Allergenic Extract, Bee and Wasp Prescribing Information

Package insert / product label
Dosage form: injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution

1045063C
PRESCRIBING
INFORMATION

ALLERGENIC EXTRACTS
HYMENOPTERA
VENOM/VENOM PROTEIN

Pharmalgen®

Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)
Yellow Jacket (Vespula spp.)
Yellow Hornet (Dolichovespula arenaria)
White Faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata)
Wasp (Polistes spp.)
Mixed Vespid (Yellow Jacket, Yellow Hornet & White Faced Hornet)

ALK-Abelló A/S
DK-2970 HØRSHOLM, DENMARK

Revision C ()

Description

Six sterile freeze-dried Hymenoptera preparations are available: honey bee venom, and yellow jacket, yellow hornet, white faced (bald faced) hornet, wasp, and mixed vespid venom protein. The mixed vespid preparation consists of equal amounts of yellow jacket, yellow hornet, and white faced hornet venom proteins.

Honey bees, yellow hornets, and white faced hornets are present primarily as the single species designated above, and the source material for those extracts is collected only from those species. There are a number of common species of yellow jackets and wasps in the environment, and those extracts reflect that variety and contain venom protein from a number of species. Information concerning the species included in the yellow jacket and wasp preparations is available on request from ALK customer service (1-800-252-9778; in TX and Canada, 203-877-4782).

Honey bee venom is obtained from live insects by an electric shock method. The other venoms are obtained from dissected venom sacs, which are crushed in a β-alanine/acetic acid buffer to release the venom. The sac residue is then removed by centrifugation and filtration. Allergenic components in the raw honey bee and yellow jacket venom materials have been described 2, 3.

These extracts are available in freeze-dried form, and just prior to use, the contents of each vial should be reconstituted with HAS diluent (see How Supplied), using the volume specified on the vial label. When reconstituted as directed, the single-venom preparations will contain 100 μg/ml of venom or venom protein, and the mixed vespid preparation will contain 300 μg/ml of venom protein. This is the concentration from which full maintenance doses are typically drawn. Other ingredients in the solution reconstituted as directed with HSA diluent are 0.06% albumin human USP, 3.0% mannitol 0.9% sodium chloride, and 0.4% phenol. All these preparations must be diluted before use in diagnosis or in the initial stages of treatment.

Clinical Pharmacology1

The mode of action of allergenic extracts is under investigation.

The skin test reaction occurring in previously sensitized individuals is probably related to the interaction of antigen with IgE antibody and the subsequent release of histamine from mast cells. The therapeutic action of allergenic extracts may be related to the production of IgG (blocking) antibodies. Effective immunotherapy with allergenic extracts is usually associated with a rise in serum levels of specific IgG. Immunotherapy also produces an initial rise in specific IgE levels, which then decrease as therapy continues.

Indications and Usage

The Pharmalgen venom preparations are indicated for use in the diagnosis and treatment of Hymenoptera sting allergy. The following general considerations should be applied in determining the proper use of these preparations:

1. Approximately two-thirds of adult patients with a history of sting anaphylaxis and a positive venom skin test but who do not receive immunotherapy will experience a systemic reaction if stung by the implicated insect again. These patients should receive therapy4. Children whose reactions have been limited to the skin have an approximately 10% risk of future reactions if stung and not immunized. The nature and severity of these reactions is in general similar to the original reaction and therefore children with this kind of history may not need venom therapy5.
   
2. The risk of anaphylaxis following a future sting is unknown in patients who have been stung without experiencing a systemic reaction but who are currently venom skin test positive. At this time, no recommendation can be made that such patients receive venom immunotherapy, but they should be counseled on their condition and may benefit from instruction in the self administration of subcutaneously injected epinephrine. There is an approximately 10% risk of future systemic reactions if prior reactions have consisted of large delayed local reactions6. This risk must be considered in deciding whether or not to recommend venom therapy.
   
3. Patients with a history of serious systemic reaction to a sting but who are skin test negative to all five venoms are not candidates for therapy. It is not known whether such patients may be resensitized by future stings, and such patients should be retested after any subsequent sting.
   
4. A small percentage of patients who have reached the maintenance dose suggested below, may still experience some degree of allergic response upon being stung by the implicated insect.

Diagnosis:

The five individual Hymenoptera venom extracts present in the diagnostic kit (see How Supplied) are indicated for diagnostic skin testing of patients with a history of systemic reactions consistent with insect sting allergy7.

Treatment:

The Hymenoptera venom extracts are indicated for immunotherapy in patients who have a history of a systemic reaction of any severity to a Hymenoptera sting and a positive skin test to one or more of the venoms. Therapy cannot be recommended in the absence of either of those conditions.

The single-venom extracts are intended for both diagnosis and immunotherapy: the mixed vespid product is intended for immunotherapy only.

Multiple venom preparations are indicated in patients with multiple skin test sensitivities.

Contraindications

No absolute contraindications to venom immunotherapy are known.

However, the risk of serious systemic anaphylactic reactions to venom or any potent allergenic extract suggests a number of preexisting conditions that should be considered relative contraindications. Among those conditions are acute infections, immune disease, malign disorders, severe cardiac disease, and treatment with β-adrenergic antagonist drugs (beta-blockers), angiotensin inhibitors (ACE-inhibitors), tricyclic anti-depressives and monoaminooxidase (MAO) inhibitors. See also Warnings, Precautions, and Adverse Reactions.

Warnings

See additional warnings given in the box at the beginning of this insert.

Some patients are highly sensitive to Hymenoptera venoms and, for such patients, it must be anticipated that even a small skin test dose could result in a serious systemic reaction. Adequate means to treat such reactions must be immediately available, including the following equipment8 stethoscope and sphygmomanometer; tourniquets, syringes, hypodermic needles, and large-bore (14 gauge) needles; aqueous epinephrine HCl, 1:1000; oxygen, intravenous fluids, and the equipment for administering them; oral airway; diphenhydramine or similar antihistamine; aminophylline and corticosteroids for intravenous injection; vasopressor.

Patients are most at risk of serious systemic reactions:

• During skin testing and the build-up to maintenance dose, before tolerance of the extract is established. Do not begin immunotherapy without establishing the appropriate initial dose by skin testing (see Dosage and Administration), and do not inject the undiluted extract concentrate at any time unless tolerance has been demonstrated.
  
