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Question answered:28/04/08
We believe you’re referring to Grazax.
In 2007 MeReC published a review of it [1] and their summary is:
“- Grazax offers an alternative to subcutaneous injection immunotherapy for grass pollen allergy.
- It should be taken daily for 16 weeks before, and continuously throughout, the grass pollen season (late May to August). Some efficacy may be obtained if taken 2–3 months before the season.
- It should be initiated only by physicians with experience in the treatment of allergic disease, and the first dose should be taken under medical supervision.
- Patients must have a positive skin prick test and/or specific IgE test to grass pollen before Grazax is initiated.
- In clinical trials, Grazax has been shown to produce a statistically significant reduction in symptoms and rescue medication vs. placebo. However, absolute benefits appear very modest, and the clinical significance is uncertain.
- Clinical and cost-effectiveness have yet to be established in comparison with subcutaneous immunotherapy.”
Grazax is mentioned in the BNF and the SPC is available [2]
References
1) http://www.npc.co.uk/MeReC_Extra/2007/pdfs/MeReC_Extra_No27_suppl.pdf
2) http://emc.medicines.org.uk/emc/assets/c/html/displaydoc.asp?documentid=19565
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