• Allergies
• Allergic Reaction

3 Alternatives to Allergy Shots

Medically reviewed and edited by Payel Gupta, MD, FACAAI

Published: December 01, 2021
Updated: March 14, 2025
4 mins

There are several different routes you can take to manage allergies, but one of the most frequently mentioned treatments is subcutaneous immunotherapy – otherwise known as allergy shots.

Shots are often recommended for those with chronic, severe allergy symptoms. Over time, consistent subcutaneous immunotherapy treatments have been found to have a significant impact on allergy symptoms. However, as effective as allergy shots can be, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before starting treatment.

Allergy Shots Explained

Subcutaneous immunotherapy is an allergy treatment method that works by slowly lowering your immune system’s sensitivity to the triggers of your allergies. Since an oversensitive immune system causes an allergic reaction, immunotherapy treatments can effectively reduce symptoms in the long run.

When you get immunotherapy treatments, you’re getting exposed to trace amounts of the allergens that trigger your symptoms. As your dosage increases, your immune system’s reaction to these allergens should slowly decrease, bringing you the relief that you need from your symptoms.

While sublingual immunotherapy treatments (allergy drops) can be taken at home without a healthcare provider's supervision, you do need a prescription to receive them. Doses of subcutaneous immunotherapy treatments are typically given weekly or biweekly at first, then less frequently as time passes.

The Potential Risks of Allergy Shots

Even though subcutaneous immunotherapy can be very effective in treating allergies, it’s not without its downsides. Below are some important factors to consider before trying subcutaneous immunotherapy:

The risk of side effects is higher

Because immunotherapy treatments expose your body to small amounts of allergens, there’s always a possibility that you might experience a reaction.

However, the risk of a more severe allergic reaction is much higher with subcutaneous immunotherapy than with sublingual immunotherapy. Because of this higher risk, you need to be at your allergist’s office for treatment, as well as afterward.

Treatment can be inconvenient and requires travel

Because you’ll need to commute for all of your subcutaneous immunotherapy treatments, your travel expenses can quickly start adding up. This is especially true during the buildup phase of treatment, which will be the most frequent of your appointments.

Having to get shots frequently

While allergy shots can be very effective, getting each immunotherapy dose can be a terrifying experience for some people. If you have a phobia of needles, getting a weekly or biweekly shot may be completely out of the question for you.

Treatments to Consider Trying Instead

If the potential drawbacks associated with allergy shots are making you want to seek out something different, there are several other routes you can take to get relief from your allergy symptoms. Below are a few of our favorite alternatives to allergy shots.

1. Antihistamines

Antihistamines are allergy relief medications that target histamines, which play the biggest role in an allergic reaction. Your immune system releases histamines as part of its inflammatory response, a response that can cause allergy symptoms like itching, sneezing, runny noses, and more.

Some antihistamines are available over-the-counter, but you’ll need a prescription to get a supply of others. Prescription antihistamines are typically only recommended for those with symptoms that aren’t responding to treatment with over-the-counter medication.

When taking antihistamines, it’s always important to be mindful of the risk of drowsiness. There are plenty of non-drowsy antihistamines to choose from. Several of the most popular ones, like Benadryl, are best to take at night.

2. Sublingual immunotherapy

Sublingual immunotherapy treatments, also known as allergy drops, are one of our favorite alternatives to getting shots for your allergies.

As an immunotherapy treatment, drops can have the same impact that shots would on your allergy symptoms without needles. In addition, shots are more convenient and more accessible, and they come with a lower risk of side effects.

Health experts may recommend sublingual immunotherapy treatments to people whose allergy symptoms have a significant negative impact on their lives. If you’ve tried antihistamines and other medications and still can’t get relief from your symptoms, immunotherapy may be the best choice for you.

Immunotherapy treatments are a viable option for those with ragweed, grass pollen, and dust mites, three of the most common airborne allergens. To learn more about treatment, check out our immunotherapy options and explore everything we have to offer.

Conclusion

At LifeMD, you can speak with a licensed healthcare provider about treatment options for managing severe allergies. If allergy shots seem intimidating, they can give tips for remedies to try at home as well.

Book an appointment today to learn more about managing severe allergy symptoms.

Payel Gupta, MD, FACAAI

Dr. Gupta holds certifications from the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, American Board of Internal Medicine, and American Board of Pediatrics. With a deep interest in global health, she’s volunteered her clinical skills across many continents.

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