• When changing to a freshly-reconstituted extract; all extracts lose potency over time, and a fresh extract could have an effective potency that is substantially greater than that of the old extract. Reduce the dose by at least 50% when switching a patient to a freshly reconstituted extract; this is particularly important when the previous extract was near its expiration date.
  
• When changing to an extract from a different manufacturer. Processing and source materials may differ markedly among manufacturers, and extracts from different manufacturers should not be considered interchangeable. Such changes should not be made without establishing the proper dosage by skin testing.
  
• If an error in dosage occurs. Take care to properly prepare, label, store, and control all dilutions.

Observe the patient for at least 30 minutes after injection, and be alert for the signs of impending reaction. Make sure the patient under stands that serious delayed reactions can occur later on, how to recognize them, and what to do if they occur.Patients who are receiving beta-blocking medication are high-risk patients for immunotherapy, because systemic reactions to the extract may be more severe in such patients9, and because the beta-blocker may impair the ability to reverse the reaction10. In such patients, this risk should be carefully weighed before a decision to treat is reached.

Treatment with ACE-Inhibitors should be Stopped at least 24 hours Prior to injection due to An increased risk of anaphylactic reaction based on inhibition of the angiotensin metabolism 12, 13, 14.

The effect of epinephrine (in cases of anaphylactic shock) on patients being treated with tricyclic anti-depressives or MAO inhibitors can be heightened and the consequences can be fatal. This should be taken into account before initiating specific immunotherapy.

In patients with increased baseline serum tryptase levels and/or mastocytosis , the risk of systemic allergic reactions and the severity of these may be increased15.

Patients suffering of mastocytosis may expect less efficacy compared with the general insect venom allergic population15.

Do not inject this or any allergenic extract intravenously. Before injecting the extract subcutaneously, retract the plunger on the syringe slightly and verify that no blood enters the syringe. If it does, remove the syringe and repeat the procedure at a different site.

This and any allergenic extract should be temporarily withheld or its dosage reduced under any of these conditions11.

• When the patient has an unexpectedly severe local or any systemic reaction to the previous dose.
  
• If the patient is experiencing allergic symptoms such as rhinitis or asthma, or is ill with flu or infection accompanied by fever.
  
• If the patient has experienced deterioration of atopic dermatitis16.
  
• If an unusually long time has passed since the previous injection.

Allergic patients differ widely in their sensitivity to this or any allergenic extract, and no single dosage regimen can be recommended for all patients. The treatment schedule described under Dosage and Administration, below, is suitable for the majority of patients, but is based on a rather rapid build-up to the maintenance dosage and will have to be adjusted for sensitive patients. Progression to the next higher dose requires tolerance of the previous one, and the regimen must be modified if any of the conditions described above occur. Such modifications should include weaker dilutions and smaller dosage increments.

Precautions

General:

It is not unusual for patients to be treated with multiple venom preparations simultaneously. Although the majority of patients receiving multiple venoms tolerate treatments as well as patients receiving a single venom, the theoretically greater risk of systemic reactions in patients receiving multiple venoms should be kept in mind.

Do not use the mixed vespid preparations for diagnosis; even though cross-reactivity among those three venoms is common, it is not universal and patients should not be treated with any venom to which they are not demonstrably sensitive.

Patient compliance is an important consideration in the decision to initiate immunotherapy with any potent allergenic extract. Therapy should not be initiated if in the judgement of the physician the patient cannot be depended upon to respond promptly and properly to an impending adverse reaction, or to report such reactions.

The patient should avoid physical exertion, warm baths and alcohol on the day of the injection due to increased blood flow and mobilization of allergens17.

Care must be taken to control the preparation, labeling, storage, and use of dilutions. The ramifications of inadvertent overdosage are severe (see Warnings and Adverse Reactions), and so procedural safeguards such as training programs, color-coded labeling, storage controls, and auditing are recommended11.

As with the administration of any parenteral drug, observe all aspects of good sterile technique. In both testing and treatment, use a separate sterilized needle and syringe for each individual patient, to prevent transmission of hepatitis and other infectious agents from one per son to another.

Drug Interaction:

Patients who are receiving beta-blocking medication are high-risk patients for immunotherapy, because systemic reactions to the extract may be more severe in such patients9, and because the beta-blocker may impair the ability to reverse the reaction10.

The patient should not take antihistamines in the 72-hour period prior to skin testing, since the pharmacological actions of such drugs might interfere with the skin test response. Also, the concurrent use of an antihistamine might mask an otherwise observable reaction to an injection in patients who are on venom treatment.

Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility:

No long term studies with this or any allergenic extract have been carried out to determine their effect on carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, or impairment of fertility.

Pregnancy:

Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with allergenic extracts. It is also not known whether allergenic extracts can cause fatal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Allergenic extracts should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nursing mothers:

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when allergenic extracts are administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use:

The Hymenoptera venom extracts are indicated for immunotherapy in children who have a history of a systemic reaction not confined to the skin, and a positive skin test to one or more of the venoms. The maintenance dose of 100 μg is recommended for both children and adults. If the injection volume is too large for a small child to tolerate comfortably, then the injection volume may be split into multiple injections.

Geriatric Use:

Clinical studies of venom extracts did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Adverse Reactions

Severe anaphylactic reactions to this extract can occur in extremely allergic patients and at any dosage level. Do not use this extract unless you are prepared to deal with these reactions, and until you have read and understood the Warnings, Precautions, and Dosage and Administration sections of this insert.

The most serious systemic reaction that can occur is anaphylactic shock, which, while rare, is life threatening and must be treated immediately. Among other systemic reactions that have occurred are laryngeal edema, headache, fainting, dizziness, paraesthesia, pallor, tachycardia, palpitations, flushing, hypotension, bronchospasm, angioedema, erythema, wheezing, cough, dyspnea, sneezing, asthma, throat irritation, conjunctivitis, rhinitis, urticaria, pruritus, rash, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, joint swelling, arthralgia, chest discomfort, and sensation of foreign body.

Should a serious systemic reaction occur:

• Inject 0.3-0.5 ml of 1:1000 epinephrine into the opposite arm; this may be repeated every 5 to 10 minutes, as a succession of smaller doses is more effective and less dangerous than a single larger one. Use a smaller dose for infants and children, in the range of 0.01 ml/kg of body weight.
  
• Apply a tourniquet proximal to the injection site; loosen it at least every 10 minutes.
  
• Inject no more than 0.1 ml of 1:1000 epinephrine at the injection site, to delay the absorption of the remaining extract.

