What are the treatment options for ragweed allergy?

• Avoidance Measures: Unfortunately these are limited to keeping windows closed and air conditioning on and avoiding going outdoors on dry windy days.
• Medications: Antihistamines are available in a wide variety of forms including pills, eye drops, and nose sprays. But they need to be taken continuously throughout the allergy season for maximum effectiveness. It is important to note that decongestant nose sprays are not to be used continuously for more than 5 days in a row.
• Allergy Needles (Immunotherapy): There are two types of allergy needles: those given continuously throughout the year, and those given for a short course before the allergy season.

Is there a vaccine available for ragweed allergy? Pollinex®-R is a short course allergy vaccine approved by Health Canada to help protect adults and children above the age of 8 years against ragweed allergy.

What is Pollinex-R vaccine? Pollinex-R is a vaccine containing an aqueous extract of short ragweed pollen (Ambrosia elatior) which helps prevent the allergic symptoms produced by ragweed pollen.

How long has Pollinex-R been available? Pollinex-R has been available in Canada since 1979.

Who can be vaccinated with Pollinex-R? Pollinex-R is indicated for adults and children, over the age of 8 years, who have demonstrated ragweed allergic rhinitis by careful patient history and physical examination, supplemented by skin testing and/or immunological assay.

Does Pollinex-R reduces need for other allergy medication? Yes, Pollinex-R can reduce the need for other allergy medication, such as anti-histamines and other cough/cold over-the-counter medications that are used during the season to alleviate rhinitis symptoms. It also can reduce the use of more potent allergy therapies such as nasal and oral steroids.

What is the recommended course of therapy for Pollinex-R? Pollinex-R therapy must be given prior to the ragweed season.

How many doses of Pollinex-R are required? Four doses of Pollinex-R are required. Each dose should be separated by approximately 7 days.

Can Pollinex-R be given to children? Pollinex-R is recommended for children above 8 years of age.

Can pregnant women be vaccinated with Pollinex-R? Pollinex-R should not be used during pregnancy as the possible effects on the development of the fetus are unknown at this time.

Who should not be vaccinated with Pollinex-R? Pollinex-R should not be administered to anyone who has experienced a previous severe allergic reaction to ragweed vaccine immunotherapy.

Pollinex-R should not be administered to anyone who is presently on blood pressure medications called beta-blockers. Those using blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors should discuss the pros and cons of treatment with their physician.

Please consult your physician or pharmacist for the complete list of contraindications.

What are the frequently reported side effects with Pollinex-R? Pollinex-R is generally well tolerated by children and adults. In clinical trials, following vaccination the most common side effects reported were hypersensitivity reaction like erythema, swelling, pruritus, wheal, papule, mild hives, and very rarely, anaphylactic reactions.

Please consult your physician or pharmacist for more information.

Will my private health insurance cover the cost of Pollinex-R? Most insurance plans cover Pollinex–R therapy To find out if your health plan reimburses you for Pollinex-R vaccines, call your insurance company. Please provide your insurance company with the following Drug Identification Number (DIN) 00464988 to determine if Pollinex-R is covered under your plan.

For more information on ragweed allergies and Pollinex-R:
Contact your Doctor OR
The AllerPharma Customer Information Centre @ 1.866.404.2332 OR
Email us at info@allerpharma.com