I have seasonal pollen allergies and a lifelong allergy to cats.

The pollen allergies are usually manageable with Claritin, but some
days even the claritin isn't enough.

I just never go near cats to manage the cat allergy.

I was considering allergy shots, for the following reasons:
1) other than initial ramp-up shots, the monthly or yearly booster
shots would be far more convenient than daily pills
2) my wife loves cats, but we can't have any due to my allergies
3) due to my insurance not covering OTC medication, shots end up being
cheaper than pills in the long run
4) side effects of shots seemed to be post-shot allergic reactions due
to too high a dosage, but I would be in a clinic for observation for an
hour after the shots, to mitigate this risk.

I mentioned my desire to discuss allergy shots to my doctor's NP in
their office. They said that they discourage shots unless necessary
due to cost and potential side affects.

I am a bit skeptical of their "cheaper" comments because I know their
office is paid a per-person cap from my insurance coverage, so it would
be to their benefit to push for cheaper treatment, even if less
effective/convenient.

But I would like to see other people's thoughts around the risks of
this type of treatment. Is it really dangerous if I can manage today
without shots? How common are the side effects?

-MVL

00doc

Have you tried adding a nasal steroid (Flonase, Nasonex, Rhinocort, etc).


Yearly? - Never.
Monthly? Even that is stretching it.
The most I have seen is going to every three weeks. Keeping it weekly or
biweekly is more the norm.


The allergist would likely recommend you not get a cat even with the shots.

Usually a co-pay is due every time you go in for a shot. Is it stil cheaper
when you factor that in?

The shots are safe. I think you need more info before settling on the cost
and convenience issues.

The capitation arrangement may or may not be affected by referrals and meds
so it is hard to comment on the motivations of the doc. In most capitated
plans it wouldn't make a difference. In some it does.

--
00doc