How long does hyposensitization take?
The classical hyposensitization or also called specific immunotherapy is usually carried out over a period of 3 years. At the beginning of the therapy, the so-called dosage phase, the patient receives an injection once a week, the allergen concentration of which is continuously increased (the dose is thus constantly increased). After about 16 weeks, the dosage phase is finished and the patient receives an injection of allergens once a month until the 36 months are reached.
In addition to the classic form, there is also short-term hyposensitization. Here the concentration of the allergen is increased faster in the initial phase and the maintenance dose is reached earlier. Afterwards, as with the classic form, the therapy is continued with a monthly allergen injection.
Short-term hyposensitization is mainly used for insect allergies. There is also the Rush- or Ultrarush hyposensitization. Translated into German, the term “rush” or “ultra rush” means rapid or very rapid hyposensitization.
With this type of hyposensitization, a very fast dosage of the allergen is made. Patients often receive several injections a day and are hospitalized during the initial phase. Afterwards, as with the other variants of hyposensitization, a further monthly injection of allergen is given for the remaining period of 3 years.
What does hyposensitization cost?
The costs of hyposensitization can vary depending on the type of therapy and the allergy. One can assume costs of about 3000€ over the entire treatment period of three years.
Who pays the costs?
The costs of hyposensitization are usually covered by the statutory health insurance. For privately insured patients, in turn, the assumption of costs depends on the healthcare services specified in the contract. Depending on the contractual regulations, either complete or partial cost coverage may be provided.In order to avoid unforeseen costs, private patients are advised to contact their insurance company before starting immunotherapy.
Contraindications for hyposensitization
Other serious acute and chronic diseases, e.g. tuberculosis or purulent bone inflammation (osteomyelitis) and coronary heart disease (CHD) are also contraindications. Hyposensitization is also performed in cases of severe hypersensitivity reactions to insect bites of bees, wasps, rarely also bumblebees or hornets, as well as in cases of allergies to house dust mites, some molds and exfoliation products of the skin of cats (epithelia).
- Malignant malignant cancers
- Autoimmune diseases
- Pregnancy before starting hyposensitization
- Acute infection
- And chronic inflammatory bowel disease, as it is an intolerable intervention in the immune system in such cases.