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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen, Festuca Pratensis Pollen, Poa Pratensis Pollen, Dactylis Glomerata Pollen, Phleum Pratense Pollen, Anthoxanthum Odoratum Pollen, Lolium Perenne Pollen, Medicago Sativa Pollen, Trifolium Pratense Pollen, Solidago Canadensis Pollen, Ambrosia Acanthicarpa Pollen, Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen, Ambrosia Trifida Pollen, Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen, Xanthium Strumarium Pollen, Chenopodium Album Pollen, Amaranthus Retroflexus Pollen, And Cynodon Dactylon Pollen
Brand Name
A-24
Generic Name
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen, Festuca Pratensis Pollen, Poa Pratensis Pollen, Dactylis Glomerata Pollen, Phleum Pratense Pollen, Anthoxanthum Odoratum Pollen, Lolium Perenne Pollen, Medicago Sativa Pollen, Trifolium Pratense Pollen, Solidago Canadensis Pollen, Ambrosia Acanthicarpa Pollen, Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen, Ambrosia Trifida Pollen, Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen, Xanthium Strumarium Pollen, Chenopodium Album Pollen, Amaranthus Retroflexus Pollen, And Cynodon Dactylon Pollen
Active Ingredient
Agrostis Gigantea PollenCategory
Standardized Pollen Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Variants
1
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 [hp_X]/mL | SOLUTION | SUBLINGUAL | 58264-0329 |
Detailed information about A-24
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for A-24, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen is a standardized or non-standardized allergenic extract used for the diagnosis and treatment of grass-induced allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. It belongs to the Pollen Allergenic Extract drug class.
Dosage for Agrostis Gigantea Pollen is highly individualized and must be determined by an allergy specialist based on the patient's sensitivity levels. Treatment is divided into two main phases:
During this phase, the patient receives increasing doses of the extract, usually once or twice a week. The starting dose is typically very low (e.g., 0.05 mL of a 1:10,000 or 1:1,000 dilution). The dose is gradually increased over several months until the 'maintenance dose' is reached. The rate of escalation depends on the patient's local and systemic tolerance.
Once the effective dose is reached, the frequency of injections is reduced, typically to once every 2 to 4 weeks. The maintenance dose is usually the highest dose tolerated by the patient without significant systemic reactions. A common maintenance volume is 0.5 mL of a 1:100 or 1:20 w/v concentration, though this varies significantly by manufacturer and patient.
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen is generally considered safe and effective for use in children, typically starting around age 5. Dosing protocols for children are similar to adult protocols, with adjustments made based on the child's weight and the severity of their allergic symptoms. However, immunotherapy is rarely initiated in children under age 5 due to the difficulty of communicating systemic symptoms and the risk of anaphylaxis in very young populations.
No specific dosage adjustments are required for patients with renal impairment, as the extract is not cleared through the kidneys. However, the patient's overall health and ability to tolerate a systemic reaction must be considered.
No dosage adjustments are necessary for hepatic impairment, as the allergens are metabolized by immune cell proteases rather than liver enzymes.
Caution is advised in elderly patients. Healthcare providers must evaluate the patient's cardiovascular status, as the use of epinephrine (the primary treatment for a severe reaction) may be riskier in patients with underlying heart disease.
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen is administered via subcutaneous injection, usually in the outer aspect of the upper arm. It should never be injected intravenously.
If a dose is missed during the build-up phase, the next dose may need to be reduced to prevent a reaction.
An overdose of Agrostis Gigantea Pollen refers to the administration of an amount that exceeds the patient's current tolerance level. Signs of overdose include:
In the event of an overdose or systemic reaction, emergency measures including the administration of epinephrine, antihistamines, and corticosteroids must be initiated immediately.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions precisely. Do not attempt to self-administer these injections unless specifically trained and authorized by your physician in a home-use program (which is rare for pollen extracts).
Most patients receiving Agrostis Gigantea Pollen will experience some form of local reaction. These are generally not dangerous but can be uncomfortable.
> Warning: Stop taking Agrostis Gigantea Pollen and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms of anaphylaxis.
There are no known long-term 'toxic' side effects of Agrostis Gigantea Pollen. Unlike many medications, immunotherapy is designed to change the immune system for the better. However, some patients may develop 'serum sickness-like' symptoms (joint pain, fever, rash) if doses are escalated too aggressively, though this is extremely rare with modern extracts.
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen extracts carry a class-wide warning regarding the risk of severe systemic reactions.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. Even a small change in your reaction at the injection site can be an important signal for your doctor to adjust your treatment plan.
