General

Pronunciation:
short rag-week po-len a-ler-jenex-tract

Trade Name(s)

• Ragwitek

Ther. Class.
allergy, cold and cough remedies

Pharm. Class.
antigens
immunotherapy

Indications

Treatment of ragweed-induced allergic rhinitis with/without conjunctivitis, confirmed by testing to be associated with the presence of pollen-specific IgE antibodies.

Action

Small doses of antigen produce T-cell activation and downregulation of mucosal mast cells; additional effects include ↓ IgE production, ↑ specific immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) production and changes in interleukin and eosinophil activity.

Therapeutic Effect(s):

Decreased symptoms (rhinitis/conjunctivitis) and need for daily medication to control symptoms.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.

Half-life: Unknown.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE (decrease in symptoms/need for medications)

Contraindication/Precautions

Contraindicated in:

• Severe/unstable/uncontrolled asthma
• History of severe allergic or other reaction to sublingual immunotherapy
• History of hypersensitivity to inactive ingredients.

Use Cautiously in:

• Oral inflammation/wounds including oral surgery/dental extraction, oral lichan planus, mouth ulcers or thrush (discontinue temporarily)
• Geri:  Safe and effective use in elderly patients has not been established, not approved for this age group;
• OB:  Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed
• Lactation: Use cautiously if breastfeeding;
• Pedi:  Safe and effective use in children has not been established.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

GI: oral paresthesia, oral prutitus, tongue pruritus, eosinophilic esophagitis, mouth edema

EENT: throat irritation, ear pruritus

Resp: LARYGOPHARYNGEAL SWELLING, oropharyngeal pain

Misc: allergic reactions including anaphylaxis

* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.

Interactions

Drug-Drug

• Concurrent  allergen immunotherapy  may ↑ risk of adverse reactions.
• Concurrent  beta blockers  may ↓ response to bronchodilators or parenteral epinephrine if required for severe allergic reactions to pollen extract.
•  Alpha blockers  and  beta blockers blunt the beneficial effects of epinephrine which may be required to treat anaphylaxis (↑ dose of epinephrine may be required).
•  Ergot alkaloids  may reverse the pressor effects of epinephrine.
• Effects of epinephrine may be ↑ by tricyclic antidepressants, levothyroxine,  MAO inhibitors  and some  antihistamines  including  chlorpheniramine  and  diphenhyramine .
•  Cardiac glycosides  may ↑ risk of adverse cardiovascular events with epineprine.

Route/Dosage

SL  (Adults)  18–65 yr) One tablet daily, started at least 12 wk prior to onset of ragweed pollen season, continued throughout season.

Availability

Sublingual tablet (contains gelatin, mannitol and sodium hydroxide): 12 Amb a 1–Unit (Amb a 1–U)

Assessment

• Assess for signs and symptoms of allergy (sneezing; runny or itchy nose; nasal congestion; itchy, watery eyes) before and periodically during therapy.
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions (trouble breathing, throat tightness or swelling, trouble swallowing or speaking, dizziness or fainting, rapid or weak heartbeat, severe stomach cramps or pain, vomiting, diarrhea, severe flushing or itching) for at least 30 min after initial dose. Keep epinephrine, an antihistamine, and resuscitation equipment close by in the event of an anaphylactic reaction. Discontinue therapy of severe allergic reaction occurs. If persistent or escalating reactions occur, re-evaluate therapy and consider discontinuation.
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis (severe or persistent gastro-esophageal symptoms, dysphagia, chest pain). Discontinue therapy and consider diagnosis if symptoms occur.
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of asthma attack (wheezing, coughing, dyspnea) before administering. Withhold if patient experiencing acute asthma exacerbation. If recurrent asthma exacerbations occur, consider discontinuation of therapy.
• Assess for oral inflammation (oral lichen planus, mouth ulcers, thrush) prior to administration. Allow healing before administration.

Potential Diagnoses

• Ineffective breathing pattern (Indications) 

Implementation

• Therapy should be started at least 12 wks prior to onset and throughout ragweed pollen season. Administer first dose in health care setting and monitor patient for allergic reactions for at least 30 min. If no reactions occur, patient may administer subsequent doses at home.
• SL  Remove tablet from blister just prior to dosing. Immediately place tablet under tongue until complete dissolution for at least 1 min before swallowing. Wash hands after handling tablet.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient in correct method of taking  Ragwitek ; avoid swallowing tablet until dissolved. Avoid food or beverage for 5 min after dissolution of tablet. If dose is missed, omit and take next scheduled dose next day; do not double doses. If more than 1 dose is missed, notify health care professional before restarting. Explain to patient that therapy does not give immediate relief of allergy symptoms. Instruct patient to read  Medication Guide  before starting therapy and with each Rx refill in case of changes.
• Instruct patient in how and when to use autoinjectable epinephrine and to seek immediate medical care if used.
• Advise patient to stop therapy notify health care professional if signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, asthma attack, oral inflammation, or eosinophilic esophagitis occur.
• Instruct patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult health care professional before taking other Rx, OTC, or herbal products.
• Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Decreased symptoms or allergic rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis.