 12 weeks prior to the beginning of allergy season for best results.You may have to take Grastek daily, all year round, up to three years in some cases. Do not forget to follow your doctor's instructions.You may be prescribed epinephrine, also known as Epi-Pen (Epinephrine), to carry with you at all times in the event of an allergic reaction.You may have to stop taking this medication until you heal if you require oral surgery, dental care,  a mouth injury, or an infection. If the sublingual tablet causes any mouth irritation, tell your doctor.Store the blister packs at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and moisture.

What happens if I miss the dose?

As soon as you remember a missed dose, take it immediately.. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. Should You Increase Doses of Medicine If You Miss Doses? No additional dose should be taken in an attempt to make up for missed dosage.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poison ingestion and seek immediate medical care.

What should be avoided?

Before starting any new medication or treatment, including allergy shots, consult your doctor.

Interaction with other drug

There are other drugs that may interact with the timothy pollen extract. Included among them are prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.

 

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Prescription only

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