Overview
DESCRIPTION INGREDIENTS - Allergenic extract of short ragweed pollen is a clear, amber-colored solution prepared from the dry, defatted pollen of Ambrosia elatior . The extract contains the water extractables of the pollen, 0.25% sodium chloride, 0.125% sodium bicarbonate, 0.5% phenol and 50% glycerol by volume.
Mechanism of Action
DESCRIPTION INGREDIENTS - Allergenic extract of short ragweed pollen is a clear, amber-colored solution prepared from the dry, defatted pollen of Ambrosia elatior . The extract contains the water extractables of the pollen, 0.25% sodium chloride, 0.125% sodium bicarbonate, 0.5% phenol and 50% glycerol by volume. Extract of mixed short-giant ragweed has the same appearance as short ragweed pollen extract and contains the same chemical ingredients. It is prepared from equal gram weights of the pollens of Ambrosia elatior and Ambrosia trifida . STANDARDIZATION - The potency of ragweed pollen extract is based on antigen E, a protein component which is believed to be the most important allergen of short ragweed pollen. Extracts of short ragweed pollen sold in the U.S.
Indications
- INDICATIONS Studies have shown that properly performed an interpreted skin tests with ragweed pollen extract are useful in the diagnosis of allergy to ragweed pollen 7, 8, 20, 21 . Immunotherapy with the appropriate dosage of short ragweed pollen extract is effective in reducing symptoms of hay fever and asthma resulting from exposure to short ragweed pollen (9, 10, 11), and it is believed to be effective with extract of giant ragweed, although carefully controlled studies are unavailable.
Common Doses
- 0.05 ml
- 0.2 ml
- 2.5 ml
- 10.0 ml
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION DIAGNOSIS. If the extract supplied in this package is concentrated product (w/v 1:20), it should not be used for intradermal testing. Concentrated extract may be used for scratch or prick testing providing the patient is not exposed to high levels of ragweed pollen and experiencing pronounced symptoms of hay fever or asthma at the time of testing. Extract for intradermal testing must be diluted to a strength of 0.25 units of antigen E per ml 7 . Skin tests should not be performed if the patient has taken antihistamine within 24 hours prior to testing.
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS There are no absolute contraindications to the use of ragweed pollen extract in the diagnosis and treatment of ragweed allergy. When used in accordance with accepted principles of skin testing and immunotherapy, the extract is considered safe and effective. Relative contraindications include (1) extreme sensitivity to the extract as demonstrated by previous anaphylaxis following skin testing or subcutaneous injection, (2) recent myocardial infarction, and (3) pregnancy (see Precautions #4). The benefit to risk ration must be evaluated in each of the above situations.
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS LOCAL REACTIONS. The occurrence of a hive 5 to 15 minutes after injection is usually due to leakage of extract into the skin along the needle tract. Firm pressure (not rubbing) at the site of injection immediately after withdrawal of the needle will usually prevent this reaction. It does not require a reduction in dosage. A strong local reaction with erythema and edema which persists at the injection site for several hours indicates that too much extract has been given. Failure to note this response may result in a serious generalized reaction.
Interactions
- No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.