Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for Patients in New York

You or your child may be a candidate for Oral Immunotherapy if you have a history of allergic reactions and testing confirms an IgE-mediated food allergy.

Candidates commonly include patients with allergies to:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Sesame
• Milk
• Eggs

A comprehensive allergy evaluation, including skin testing and blood work, is required before treatment begins.

Every patient and family has unique goals. Treatment plans are personalized to help achieve the outcomes most important to you.

Common goals include:

Protection from Accidental Exposure

Many families choose OIT to reduce the risk of severe reactions caused by accidental ingestion of an allergenic food.

Expanded Diet Options

Some patients may eventually tolerate larger amounts of the food and enjoy greater dietary freedom.

Improved Quality of Life

Reducing anxiety surrounding food allergies can help children and families feel more confident at school, social events, restaurants, and while traveling.

Your allergy specialist will work closely with you throughout treatment to establish realistic goals and monitor progress.

Before treatment begins, patients undergo:

• Comprehensive allergy consultation
• Skin prick testing
• Blood testing
• Review of medical history and treatment goals

The first OIT appointment typically lasts 2–4 hours. During this visit, the patient receives several carefully measured doses of the allergenic food while being closely monitored.

Patients return to the office regularly for supervised dose increases.

• Up-dosing typically takes 6–11 months
• Visits generally last about 1 hour
• Patients continue daily dosing at home between appointments

Treatment often begins with a diluted liquid or powdered form of the allergenic food before progressing to the actual food itself.

Once the target dose is reached, patients continue daily maintenance dosing.

• Maintenance typically lasts 2–5 years
• Ongoing monitoring and follow-up visits are required
• Repeat allergy testing is generally performed every 6–12 months

Patients may experience:

• Mouth or throat itching
• Mild hives
• Stomach discomfort
• Nausea
• Mild gastrointestinal symptoms

Reactions to treatment doses can occur.

• Up to 10% of patients may experience anaphylaxis during treatment.
• Emergency medications, including epinephrine, must be available at all times.

Approximately 1–5% of patients may develop Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), an inflammatory condition affecting the esophagus.

Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Food getting stuck
• Heartburn
• Chest discomfort

If EoE develops, treatment may need to be modified or discontinued.

Patients should:

• Follow all dosing instructions exactly as prescribed
• Carry epinephrine at all times
• Complete all scheduled follow-up visits
• Be supervised during home dosing

Doses should not be taken if the patient is experiencing:

• Wheezing
• Asthma symptoms
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Significant illness

Patients should also avoid strenuous exercise for:

• 1 hour before dosing
• 2 hours after dosing

No. OIT is designed to desensitize the immune system and increase tolerance to an allergenic food. Most patients must continue regular exposure to maintain protection.

The up-dosing phase typically lasts 6–11 months. Maintenance dosing generally continues for 2–5 years.

Peanut, tree nut, sesame, milk, and egg allergies are commonly treated. Additional foods may be discussed during your consultation.

Missing a single dose typically does not require changes to treatment. Missing multiple doses may require dose adjustments. Patients should contact their allergy specialist for guidance before restarting treatment.

Office visits and supervised food allergy procedures are typically billed through insurance. Program fees may apply to cover additional services, education, materials, and support that are not reimbursed by insurance plans.

Yes. While OIT can significantly reduce the risk of reactions from accidental exposure, reactions can still occur during treatment. OIT does not guarantee complete protection.

The initial visit usually lasts 2–4 hours and involves several small doses of the allergenic food. Follow-up up-dosing visits generally last about 1 hour and include monitoring after the dose is administered.