These measures will almost always reverse the reaction, but in the rare instances when they do not, then the full armamentarium of emergency medicine may be required, among them: direct laryngoscopy, direct current cardioversion, tracheotomy, and intracardiac injection of drugs8.

The occurrence of a severe systemic reaction to an injection of this extract does not contraindicate further therapy, but the next dose given should be reduced by at least 90%, and raised very slowly thereafter. If a pattern of systemic reactions – even very mild ones – appears, then the benefits of continued treatment must be carefully weighed against the substantial demonstrated risk.

Local reactions, even relatively severe but transient redness, itching, swelling and discomfort, are the normal physiologic response to the allergens and to the volume of the fluid injected, and in their milder form are evidence of the effectiveness of the therapy. Local reactions generally subside quickly and do not require treatment, but application of cold to the injection site or other symptomatic measures may be useful.

However, severe local reactions should be considered a warning of potential systemic reaction if that dosage is continued. Always reduce the dose substantially if such a local reaction occurs.

Overdosage:

See Adverse Reactions section.

Dosage and Administration

Reconstitution and Dilution:

A diluent containing 0.03% human serum albumin (HSA), 0.9% sodium chloride, and 0.4% phenol should be used for reconstituting and diluting these preparations.

Reconstitute each vial of freeze-dried venom material by drawing the amount of diluent specified on the label into a syringe, and transfer ring it to the vial of extract using aseptic technique. Swirl or rock the vial gently until all the material has gone into solution. Do not shake the vial or agitate it violently enough to cause the fluid to foam. Note that a needle that has been inserted into a vial of venom must not be reinserted into a stock bottle of diluent, or into a vial containing another type of extract.

When reconstituted as directed on the label, the vial will contain 100 μg of venom per ml (300 μg/ml in the case of the mixed vespid preparation). This is the concentration from which the typical maintenance dose is drawn, but it is not suitable for testing or for the initial stages of immunotherapy.

To obtain the concentrations required for testing or the initial stages of immunotherapy, prepare serial ten-fold dilutions of the concentrate to achieve the concentrations specified in Table 1.

The relatively small 0.2 ml volume conserves the original concentrate, and is convenient because sterile diluent is readily available in prefilled 1.8 ml volumes.

For each vial, record the date of reconstitution or dilution on the label. Then calculate the appropriate shelf life based on the information in Table 4, and write that on the label as well. Note that the calculated shelf life of a dilution must not exceed that of the concentrate from which it was made.

Skin Testing:

Patients with relevant sting histories should be skin tested with appropriate concentrations of each of the five single Hymenoptera venom preparations (honey bee, yellow jacket, yellow hornet, white faced hornet, wasp).

The location for testing is usually the flexor surface of the forearm. Use aseptic technique and a separate, sterilized syringe and needle for each extract and each patient. For intradermal testing, introduce the needle into the superficial skin layers until the bevel is completely buried. Slowly inject approximately 0.05 ml.

The following skin testing protocol can be recommended:

1. Reconstitute each of the five vials of a diagnostic kit using HSA diluent, and prepare serial dilutions such as those in Table 1.
   
2. Perform a preliminary skin prick test with each preparation at the 1.0 μg/ml concentration, with the diluent as a negative control, and with histamine base at 1 mg/ml as a positive control. For most patients, all tests but the positive control should be negative. Patients reacting to the prick test at 1.0 of venom should be considered highly sensitive to the venom, and suitable precautions should be taken. If the positive control is negative, the possibility of skin non-reactivity must be considered.
   
3. Begin intradermal testing with all venoms, starting at the 0.001 μg/ml dilution for all patients who did not react to the skin prick test, and at the 0.0001 μg/ml for highly sensitive patients.
   
4. Read the test response after 15 minutes, and determine the degree of response to the injection, in comparison to the negative control.

A suggested grading system appears in Table 2.

5. If the intradermal reaction is negative at the initial concentration, continue intradermal testing with tenfold increments in the concentration until a clearly positive response has been obtained or a concentration of 1 μg/ml has been tested, whichever occurs first. The use of venom concentrations greater than 1 μg/ml for intradermal testing is not recommended because of the risk of false positive reactions4. If there is a positive response at concentrations of 0.01 μg/ml or less, the patient should be considered highly sensitive to the venom.

The interpretation of the skin response is based on the size of the wheal, the size of the erythema, and the appearance of irregular, spreading, pseudopod-like projections from the test area. The presence of the latter indicates marked hypersensitivity.

A patient is considered sensitive to the test extract if there is a reaction of 1 + or greater at a concentration of 1 μg/ml or less, providing that the 1 + reaction is in relation to the negative control.

If skin tests are negative in a recently stung patient, the skin testing should be repeated after two weeks have elapsed. For patients with negligible response to the histamine control, skin testing should be repeated after 72 hours.

Treatment:

An allergic individual should be treated with each venom that provokes a positive skin test. If more than one Hymenoptera venom preparation is indicated, the different preparations should be given by separate injections. The mixed vespid preparation should not be substituted for single-venom treatments unless the patient is allergic to all three of the constituent venoms: yellow jacket, yellow hornet, and white faced hornet.

Administer the venom solution subcutaneously, using a suitable sterile syringe with 0.1 ml graduations and a 25-27 gauge 1/4 to 5/8 inch needle. The injections are typically given in the lateral aspect of the upper arm.

Dosage Schedule:

Dosage of allergenic extracts is a highly individualized matter, and varies according to the degree of sensitivity of the patient, the clinical response, and tolerance of the extract administered previously.

The dosage schedule in Table 3 is based on the results of a clinical trial involving 103 patients, and is suitable for most patients. It should be noted, however, that the clinical trial incorporated a flexible dosage schedule that utilized guidelines that were somewhat more in the starting dose and in the dosage increments in the early phases of immunotherapy than those recommended in Table 3 and that no single dosage schedule can be recommended for all patients. See Precautions above.

The safe administration of venom preparations does not differ in principle from the safe administration of other allergenic extracts. Increasing doses of venom are given at increments dependent on the patient’s ability to tolerate the venoms, until a maintenance dosage is reached and maintained. The prescribed maintenance dosage is 100 μg per venom, and, since the efficacy of lower doses has not been established it is considered extremely important that the patient be able to reach this dosage.

During the initial phases of immunotherapy, the patient may receive two or three injections of each venom per visit, spaced at 1/2 hour intervals, with dosage increments no greater than those shown in Table 3.

