(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a medication to treat house dust mite allergies.
This new medication is found under the brand name Odactra. It has been approved to treat adults who are between the ages of 18 and 65 and who have nasal inflammation with or without eye inflammation caused by house dust mites.
Dust mites are tiny bugs that are typically found in bedding, upholstered furniture and carpeting. They can cause allergies in some people. Those who are allergic to dust mites may experience a cough, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes and sneezing.
This new approval is available as a tablet and is to be administered under the tongue once a day. It is to be taken year-round. The tablet is designed to rapidly dissolve after it is placed under the tongue.
The first dose is to be given under the supervision of a health care professional. The patient is to be observed for at least 30 minutes for potential adverse reactions.
It may take eight to 14 weeks before patients experience a difference in allergy symptoms.
Odactra reportedly works by exposing patients to house dust mite allergens. As a result, the body's immune system is trained. This is supposed to lead to a reduction in allergy symptoms.
Common side effects include nausea, itching in the ears and mouth, and swelling of the lips and tongue.
This medication carries a boxed warning regarding severe allergic reactions, some of which can be life-threatening. Those receiving this medication will also be prescribed auto-injectable epinephrine.
Merck, Sharp & Dohme Corp. manufactures this medication.
