Ragwitek
Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) is a tablet that's dissolved under the tongue and used to treat ragweed allergy that can cause sneezing, runny nose, or itchy, watery eyes. You'll need to get a skin test or lab test to make sure that your allergy will respond to this medication before your provider can prescribe it. It's currently brand name only and can be expensive. Since it can cause life-threatening allergic reactions, the first dose needs to be supervised by a healthcare provider.
What is Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract)?
What is Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) used for?
Allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergy) caused by short ragweed pollen
How Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) works
Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) is an allergen extract that comes from short ragweed pollen. The way it works isn't fully known, but it's thought to treat allergy symptoms to ragweed by changing the way your immune system reacts to ragweed pollen.
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What are the side effects of Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract)?
Common Side Effects
- Mouth pain (19% in children)
- Throat irritation (17% in adults, 48% in children)
- Itchy mouth (11% in adults, 48% in children)
- Throat swelling (11% in children)
- Itchy ears (10% in adults, 34% in children)
- Mouth tingling (10% in adults)
- Stomach pain (10% in children)
- Mouth sore (7% in children)
- Mouth swelling (6% in adults, 10% in children)
- Itchy tongue (5% in adults)
- Change in taste (4% in children)
- Lip swelling (3% in adults, 14% in children)
- Tongue swelling (3% in adults, 11% in children)
- Tongue sore (3% in children)
- Nausea (1% in adults, 12% in children)
Other Side Effects
- Itchy skin
- Itchy lips
- Dry mouth
- Trouble eating or drinking
- Chest discomfort
- Diarrhea
Serious Side Effects
- Serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing, throat swelling or tightness, chest tightness, swelling of lips or tongue, dizziness, fainting, fast heartbeat, rash, flushing or itching of the skin, stomach pain or cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heartburn, pain or trouble swallowing, chest pain that does not go away or gets worse
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Burning or tingling of the tongue, mouth, throat, or face
- Irritation inside the mouth or throat
- Itching of the mouth, lips, tongue, or ears
- Mild swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
Pros and cons of Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract)
Pros
Conveniently dissolves under the tongue for people who have trouble swallowing pills
Improves eye and nose symptoms during ragweed pollen season
Only needs to be taken once daily
Can be used in children 5 years and older
Cons
Need to take it daily for 3 months before and during ragweed pollen season
Can cause severe life-threatening allergic reactions
Currently only available as a brand medication, so it might be expensive
Not recommended if you or your child isn't able or willing to use auto-injectable epinephrine (Epipen) in case of a severe allergic reaction
Pharmacist tips for Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract)
After your first dose of Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract), you or your child will need to be monitored by a healthcare provider for at least 30 minutes for signs of an allergic reaction, which include trouble breathing, swelling of the throat, rash, and fast heartbeat. If you or your child tolerates the first dose, you can continue taking/giving this medication at home.
Always remove the tablets from the foil packaging with dry hands. If your hands are wet, the tablet can start to dissolve in your hands and you might not get the full dose of medication. Wash your hands after each dose because there might be powder or residue from the tablet on your hands.
Place one Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) tablet under your or your child's tongue and keep it there until it's completely dissolved. Don't swallow for at least 1 minute after it's dissolved to allow the medication to be absorbed under your tongue. This medication isn't meant to be swallowed whole.
Avoid eating and drinking for 5 minutes after taking the tablet to make sure all of the medication is absorbed under your tongue.
Make sure you have auto-injectable epinephrine and your provider has trained you on how to use it in case of an allergic reaction to Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract).
Always supervise your child when giving Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) and monitor them for signs of allergic reaction (trouble breathing, swelling of tongue or lips, rash). If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical help right away.
Keep Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) tablets sealed in the original packaging and only open it right before taking your dose to protect the tablets from moisture in the air, which can damage them.
Let your provider know you're taking Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) before starting any new medications or other allergen extract treatments for allergy. There are some medications that can prevent auto-injectable epinephrine (Epipen) or rescue inhalers from working well (e.g. beta blockers). Using other allergen extract treatments at the same time might raise your risk for severe allergic reactions.
Frequently asked questions about Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract)
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What are the risks and warnings for Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract)?
Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe allergic reactions
Risk factors: History of severe allergic reaction
Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) can cause severe, life-threatening allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis. That's why you'll take your first dose of this medication at your provider's office and be monitored for at least 30 minutes afterwards. Before starting Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract), it's recommended that you get an auto-injectable epinephrine (Epipen) and be trained on how to use it. Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) might not be recommended for you if you have certain medical conditions that makes it less likely for you to survive an allergic reaction (e.g. lung problems, recent heart attack, or uncontrolled asthma) or if you're taking medications that might prevent epinephrine or rescue inhalers from working well (e.g. beta blockers). Talk with your healthcare provider to see if Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) is right for you. If you experience symptoms such as having trouble breathing, chest tightness, swelling of your lips or tongue, or rash, inject your epinephrine syringe into your thigh muscle and call 911 right away.
Difficulty breathing
Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) can cause some side effects, like swelling of the tongue or throat, that can make it harder to breathe. Stop taking Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) and let your provider know if you're experiencing any side effects that cause you to have trouble breathing.
Trouble swallowing (eosinophilic esophagitis)
Rarely, a condition called eosinophilic esophagitis has been reported in people taking medications similar to Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract). This is when your body's immune system attacks the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach causing problems like chest pain and trouble eating or drinking. Stop taking Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) and contact your provider if you experience any of these problems.
Mouth inflammation and irritation
If you have thrush (a yeast infection in your mouth), wounds in your mouth, or any recent oral surgery, contact your provider right away. You'll need to stop taking Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) until your mouth completely heals. Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) can cause mouth irritation as a side effect, which can make it take longer for your mouth to heal.
Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract)
The first dose needs to be supervised by a healthcare provider.
Each tablet of Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) contains 12 Amb a 1-Unit.
The typical dose for Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) is 1 tablet dissolved under the tongue daily. Start 3 months before the ragweed pollen season and continue throughout the pollen season.
How much does Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) cost?
Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) contraindications
Severe, unstable or uncontrolled asthma
History of severe allergic reaction
History of eosinophilic esophagitis (a condition where your body's immune system attacks the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach)
What are alternatives to Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract)?
Allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergy) caused by short ragweed pollen
Allergic rhinitis (seasonal allergy) caused by sweet vernal, orchard, perennial rye, Kentucky bluegrass, or Timothy grass pollens
Short-term relief of allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy nose, itchy or watery eyes)
Ragwitek (short ragweed pollen extract) images
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