Allergy Injection Instruction
ALLERGY INJECTION INSTRUCTIONS
Supplies: Allergy extracts (keep refrigerated). Cotton balls soaked in aqueous zephiran,
syringes and sharps container.
Drawing up the extract: Wipe the rubber cap of the vial with aqueous zephiran. Pull back
the syringe to 0.10 ml and inject this air into the vial. Draw up 0.10 ml of extract with the
syringe. Before removing the needle from the vial, tap any bubbles out
of the syringe.
Administration technique: Wipe the injection site with aqueous zephiran; let dry. Administer
the injection in the abdomen below the navel. Insert the needle into the skin at a 45-90 degree
angle, using a quick popping motion. After you insert the needle draw back slightly on the
plunger. If blood is seen, do not inject; discard the needle and start over. If no blood is seen,
inject the extract quickly.
Give neutralizing doses daily for the first 6 weeks. Schedule a follow up visit with Dr. Epperly
5-6 weeks following the start of treatment. He will then tell you when or if you may cut back
on the injections.
If any symptoms repeatedly begin within 10-30 minutes after injections, be sure to notify
the doctor. This could indicate need for retesting.
For Foods only - For the first month or two, try to eat only a little of the foods included in
the vials or do a rotated diet described elsewhere in your handouts or one of the recommended
books. If you eat too much too soon, injections will not help. After a month or two, gradually
increase the amount of foods eaten to the normal amount, providing the vials seem to be
preventing symptoms.
Once you are able to tolerate the items in your extract in the normal amount without any
difficulty, try using the injections less often. At first try them every other day. In time,
some patients seem to need the injections only once every 3-4 days. You will know when you
need the extracts (if they really are helpful) because symptoms return when they are needed
and stop when they are taken. Some patients find they can stop all shots after 1-2 years of
treatment.
If you forget your injections and feel fine, it indicates you are using the them too often. On
occasion you should purposely not take your shots for several days to see if you still need
them as often as before. Do not completely discontinue drops without discussing with us first.
Patients who are taking extracts for airborne allergens (mold, pollen, dust) and/or chemicals
should also have an epi-pen available for 30 minutes following the injection. A prescription
is available from our office. It is your responsibility to make sure the date on the epi-pen is
current.
Local reaction: Uncomfortable itching, redness and/or swelling larger than a nickel at the site
of the injection. (May be caused by failure to dry off the aqueous zephiran before giving the
injection.) Apply a cold pack.
Focal reactions: Symptoms may include itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion,
cough, wheezing, fatigue, irritability, headache, etc. Please report to our office such reactions
and for help in treating them. Do not give another dose without checking with our office first.
Systemic reaction: This type is extremely rare when the guidelines of this handout are followed. Symptoms might include a combination of generalized itching, hives, tightening of the throat,
severe dizziness, faintness, clamminess coldness, or sweating. These reactions are potentially
dangerous and should be treated immediately.
Follow up visits: While undergoing treatment through our office you are required to see Dr. Epperly annually.
Call our office to order more serum. Please allow two weeks for reorders.
Be advised that some medications may not be compatible with allergy injections, particularly a class known as Beta Blockers. Please alert our allergy department of any medication changes, including eye drops.
ADVANCED INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE
William Epperly, M.D.
245 S. Gary Ave.
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
Tel 630-893-9661 Fax 630-893-5665
