Allergy Department FAQ

At CEENTA, we provide a comprehensive approach to allergy care that includes testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments. Should you have any questions during your appointment with us, we're happy to assist you.

Some of the most common questions our allergy department receives include:

1. What medications are available to treat allergies?
2. How do I prepare for my first visit once all testing is complete?
3. What happens now that I have completed my allergy testing?
4. Do I need to make an appointment for my allergy injections?
5. How long will I receive the injections in the doctor's office?
6. What if I am out of town during the buildup period and miss an injection?
7. What if I become pregnant while receiving allergy injections?
8. What should I expect after receiving an injection?
9. How long will I be on allergy injections?
10. Once I am on home injections, how do I reorder my allergy serum and syringes?
11. What if I am sick?
12. What if I am getting vaccinated?
13. What do I do if I have additional questions?

What medications are available to treat allergies?

You may be more sensitive to allergens after your test, but you can take antihistamines/decongestants as needed. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, immediately call 911. Please advise our office if this occurs.

How do I prepare for my first visit once all testing is complete?

You will have a vial test on your first visit with the first injection administered if the vial test is within normal limits. This process will take approximately forty minutes overall, so please plan accordingly. In addition, you will need to stop antihistamine usage five days before your first injection.

What happens now that I have completed my allergy testing?

A vial(s) of serum will be made from your test results based on which allergens cause your reactions. You may begin your injections one week after completing your testing.

Do I need to make an appointment for my allergy injections?

Yes. Appointments are now required for patients seeking allergy injections and can be scheduled using your myCEENTAchart account, by phone, in the office by a CEENTA allergy tech as needed, or through our front desk staff. During your buildup period, you may receive injections twice a week, with at least one day skipped between injections.

How long will I receive the injections in the doctor’s office?

Reaching your maintenance dose (i.e., dosage is no longer changing) may take between 2 to 6 months depending on how allergic you are, your ability to tolerate the buildup without a dosage reduction, and your frequency to receive your injections. When your maintenance dose is reached, you will follow up with your ENT provider at CEENTA. At this time, you may be given the option to train to administer injections at home.

What if I am out of town during the buildup period and miss an injection?

We realize that circumstances arise that may cause you to miss an injection. If you miss more than 14 days between injections, your last dosage will be repeated. If you miss more than 21 days between injections, we will have to decrease your dosage.

What if I become pregnant while receiving allergy injections?

It is safe to receive allergy injections during pregnancy. If you become pregnant during buildup, your current dosage will remain the same until after the baby is born. Once the baby is born, we can continue buildup. We do ask that you advise your obstetrician that you are receiving allergy injections.

What should I expect after receiving an injection?

• You should check the injection site for redness or swelling. If these symptoms last longer than 24 hours, please contact the allergy department.
• Make sure to tell the allergy staff at your next injection if you had any swelling at the injection site or increased symptoms.
• Also, let us know if you notice relief from your symptoms or if your symptoms worsen after an injection.

How long will I be on allergy injections?

You will be on injections for three to five years.

Once I am on home injections, how do I reorder my allergy serum and syringes?

• When you take your vial(s) home, you will be given a reorder card and injection record. The reorder card and completed injection record should be mailed or faxed to 704.295.3326 within 7 to 10 business days prior to you needing your new vials. Your injection record can also be dropped off at one of our CEENTA locations or it can be scanned and uploaded to myCEENTAchart along with a message to our allergy staff that a new vial is needed. Patients using myCEENTAchart to reorder will receive a reply from our allergy staff that the order is placed with a notification once the vial is available to make an appointment.
• Injection records MUST be submitted with each vial order. Phone orders are not accepted for reordering vials for your safety and privacy.
• You will need to receive your first injection from your new maintenance vial(s) in our office. We ask that you wait 10 minutes after the injection so that we can make sure you do not have a reaction.
• You will be required to keep an Epi Pen injector prescription on hand while receiving allergy injections. This is to be used in case of a severe allergic reaction to your allergy shots.

What if I am sick?

If you have a fever, do not take your injections. Wait until your temperature returns to normal for 24 hours. If you have any additional questions, please contact the allergy department. Office locations and phone numbers are
listed on the front page.

What if I am getting vaccinated?

It is advised that you wait at least 24 hours between taking vaccines for the flu, shingles, pneumonia, and other conditions and your allergy injection. For the COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, a 48-hour window is advised.

What do I do if I have additional questions?

If you have any questions or concerns related to your allergy care that were not covered above, please use your myCEENTAchart account to reach out to a member of the allergy staff with your inquiry.