After each injection, the patient’s skin reaction and overall response are evaluated to determine whether the next scheduled dose can be given. The conditions for proceeding to the next dose are as follows:

• If a single dose results in more than a moderate local reaction (>5.0 cm wheal) within 1/2 hour, no additional dose of the venom should be given during that visit, and the same dose should be repeated at the next visit – or visits – until the patient has tolerated it.
  
• If any systemic manifestation of sensitivity occurs during or following a visit, or if a- single dose results in an excessive local reaction (>10 cm wheal) within 1/2 hour, no additional dose should be administered during the visit and the total dosage for the next visit should be reduced to half of the dose that caused the reaction.
  
• Delayed local reactions (occurring 24-48 hours after injection) are relatively common, and do not appear to predict difficulties with future doses. As a rule, therefore, dosage adjustment is not required in most instances. However, at the physician’s discretion and for the comfort of the patient, if delayed large local reactions over 10 cm are reported, the subsequent dose should be held at the same level as the one causing the reaction.

The figures in Table 3 refer to treatment with a single venom. If a patient requires more than one venom preparation, the number of injections per visit are increased to include the additional venom preparations.

Weekly visits are continued until the patient has received and tolerated two consecutive maintenance doses of 100 μg. Thereafter, the interval between doses can be increased by increments of one week, to a maximum of four weeks. Thereafter, monthly injections of 100 μg are to be continued indefinitely.

The use of the Table 3 regimen or a slightly modified dosage schedule may result in some form of mild to moderate allergic reaction in approximately 1/4 of the patients, but such reactions are typically not severe enough to warrant stopping the treatment.

The maintenance dose of 100 μg is recommended for both children and adults, and there is no evidence that any lower maintenance dose provides adequate protection. If a patient on maintenance therapy is stung and still has a systemic manifestation of sensitivity, the maintenance dosage of the relevant venom should be increased to 200 μg at no more than 50 μg increments.

Duration of Treatment:

At the present time it appears necessary to continue maintenance injections indefinitely.

Storage:

The freeze-dried venom preparations, the diluent, the reconstituted extract, and all dilutions should be kept refrigerated at 2-8°C. The maximal storage times for these materials are as shown in Table 4.

The expiration date for the unreconstituted, freeze-dried extract is shown on the label. The expiration date is based on stability data demonstrating that no significant loss of potency occurs after storage at 2-8°C for at least that period of time.

How supplied

Diagnostic Kit: The diagnostic kit contains 5 vials of freeze-dried venom/venom protein extracts, one vial each of honey bee, yellow jacket, yellow hornet, white faced hornet, and wasp. When reconstituted with 1.2 ml of diluent, each vial contains 100 μg/ml of venom/venom protein.

Treatment Kits: The treatment kits contain 6 unit-dose vials of freeze-dried, venom/venom protein from either honey bee, yellow jacket, yellow hornet, white faced hornet, wasp, or mi- f xed vespid. When reconstituted with 1.2 ml of diluent, each vial of single-venom preparations will contain 100 μg/ml of venom/venom protein, and the mixed vespid products will contain 300 μg/ml of venom/venom protein.

Multi-dose Vials: Multi-dose vials are single vials that contain enough venom/venom protein so that, when reconstituted as directed with 11 ml of diluent, will produce ten full maintenance doses. When reconstituted as directed with 11 ml of diluent, the multi-dose vials contain 100 μg/ml of venom protein for single-venom products, and 300 μg/ml for the mixed vespid product.

HSA Diluent: A diluent containing 0.03% human serum albumin (HSA), 0.9% sodium chloride, and 0.4% phenol should be used for re-constituting and diluting these preparations. This diluent is available in the US from ALK in

vials containing 1.8 ml (packages of 100), or 30 ml (packages of 1 or 5) of diluent.

References

1. Van Metre, T.E., and Adkinson, N.F. in: Allergy Principles and Practice, Third Edition, 1327-1343, 1988. C.V. Moseby Co.
   
2. Hoffman, D.R., et al.: J Allergy Clin Immunol 59: 147, 1977.
   
3. Hoffman, D.R.: Ann Allergy 40: 171, 1978.
   
4. Hunt, K.J., et al.: N Engl J Med 299:157, 1978.
   
5. Schuberth, K.C., et al.: J Pediatr 102: 361, 1983.
   
6. Golden, D.B.K., and Valentine, M.D.: Ann Allergy 53: 444-452, 1984.
   
7. Hunt, K.J., et al.: Ann Int Med 85: 56, 1976.
   
8. Anderson, J.A., et al.: J Allergy Clin Immunol 77(2): 271-273, 1986.
   
9. Jacobs, R.L., et al.: J Allergy Clin Immunol 68: 125, 1981.
   
10. Bickel, W.H., Ann Emerg Med 13: 189,1984.
    
11. Norman, P.S., and Van Metre, T.E.: J Allergy Clin Immunol 85: 522, 1990.
    
12. Müller, U & Mosbech, H. Allergy. Suppl 14, Vol 48, 37-43. 1993.
    
13. Ober, A.I. et al..J. Allergy Clin Immunol 112, 1008-1009, 2003.
    
14. Stumpf, J.L. et al. Ann Pharmacother 40, 699-703, 2006.
    
15. Golden, D.B.K. et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 127(4): 854.e13-854.e15, 2011.
    
16. Alvarez-Cuesta, E. et al. Allergy 61(Suppl. 82): 11, 2006.
    
17. Simons, F.E.R., et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 127(3): 593.e1-593.e22, 2011.

Warranty Statement

We warrant that this product was prepared according to the applicable regulations of the appropriate regulatory agency; that it is true to label; and that the contents of each unopened, undamaged container are sterile. We have no control over the conditions under which this product is used, the diagnosis of the patient, the dosage, the methods of administration or the handling of the product after it leaves our possession, and we do not warrant either a good effect or against an ill effect following use of this product.

The user of this product should be aware of the inherent danger of injecting any biological product and accept the risk of a serious anaphylactic reaction.

The foregoing warranty is exclusive of all other warranties whether written, oral or implied (including any warranty of merchantability or fitness for use.)

No representative of the company may change any of the foregoing, and the buyer hereby accepts the product subject to all the terms hereof.

