re: Allergy shots...are they worth the cost and drive and wait at doctors office?

quote:

---

Because it is much safer to have done at a doctors office in case of a serious allergic reaction to the allergy shots whicy could happen at any time. I have personally witnessed 2 patients go into anaphylactic shock in the clinic after getting shots. They have all of the steroids and epi on hand and know how to deal with it. This is something serious that you do not want to encounter at home.... or i dont.

---

I think you're exaggerating a bit. If there's reason to not administer the injections yourself, this is not one of them. A physician who allows you to administer the shots to yourself would prescribe you an epi pen to have on you while administering the injections. Allergy shots are typically given in dosages that increase the allergen concentrations every month or so. Each time your concentration increases, you have to take the initial (higher) dosage at the clinic to ensure you don't fall into anaphylaxis.

In response to the OP, I do not believe allergy shots are as effective as they claim (although there must be some data out there that supports benefits or health insurance companies would not cover them). I have suffered with allergies for years and was told I would have a higher chance of benefiting from injections as I am only allergic to one allergen (dust mites). I took them for a year and a half or so and really didn't notice a change in everyday health. Still have nasal inflammation and congestion. Maybe a few less sinus infections, if anything.