Alternative to allergy shots is in the works

A new alternative to allergy shots, studied by doctors at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, could become available soon to allergy sufferers. Patients can take under-the-tongue tablets at home as they would with any kind of medication, eliminating the need for months of weekly visits to the doctor's office for injections. It's an exciting development because allergies affect so many people, Dr. David Skoner told WTAE-TV. A Phase III clinical trial, the results of which were presented at the recent 2013 meeting of the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology, found that drops are safe and effective for people suffering from ragweed allergies. Approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is the next step.