Oralair (Grass Pollen Extract)

Indications

Oralair is an allergen extract indicated as immunotherapy for the treatment of grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis (hay fever) with or without conjunctivitis (eye inflammation). It contains natural pollen allergens from five of the major grass species responsible for seasonal allergies.

Oralair works by exposing your body to lesser amounts of the allergens that cause your hay fever. This helps to reduce your sensitivity to the effects of pollen and provides long-term relief from symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Oralair is taken as a sublingual tablet that dissolves under the tongue. The treatment typically involves daily use of tablets during the grass pollen season for several years.

Use and Dosage

Oralair comes in the form of a Sublingual Tablet to take by mouth without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. With dry hands, remove one tablet from the package just before taking it. Place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to dissolve for at least 1 minute before swallowing. Do not chew or swallow the tablet. Do not eat or drink while the tablet is dissolving in your mouth and for 5 minutes after taking it. Wash your hands after handling the tablet.

If needed, an adult should help a child take the Oralair tablet properly. Watch the child for at least 30 minutes after each dose to make sure the child does not have an allergic reaction to the medication.

Usually, your doctor will direct you to start taking Oralair tablets about 4 months before the expected start of allergy season and continue taking them throughout the season. Your doctor may direct you to start Oralair tablet at a low dose and gradually increase your dose to reduce your risk of side effects.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice. If you miss more than 7 days in a row, contact your doctor before restarting the tablet.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects of Oralair (Grass Pollen Extract):

• Abdominal pain
• Cough
• Indigestion
• Itching of the mouth/tongue/ears
• Mouth numbness
• Mouth/lip/tongue swelling
• Throat irritation or pain

Serious Side Effects of Oralair (Grass Pollen Extract):

• Chest pain
• Chest tightness
• Choking feeling
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Fast heart rate
• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
• Hives
• Itching
• Lightheadedness
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out
• Severe dizziness
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors
• Severe mouth or throat irritation
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing
• Vomiting
• Wheezing

Forms and Strength

Oralair (Grass Pollen Extract) is available in the following forms and strengths:

Oralair: Sublingual Tablet

• 100IR
• 300IR

Cautions

• Oralair can cause severe allergic reactions that can be life-threatening. Patients should be closely monitored for signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or swelling of the lips or tongue.
• Patients who have severe asthma or a history of severe or unstable respiratory problems may be at increased risk of a severe reaction to Oralair.
• Patients should not take Oralair if they have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any grass pollen extract or any of the inactive ingredients in Oralair.
• Patients should not take Oralair if they are experiencing acute, severe, or unstable asthma.
• Patients should not stop taking Oralair without first consulting their healthcare provider. Stopping treatment abruptly can increase the risk of an allergic reaction.
• Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as the safety of Oralair during pregnancy is not known.
• Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, as some medications may interact with Oralair.
• Patients should not eat or drink anything for 5 minutes before or after taking Oralair.
• Patients should not brush their teeth, use mouthwash, or chew gum for 30 minutes before or after taking Oralair.
• Patients should avoid exposure to elevated levels of pollen while taking Oralair, as this can increase the risk of an allergic reaction.
• Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they experience any new or worsening symptoms during treatment with Oralair, as this may indicate an allergic reaction or other problem with the treatment.
• Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they have any other medical conditions or allergies before starting treatment with Oralair, as this may affect the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can Oralair be taken during pregnancy?

The safety of Oralair during pregnancy is not known, and patients should consult with a healthcare provider before taking Oralair if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

How long does Oralair treatment last?

Oralair treatment typically lasts for three years, but your doctor will determine the appropriate length of treatment based on your individual needs.

How should I store Oralair?

Oralair should be stored in a dry place at room temperature (between 68- and 77-degrees Fahrenheit).

Can Oralair be given to children?

Oralair is approved for use in patients aged 5 to 65 years old. However, the appropriate use and dosage should be determined by a doctor based on the child's individual needs and medical history.

Resources

• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-166046/oralair-sublingual/details
• https://www.rxlist.com/oralair-drug.htm
• https://www.drugs.com/mtm/oralair.html
• https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=854c9772-63b9-44a3-a11e-77b29c59e91d
• https://www.goodrx.com/oralair/what-is
• https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/oralair