Manufactured by:
ALK-Abelló A/S, Hørsholm, Denmark
U.S. Licence 1292
Distributed by:
ALK-Abelló, Inc. Port Washington NY 11050
In NY: 1-800-252-9778

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

Allergenic Extract
Honey Bee Venom
100 µg/mL
6 x 1 mL Vials
Rx Only

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

Allergenic Extract
Mixed Vespid
Venom Protein
300 µg/mL
6 x 1 mL Vials
Rx Only

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

Allergenic Extract
Wasp Venom Protein
100 µg/mL
6 x 1 mL Vials
Rx Only

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

Allergenic Extract
White Faced Hornet
Venom Protein
100 µg/mL
6 x 1 mL Vials
Rx Only

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

Allergenic Extract
Yellow Hornet
Venom Protein
100 µg/mL
6 x 1 mL Vials
Rx Only

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

Allergenic Extract
Yellow Jacket
Venom Protein
100 µg/mL
6 x 1 mL Vials
Rx Only

Medical Disclaimer

Allergenic Extract, Coca Glycerine Prescribing Information

Package insert / product label
Dosage form: injection, solution
Drug class: Laxatives

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 21, 2022.

Allergenic Extract, Coca Glycerine Description

Antigen Laboratories’ allergenic extracts are manufactured from source material listed on the vial label. Lower concentrations (e.g. 1:50, 1:33, etc.) may be prepared either by dilution from a more concentrated stock or by direct extraction. The extract is a sterile solution containing extractables of source materials obtained from biological collecting and/or processing firms and Antigen Laboratories. All source materials are inspected by Antigen Laboratories’ technical personnel in accordance with 21 CFR 680.1 (b) (1). The route of administration for immunotherapy is subcutaneous. The routes of administration for diagnostic purposes are intradermal or prick-puncture of the skin.

FOR ALLERGENIC EXTRACTS CONTAINING 50% V/V GLYCERINE AS PRESERVATIVE AND STABILIZER:

INACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

Sodium chloride…………………………………………………………….0.95%

Sodium bicarbonate………………………………………………………..0.24%

Glycerine…………………………………………………………………50% (v/v)

Water for Injection…………………………………………………q.s. to volume

Active allergens are described by common and scientific name on the stock concentrate container label or on last page of this circular.

Food allergenic extracts may be manufactured on a weight/volume (w/v) or volume/volume (v/v) basis. Food extracts made from dried raw material are extracted at 2-10% (1:50-1:10 w/v ratio) in extracting fluid containing 50% glycerine. Slurries of juicy fruits or vegetables (prepared with a minimum amount of water for injection) are combined with an equal volume of glycerine for a ration of 1:1 volume/volume (v/v). Sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate are added to the slurry and glycerine mixture. Fresh egg white extract is prepared by adding one part raw egg white to nine parts of extracting fluid (1:9 v/v).

Antigen E is considered the most important allergen of Short Ragweed pollen and is used for the standardization of Short Ragweed allergenic extracts. Stock mixtures containing Short Ragweed are analyzed for Antigen E content by radial immunodiffusion using Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) references and anti-serum. Antigen E content expressed as units of Antigen E per milliliter (U/ml) is printed on container label.

Allergenic Extract, Coca Glycerine - Clinical Pharmacology

Studies indicate allergic individuals produce immunoglobulins of the IgE class in response to exposure to allergens. Subsequent exposure to the allergen results in a combination of allergen with IgE antibody fixed on mast cells or basophil membranes. This cross-linking results in stimulation of mast cell which leads to release and generation of pharmacologically active substances that produce immediate hypersensitivity reaction.3

The mode of action of immunotherapy with allergenic extracts is still under investigation. Subcutaneous injections of increasing doses of allergenic extract into patients with allergic disease have been shown to result in both humoral and cellular changes including the production of allergen-specific IgG antibodies, the suppression of histamine release from target cells, decrease in circulating levels of antigen specific IgE antibody over long periods of time and suppression of peripheral blood T-lymphocyte cell responses to antigen.10, 14, 15

Indications and Usage for Allergenic Extract, Coca Glycerine

Allergenic extract is used for diagnostic testing and for the treatment (immunotherapy) of patients whose histories indicate that upon natural exposure to the allergen, they experience allergic symptoms. Confirmation is determined by skin testing. Diagnostic use of allergenic extracts usually begins with direct skin testing. This product is not intended for treatment of patients who do not manifest immediate hypersensitivity reactions to the allergenic extract following skin testing.

Contraindications

Do not administer in the presence of diseases characterized by bleeding diathesis. Individuals with autoimmune disease may be at risk of exacerbating symptoms of the underlying disease, possibly due to routine immunization. Patients who have experienced a recent myocardial infarction may not be tolerant of immunotherapy. Children with nephrotic syndrome probably should not receive injections due to immunization causing exacerbation of nephrotic disease.

Warnings

Refer to boxed “WARNINGS”, “PRECAUTIONS”, “ADVERSE REACTIONS” and “OVERDOSAGE” sections for additional information on serious adverse reactions and steps to be taken, if any occur.

Extreme caution is necessary when using diagnostic skin tests or injection treatment in highly sensitive patients who have experienced severe symptoms or anaphylaxis by natural exposure, or during previous skin testing or treatment. IN THESE CASES THE POTENCY FOR SKIN TESTS AND THE ESCALATION OF THE TREATMENT DOSE MUST BE ADJUSTED TO THE PATIENT’S SENSITIVITY AND TOLERANCE.

Benefit versus risk needs to be evaluated in steroid dependent asthmatics, patients with unstable asthma or patients with underlying cardiovascular disease.

Injections should never be given intravenously. A 5/8 inch, 25 gauge needle on a sterile syringe allows deep subcutaneous injection. Withdraw plunger slightly after inserting needle to determine if a blood vessel has been entered.

Proper measurement of dose and caution in making injection will minimize reactions. Adverse reactions to allergenic extracts are usually apparent within 20-30 minutes following injection of immunotherapy.

Extract should be temporarily withheld or dosage reduced in case of any of the following conditions: 1) flu or other infection with fever; 2) exposure to excessive amounts of allergen prior to injection; 3) rhinitis and/or asthma exhibiting severe symptoms; 4) adverse reaction to previous injection until cause of reaction has been evaluated by physician supervising patient’s immunotherapy program.

Precautions

General:

Immunotherapy must be given under physician’s supervision. Sterile solutions, vials, syringes, etc. must be used. Aseptic technique must be observed in making dilutions from stock concentrates. The usual precautions in administering allergenic extracts are necessary, refer to boxed WARNINGS and “WARNINGS” section. Sterile syringe and needle must be used for each individual patient to prevent transmission of serum hepatitis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other infectious agents.

