It is highly recommended that you consult with an allergy specialist or your primary care provider before starting any medication to ensure the most effective treatment for your symptoms.

Antihistamines
Antihistamines have been used for years to treat allergy symptoms. They can be taken as pills, liquid, nasal spray, or eye drops. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine eye drops can relieve red itchy eyes, while nasal sprays can be used to treat the symptoms of seasonal or year-round allergies.

Decongestants
Decongestants relieve congestion and are often prescribed along with antihistamines for allergies. They come in nasal spray, eye drop, liquid, or pill form. Nasal spray and eye drop decongestants can be used for only a few days, since long-term use can actually make symptoms worse. Pills and liquid decongestants may be taken longer safely.

Combination Allergy Drugs
Some allergy drugs contain both an antihistamine and a decongestant to relieve multiple allergy symptoms. There are also other combinations, such as those between an allergy medicine and asthma medicine and an antihistamine eye drop with a mast cell stabilizer drug.

Steroids
Steroids, known medically as corticosteroids, reduce inflammation associated with allergies. They prevent and treat nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and itchy, runny nose due to seasonal or year-round allergies. They can also decrease inflammation and swelling from other types of allergic reactions. Steroids are available as pills, for serious allergies or asthma, inhalers, for asthma, nasal sprays, for seasonal or year-round allergies, creams, for skin allergies or as an eye drop, for allergic conjunctivitis. Your doctor may prescribe a steroid in addition to other allergy medications. Steroids are highly effective drugs for allergies, but they must be taken daily to be of benefit -- even when you aren't feeling allergy symptoms. In addition, it may take one to two weeks before the full effect of the medicine can be felt.

IMMUNOTHERAPYH (ALLERGY SHOTS) (back to top)
Allergy shots, also called "immunotherapy," are given to increase your tolerance to the substances (allergens) that provoke allergy symptoms. They usually are recommended for people who suffer from severe allergies or for those who have allergy symptoms more than 3 months each year. They do not cure allergies, but reduce your sensitivity to certain substances.

Are Allergy Shots Effective for All Allergies?
The effectiveness of immunotherapy varies depending on the severity of a person's allergies and the number of substances to which the person is allergic. In general, however, immunotherapy is effective for allergies to stinging insects, a variety of pollens and dust mites, as well as for allergic asthma. It is also effective for molds and pet dander. Immunotherapy is not proven to be effective for hives or food allergies.

EPIPEN (back to top)
EpiPen® is an auto-injector that administers epinephrine—and epinephrine is the definitive emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions. These reactions, called anaphylaxis, can become fatal within minutes if untreated. This medication reverses the allergic reaction, at least temporarily, to provide the life-saving time needed to get further treatment in a medical facility.

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