Ragwitek

Brand Name

Ragwitek

Common Name

ragweed pollen allergenic extract

In this drug factsheet:

• How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use this medication?
• What form(s) does this medication come in?
• Who should NOT take this medication?
• What side effects are possible with this medication?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
• What other drugs could interact with this medication?

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Ragweed pollen allergenic extract belongs to the class of medications called allergy immunotherapies. It is used to decrease the symptoms of seasonal allergies to ragweed pollen in adults and children over the age of 5. Ragweed pollen allergy causes symptoms of sneezing, runny, itchy, or stuffed nose. It may also cause itchy, burning, red, or watery eyes. Before treatment with this medication, your doctor will confirm your allergy with either a skin or a blood test.

This medication works by causing the body's immune system to become less sensitive to the effects of the pollen. It should be started at least 12 weeks before ragweed season begins and continued throughout the season.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms.

Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use this medication?

The recommended dose of ragweed pollen allergenic extract for adults and children 5 years of age and older is 1 sublingual tablet containing 12 Amb a 1-U of standardized natural ragweed pollen extract dissolved under the tongue once daily.

To use this medication, peel back the foil from the blister to expose the tablet, immediately before using the medication. With dry hands, remove the tablet from the foil packaging. Place the tablet under your tongue and allow it to dissolve. Avoid swallowing for 1 minute to give the medication time to be absorbed through the skin in your mouth. Avoid eating or drinking anything for 5 minutes after taking the tablet and wash your hands after handling the medication.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children. Keep the medication in its original package until you are ready to use a dose.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

Each white-to-off-white circular sublingual tablet with a debossed double hexagon on one side contains 12 Amb a 1-U of standardized natural ragweed pollen extract of Short Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin NF (fish source), mannitol USP, and sodium hydroxide NF.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Do not use ragweed pollen allergenic extract if you:

• are allergic to any non-medicinal ingredients of the medication
• have previously had a severe allergic reaction to ragweed immunotherapy
• have unstable, severe chronic or seasonal asthma
• are taking a medication in the β-blocker family
• have sores, yeast infection, or other inflammation in the mouth

What side effects are possible with this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• allergy symptoms (e.g., runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy watery eyes)
• changed sense of taste
• cough
• dry mouth
• ear, eye, or mouth itchiness
• headache
• mouth tingling
• nausea
• sneezing
• runny nose
• throat irritation
• upset stomach
• voice changes
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• asthma symptoms (e.g., wheezing, difficulty breathing, cough)
• mouth, tongue or throat swelling
• rash
• tight, dry throat

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• chest tightness
• hives or itching all over body
• severe asthma symptoms
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• throat tightness
• trouble breathing
• trouble swallowing

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Allergic reactions: Some people who take this medication experience a severe allergic reaction. Before you take ragweed pollen allergenic extract, inform your doctor about any previous adverse reactions you have had to medications, especially medications used to treat allergies. Contact your doctor at once if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, hives, itching all over the body, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face and throat.

Milder allergic reactions such as mouth itchiness, runny nose and throat irritation can occur with the use of this medication. If these side effects become bothersome, discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Asthma: This medication may trigger asthma symptoms or cause existing asthma symptoms to worsen. If you have a history of asthma, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with uncontrolled asthma should not use this medication.

First dose: Severe allergic reactions have occurred with the first dose of this medication. For this reason, the first dose should be taken at your doctor's office or a similar location where emergency treatment is available if the medication causes a severe reaction. Your doctor will likely want you to remain in the office for at least 30 minutes after taking the dose, to ensure that you are able to the appropriate medical care immediately if this medication causes a severe allergic reaction.

Oral conditions: This medication can cause mouth inflammation and irritation. If you have a medical condition that affects your oral health, such as thrush or mouth ulcers, or have undergone a recent dental procedure, discuss with your doctor whether this medication should be stopped temporarily.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if ragweed pollen allergenic extract passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under 5 years of age.

Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for people over 50 years of age.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

There may be an interaction between ragweed pollen allergenic extract and the following:

• beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol, sotalol)
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs; e.g., moclobemide, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline)

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Ragwitek