Epinephrine 1:1000 should be available. Refer to “OVERDOSAGE” section for description of treatment for anaphylactic reactions.

Information for Patients:

Patient should remain under observation of a nurse, physician, or personnel trained in emergency measures for at least 20 minutes following immunotherapy injection. Patient must be instructed to report any adverse reactions that occur within 24 hours after injection. Possible adverse reactions include unusual swelling and/or tenderness at injection site, rhinorrhea, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or faintness. Immediate medical attention must be sought for reactions that occur during or after leaving physician’s office.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility:

Long term studies in animals have not been conducted with allergenic extract to determine their potential for carcinogenicity, mutagenicity or impairment of fertility.

Pregnancy Category C:

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with allergenic extracts. It is not known whether allergenic extracts cause fetal harm during pregnancy or affect reproductive capacity. A systemic reaction to allergenic extract could cause uterine contractions leading to spontaneous abortion or premature labor. Allergenic extracts should be used during pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to fetus.11

Nursing Mothers:

It is not known whether allergenic extracts are excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when allergenic extracts are administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use:

Allergenic extracts have been used routinely in children, and no special safety problems or specific hazards have been found. Children can receive the same dose as adults. Discomfort is minimized by dividing the dose in half and administering injection at two different sites.16, 17

Drug Interactions:

Antihistamines. Antihistamines inhibit the wheal and flare reaction. The inhibitory effect of conventional antihistamines varies from 1 day up to 10 days, according to the drug and patient’s sensitivity. Long acting antihistamines (e.g., astemizole) may inhibit the wheal and flare for up to forty days.1, 2

Imipramines, phenothiazines, and tranquilizers. Tricyclic antidepressants exert a potent and sustained decrease of skin reactions to histamine. This effect may last for a few weeks. Tranquilizers and antiemetic agents of the phenothiazine class have H1 antihistaminic activity and can block skin tests.1

Corticosteroids. Short-term (less than 1 week) administration of corticosteroids at the therapeutic doses used in asthmatic patients does not modify the cutaneous reactivity to histamine, compound 48/80, or allergen. Long-term corticosteroid therapy modifies the skin texture and makes the interpretation of immediate skin tests more difficult.1

Theophylline. It appears that theophylline need not be stopped prior to skin testing.1

Beta-Blockers. Patients receiving beta-blockers may not be responsive to epinephrine or inhaled bronchodilators. The following are commonly prescribed beta-blockers: Levatol, Lopressor, Propanolol Intersol, Propanolol HCL, Blocadren, Propanolol, Inderal-LA, Visken, Corgard, Ipran, Tenormin, Timoptic. Ophthalmic beta-blockers: Betaxolol, Levobunolol, Timolol, Timoptic. Chemicals that are beta-blockers and may be components of other drugs: Acebutolol, Atenolol, Esmolol, Metoprolol, Nadolol, Penbutolol, Pindolol, Propanolol, Timolol, Labetalol, Carteolol.1

Beta-adrenergic agents. Inhaled beta2 agonists in the usual doses used for the treatment of asthma do not usually inhibit allergen-induced skin tests. However, oral terbutaline and parenteral ephedrine were shown to decrease the allergen-induced wheal.1

Cromolyn. Cromolyn inhaled or injected prior to skin tests with allergens or degranulating agents does not alter skin whealing response.1

Other drugs. Other drugs have been shown to decrease skin test reactivity. Among them, dopamine is the best-documented compound.1

Specific Immunotherapy. A decreased skin test reactivity has been observed in patients undergoing specific immunotherapy with pollen extracts, grass pollen allergoids, mites, hymenoptera venoms, or in professional beekeepers who are spontaneously desensitized. Finally, it was shown that specific immunotherapy in patients treated with ragweed pollen extract induced a decreased late-phase reaction.1

Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions include, but are not limited to urticaria; itching; edema of extremities; respiratory wheezing or asthma; dyspnea; cyanosis; tachycardia; lacrimation; marked perspiration; flushing of face, neck or upper chest; mild persistent clearing of throat; hacking cough or persistent sneezing.

1) Local Reactions

A mild burning immediately after injection is expected; this usually subsides in 10-20 seconds. Prolonged pain or pain radiating up arm is usually the result of intramuscular injection, making this injection route undesirable. Subcutaneous injection is the recommended route.

Small amounts of erythema and swelling at the site of injection are common. Reactions should not be considered significant unless they persist for at least 24 hours or exceed 50 mm in diameter.

Larger local reactions are not only uncomfortable, but indicate the possibility of a severe systemic reaction if dosage is increased. In such cases dosage should be reduced to the last level not causing reaction and maintained for two or three treatments before cautiously increasing.

Large, persistent local reactions or minor exacerbations of the patient’s allergic symptoms may be treated by local cold applications and/or use of oral antihistamines.

2) Systemic Reactions

Systemic reactions range from mild exaggeration of patient’s allergic symptoms to anaphylactic reactions.14 Very sensitive patients may show a rapid response. It cannot be overemphasized that, under certain unpredictable combinations of circumstances, anaphylactic shock is always a possibility. Fatalities are rare but can occur.5 Other possible systemic reaction symptoms are fainting, pallor, bradycardia, hypotension, angioedema, cough, wheezing, conjunctivitis, rhinitis,and urticaria.13, 14

Careful attention to dosage and administration limit such reactions. Allergenic extracts are highly potent to sensitive individuals and OVERDOSE could result in anaphylactic symptoms. Therefore, it is imperative that physicians administering allergenic extracts understand and prepare for treatment of severe reactions. Refer to “OVERDOSAGE” section.

Overdosage

Refer to “WARNINGS”, “PRECAUTIONS” and “ADVERSE REACTIONS” sections for signs and symptoms of an overdose.

If a systemic or anaphylactic reaction does occur, apply tourniquet above the site of allergenic extract injection and inject intramuscularly or subcutaneously 0.3 to 0.5 ml of 1:1000 Epinephrine-hydrochloride into the opposite arm or gluteal area. Repeat dose in 5-10 minutes if necessary. Loosen tourniquet briefly at 5 minute intervals to prevent circulatory impairment. Discontinue use of the tourniquet after ½ hour.

The epinephrine HCL 1:1000 dose for infants to 2 years is 0.05 to 0.1 ml; for children 2 to 6 years it is 0.15 ml; for children 6 to 12 years it is 0.2 ml.

