What is Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)?

奏良澁谷
Jan 2
2 min read

What is sublingual immunotherapy?
How sublingual immunotherapy works
Two types of sublingual immunotherapy
Treatable allergens
Benefits of treatment
Treatment precautions

What is sublingual immunotherapy?

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a treatment that reduces the immune response to allergies by administering small amounts of allergens (substances that cause allergies) under the tongue. This treatment is said to be particularly effective for cedar pollen allergy and dust mite allergy, and has been approved for these in Japan.

How sublingual immunotherapy works

By gradually introducing allergens into the body, the immune system is retrained to suppress overreaction to allergens. Treatment is done daily for several years, but it usually takes one to two years before the effects of treatment are felt. The final treatment period is typically three to five years, and long-term relief of symptoms is expected.

Two types of sublingual immunotherapy

Liquid Type

• Characteristics : This type involves dissolving allergens in a liquid and placing it under the tongue. A certain amount of the liquid is placed under the tongue, held there for a few minutes, and then swallowed.

• Usage Examples : This is often used for dust mite allergies and some pollen allergies.

• Advantages : Liquids allow for more precise dosing, especially in the early stages of treatment, allowing for more flexible dosing by gradually increasing the amount of allergen.

Tablet type (solid type)

• How it works : The tablet containing the allergen is placed under the tongue and left there until it dissolves. Once the tablet has completely dissolved, its ingredients are absorbed into the body.

• Example of use : Sublingual immunotherapy for cedar pollen allergy, mainly in tablet form. In Japan, tablet-type medications are widely used for cedar pollen allergy patients.

• Advantages : Solid tablets are easy to carry, less likely to accidentally take the wrong dose, and simpler to use.

Differences and choices

• How to take : Liquids are dropped under the tongue, tablets are left to dissolve under the tongue. Both need to be held under the tongue for a period of time to be absorbed.

Liquid form (drops) is easy to customize to suit the patient.

However, in the US, only the tablet form is approved by the FDA, and the liquid form is not covered by any insurance plan.

The allergens that can be treated are also different.

4. Advantages

No need to go to the hospital for treatment

Treatment possible wherever you are, even when traveling

5. Disadvantages

It takes 3 to 5 years for the symptoms to subside and for a full recovery

You need to manage your own dosing

6. Points to Note

May not be suitable for use in patients with asthma.

Pay attention to the risks of using liquid forms