Symptoms of progressive anaphylaxis include airway obstruction and/or vascular collapse. After administration of epinephrine, profound shock and vasomotor collapse should be treated with intravenous fluids and possibly vasoactive drugs. Monitor airways for obstruction. Oxygen should be given by mask if indicated.

Antihistamines, H2 antagonist, bronchodilators, steroids and theophylline may be used as indicated after providing adequate epinephrine and circulatory support.4

Patients who have been taking beta-blockers may be unresponsive to epinephrine. Epinephrine or beta-adrenergic drugs (Alupent) may be ineffective. These drugs should be administered even though a beta-blocker may have been taken. The following treatment will be effective whether or not patient is taking a beta-blocker: Aminophylline IV, slow push or drip, Atrovent (Ipratropium bromide) Inhaler, 3 inhalations repeated, Atropine, 0.4 mg/ml, 0.75 to 1.5 ml IM or IV, Solu-Cortef, 100-200 mg IM or IV, Solu-Medrol, 125 mg IM or IV, Glucagon, 0.5-1 mg IM or IV, Benadryl, 50 mg IM or IV, Cimetidine, 300 mg IM or IV, Oxygen via ambu bag.

Allergenic Extract, Coca Glycerine Dosage and Administration

Refer to “STORAGE” section for proper storage condition for allergenic extract. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Some allergenic extracts naturally precipitate.

Physicians undertaking immunotherapy should be concerned with patient’s degree of sensitivity. The initial dilution of allergenic extract, starting dose, and progression of dosage must be carefully determined on the basis of the patient’s history and results of skin tests. Strongly positive skin tests may be risk factors for systemic reactions. Less aggressive immunotherapy schedules may be indicated for such patients.

Precaution is necessary when using extract mixture for skin testing. The diluting effect of individual components within a mixture may cause false negative reactions. Patients extremely sensitive to a common allergen in several components of a mixture may be more likely to experience a systemic reaction than when skin tested individually for each component.9

PRICK-PUNCTURE TESTING: To identify highly sensitive individuals and as a safety precaution, it is recommended that a prick-puncture test using a drop of the extract concentrate be performed prior to initiating very dilute intradermal testing. Prick-puncture testing is performed by placing a drop of extract concentrate on the skin and puncturing the skin through the drop with a small needle such as a bifurcated vaccinating needle. The most satisfactory sites on the back for skin testing are from the posterior axillary fold to 2.5 cm from the spinal column, and from the top of the scapula to the lower rib margins. The best areas on the arms are the volar surfaces from the axilla to 2.5 or 5 cm above the wrist, skipping the anticubital space. A positive reaction is approximately 10-15 mm erythema with 2.5 mm wheal. Smaller, less conclusive reactions may be considered positive in conjunction with a definitive history of symptoms on exposure to the allergen. The more sensitive the patient the higher the probability that he/she will have symptoms related to the exposure of the offending allergen. Hence, the importance of a good patient history. Less sensitive individuals can be tested intradermally with an appropriately diluted extract.

A positive control using histamine phosphate identifies patients whose skin may not react due to medications, metabolic or other reasons. A negative control (50% glycerine for prick-puncture testing) would exclude false-positive reactions due to ingredients in diluent or patients who have dermatographism.

SINGLE DILUTION INTRADERMAL TESTING: The surface of the upper and lower arm is the usual location for skin testing. It is important that a new, sterile, disposable syringe and needle be used for each extract tested. Intracutaneous test dilutions, five-fold or ten-fold, may be prepared from stock concentrate using physiologic saline as a diluent. (1) Start testing with the most dilute allergenic extract concentration. (2) A volume of 0.02-0.05 ml should be injected slowly into the superficial skin layers making a small bleb (superficial wheal). (3) For patients without a history of extreme sensitivity, or a negative or weakly reactive prick-puncture test, the initial dilution for skin testing should be a dilution at least 1:12,500 w/v. This initial dilution can be prepared by diluting 1:20 to 1:50 w/v (2%-5%) extracts five-fold to 5-4 or 1:10 w/v (10%) extracts to 5-5. See “Serial Dilutions Titration Test Dilutions” chart on the next page. Dilute 1:10 w/v (10%) extracts to 10-3 if using ten-fold dilutions. (4) Sensitive patients with a positive prick-puncture test require a further dilution to at least 1:312,500 w/v. This dilution can be prepared by diluting 1:20 to 1:50 w/v (2% - 5%) extracts to 5-6 or 1:10 w/v (10%) extracts to 5-7 (five-fold dilutions). Ten-fold dilution to 10-6 of a 1:10 w/v (10%) extract would be a safe starting dilution. Size of reactions are quantitated based on size of wheal and erythema. For interpretation of skin reactions, refer to chart below. If after 20 minutes no skin reaction is observed, continue testing using increasing increments of the concentration until a reaction of 5-10 mm wheal and 11-30 mm erythema is obtained, or a concentration of 5-2 or 10-1 has been tested. A negative control, 50% glycerine diluted with diluent to 5-2 (1:25) or 10-1 (1:10) dilution and a positive control of histamine phosphate, should be tested and included in interpretation of skin reactions.1, 13

INTRADERMAL TESTING-SKIN ENDPOINT TITRATION: The allergenic extracts to which the patient is sensitive, the patient’s degree of sensitivity and the dose of allergen to be used in immunotherapy can be determined through the use of intracutaneous skin tests involving progressive five-fold dilutions of allergenic extracts. Intracutaneously inject 0.01 to 0.02 ml of the test allergen to form a 4 mm diameter superficial skin wheal. For patients demonstrating a negative or weakly reactive prick-puncture skin test, an initial screening dilution of 1:12,500 w/v is safe. For patients demonstrating a positive prick-puncture skin test, an initial screening dilution of 1:312,500 w/v is safe. (See “Serial Dilution Titration Test Dilutions” chart below.) When a sequence of five-fold or ten-fold dilutions of an allergen are injected, the endpoint is determined by noting the dilution that first produces a wheal and erythema (15 minutes after injection) that is 2 mm larger than wheals with erythema produced by weaker, non-reacting dilutions (5 mm negative wheal). The endpoint dilution is used as a starting dose concentration for immunotherapy. An endpoint dose of 0.15 ml is a safe initial dose to be followed by escalation to the optimal maximum tolerated dose for each individual.

Injections should never be given intravenously. A 5/8 inch, 25 gauge needle on a sterile syringe will allow deep subcutaneous injection.

IMMUNOTHERAPY: If the first injection of the initial dilution of extract is tolerated without significant local reaction, increasing doses by 5-20% increments of that dilution may be administered. The rate of increase in dosage in the early stages of treatment with highly diluted extracts is usually more rapid than the rate of increase possible with more concentrated extracts. This schedule is intended only as a guide and must be modified according to the reactivity of the individual patient. Needless to say, the physician must proceed cautiously in the treatment of the highly sensitive patient who develops large local or systemic reactions.6

Some patients may tolerate larger doses of the allergenic extract depending on patient response.7 Because diluted extract tends to lose activity in storage, the first dose from a more concentrated vial should be the same, or less than, the previous dose.8, 12

Dosages progressively increase according to the tolerance of the patient at intervals of one to seven days until, (1) the patient achieves relief from symptoms, (2) induration at the site of injection is no larger than 50 mm in 36 to 48 hours, (3) a maintenance dose is reached (the largest dose tolerated by the patient that relieves symptoms without undesirable local or systemic reactions). This maintenance dose may be continued at regular intervals perennially. It may be necessary to adjust the progression of dosage downward to avoid local and constitutional reactions.

The usual duration of treatment has not been established. A period of two or three years on immunotherapy constitutes an average minimum course of treatment.

How is Allergenic Extract, Coca Glycerine Supplied

Stock concentrates are available in concentrations of 2-10% or weight/volume (w/v) of 1:50, 1:33, 1:20 or 1:10. Some juicy or liquid foods are available at 1:1 volume/volume (v/v) extraction ratio. Fresh egg white extract is available at 1:9 v/v extraction ratio.

Antigen E content of ragweed mixtures ranges from 46-166 U/ml for Ragweed Mixture (Short/Giant/Western/Southern Ragweed), 47-239 U/ml for Short/Giant/Western Ragweed Mixture, and 106-256 U/ml for Short/Giant Ragweed Mixture. Refer to container label for actual Antigen E content.

Extract (stock concentrate) is supplied in 10, 30 and 50 ml containers. Extracts in 5 ml dropper bottles are available for prick-puncture testing. To insure maximum potency for the entire dating period, all stock concentrates contain 50% glycerine v/v.

STORAGE

Store all stock concentrates and dilutions at 2-8° C. Keep at this temperature during office use. The expiration date of the allergenic extracts is listed on the container label. Dilutions of the allergenic extracts containing less than 50% glycerine are less stable. If loss of potency is suspected, potency can be checked using side by side skin testing with freshly prepared dilutions of equal concentration on individuals with known sensitivity to the allergen.

REFERENCES

1. Bousquet, Jean: “In vivo methods for study of allergy: Skin tests” Third Edition, Allergy Principles and Practice, C.V. Mosby Co., Vol. I, Chap. 19, pp 419-436, 1988.

2. Long, W.F., Taylor, R.J., Wagner, C.J., et al.: Skin test suppression by antihistamines and the development of subsensitivity, J. Allergy Clin. Immunol., pp. 76-113, 1985.

3. Holgate, S.T., Robinson, C., Church, Mike: Mediators of Immediate Hypersensitivity, Third Edition, Allergy Principles and Practice, C.V. Mosby Co., Vol. I and II, pp 135-163, 1988.

4. Wasserman, S., Marquart, D.: Anaphylaxis, Third Edition, Allergy Principles and Practice, C.V. Mosby Co., Vol. 1, Chap. 58, pp. 1365-1376, 1988.

5. Reid, Michael J., Lockey, Richard F., Turkeltaub M.D., Paul C., Platts-Mills, Thomas. “Survey of Fatalities from Skin Testing and Immunotherapy 1985-1989”, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Vol. 92, No. 1, pp. 6-15, 1993.

6. Matthews, K., et al: Rhinitis, Asthma and Other Allergic Diseases. NIAID Task Force Report, U.S. Dept. HEW, NIH Publication No. 79-387, Chapter 4, pp. 213-217, May 1979.

7. Ishizaka, K.: Control of IgE Synthesis, Third Edition, Allergy Principles and Practices, Vol. I, Chap. 4, p. 52, edited by Middleton et al.

8. Nelson, H.S.: “The Effect of Preservatives and Dilution on the Deterioration of Russian Thistle (Salsola pestifer), a pollen extract.” The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Vol. 63, No. 6, pp. 417-425, June 1979.

9. Seebohm, P.M., et al: Panel on Review of Allergenic Extracts, Final Report, Food and Drug Administration, March 13, 1981, pp. 84-86.

10. Rocklin, R.E., Sheffer, A.L., Grainader, D.K. and Melmon, K.: “Generation of antigen-specific suppressor cells during allergy desensitization”, New England Journal of Medicine, 302, May 29, 1980, pp. 1213-1219.

11. Seebohm, P.M., et al: Panel on Review of Allergenic Extracts, Final Report, Food and Drug Administration, March 13, 1981, pp 9-48.

12. Stevens, E.: Cutaneous Tests, Regulatory Control and Standardization of Allergenic Extracts, First International Paul-Ehrlich Seminar, May 20-22, 1979, Frankfurt, Germany, pp. 133-138.

13. Van Metre, T., Adkinson, N., Amodio, F., Lichtenstein, L., Mardinay, M., Norman, P., Rosenberg, G., Sobotka, A., Valentine, M.: “A Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of the Rinkel Method and the Current Standard Method of Immunology for Ragweed Pollen Hay Fever,“ The Journal of Clinical Allergy and Immunology, Vol. 66, No. 6, p. 511, December 1980.

14. Wasserman, S.: The Mast Cell and the Inflammatory Response. The Mast Cell-its role in Health and disease. Edited by J. Pepys & A.M. Edwards, Proceedings of an International Symposium, Davos, Switzerland, Pitman Medical Publishing Co., 1979, pp. 9-20.

15. Perelmutter, L.: IgE Regulation During Immunotherapy of Allergic Diseases. Annals of Allergy, Vol. 57, August 1986.

16. Bullock, J., Frick, O.: Mite Sensitivity in House Dust Allergic Children, Am. J. Dis. Child., pp. 123-222, 1972.

17. Willoughby, J.W.: Inhalant Allergy Immunotherapy with Standardized and Nonstandardized Allergenic Extracts, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: Instructional Courses, Vol. 1, Chapter 15, C.V. Mosby Co., St. Louis, Missouri, September 1988.

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