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen is a potent biological product. Safety depends on careful administration and patient monitoring. It is essential that patients understand that while immunotherapy can provide long-term relief, the risk of a systemic reaction is always present, particularly during the build-up phase or when starting a new vial of extract.
No FDA black box warnings are unique to Agrostis Gigantea Pollen specifically, but it falls under the general FDA mandate for all allergenic extracts. The labeling must state that the product can cause anaphylaxis and should only be used by physicians experienced in treating allergic diseases. It must also emphasize the need for a 30-minute observation period post-injection.
Unlike many drugs, routine blood work (like liver or kidney function tests) is not required for Agrostis Gigantea Pollen. Instead, monitoring is clinical:
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen does not typically cause sedation. However, if a patient experiences a systemic reaction or receives epinephrine, they should not drive or operate machinery until they have fully recovered and been cleared by a medical professional.
There is no direct chemical interaction between alcohol and Agrostis Gigantea Pollen. However, alcohol can cause vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which may theoretically increase the rate of allergen absorption or worsen the symptoms of an allergic reaction. It is generally advised to avoid heavy alcohol consumption on the day of an injection.
Stopping Agrostis Gigantea Pollen does not cause a 'withdrawal syndrome' in the traditional sense. However, if treatment is stopped prematurely (before 3-5 years of maintenance), the patient's allergy symptoms are likely to return. If a patient wishes to stop, they should discuss a tapering or cessation plan with their allergist.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Agrostis Gigantea Pollen, especially any history of heart disease or lung conditions.
While there are few absolute contraindications for drug combinations, certain drugs make the use of Agrostis Gigantea Pollen significantly more dangerous:
For each major interaction, the management strategy involves either switching the interacting medication (e.g., moving from a beta-blocker to a calcium channel blocker) or exercising extreme caution during the build-up phase.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, including over-the-counter allergy meds.
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
These conditions require a careful risk-benefit analysis by the physician:
Agrostis Gigantea belongs to the Poaceae family. Patients allergic to Redtop grass are very likely to be cross-sensitive to other grasses, including:
Because of this high degree of cross-reactivity, a patient allergic to one is often treated with a 'Grass Mix' extract rather than Agrostis Gigantea alone.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including your heart and lung health, before prescribing Agrostis Gigantea Pollen.
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen is generally categorized as a 'Category C' equivalent in pregnancy.
There is no evidence that Agrostis Gigantea Pollen allergens are excreted into breast milk in a way that would harm a nursing infant. The proteins are processed locally in the mother's immune system. Breastfeeding is not a contraindication for continuing or starting immunotherapy.
As noted previously, Agrostis Gigantea Pollen is approved for use in children. It is particularly beneficial in the pediatric population because evidence suggests that early immunotherapy may prevent the 'allergic march'—the progression from allergic rhinitis to the development of asthma. It may also prevent the development of new sensitivities to other allergens.
In patients over 65, the decision to use Agrostis Gigantea Pollen must be individualized.
There are no specific restrictions for renal impairment. The biological nature of the product means it does not rely on the kidneys for clearance. However, the patient must be stable enough to handle the physiological stress of a potential reaction.
There are no specific restrictions for hepatic impairment. The liver is not involved in the processing of these allergenic proteins.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Always inform your allergist if you become pregnant or develop new health conditions during treatment.
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen acts as a biological response modifier. Its primary molecular target is the adaptive immune system.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | N/A (Subcutaneous biological) |
| Protein Binding | N/A |
| Half-life | Days to weeks (Immunological memory is years) |
| Tmax | 1-2 hours (for initial protein absorption) |
| Metabolism | Proteolytic degradation by immune cells |
| Excretion | Cellular turnover |
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen is a member of the Allergenic Extracts class. It is specifically categorized as a Pollen Allergenic Extract. Related medications include Timothy Grass Extract, Orchard Grass Extract, and various 'Grass Mix' formulations used in both subcutaneous (SCIT) and sublingual (SLIT) immunotherapy.
Common questions about A-24
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen is used by healthcare providers to diagnose and treat allergies to Redtop grass. In diagnostic testing, a small amount is applied to the skin to see if a reaction occurs, confirming the allergy. In treatment, known as immunotherapy or 'allergy shots,' gradually increasing amounts are injected to desensitize the immune system. This helps reduce symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and wheezing caused by grass exposure. It is typically recommended for patients who do not get enough relief from standard allergy medications.
The most common side effects are localized to the site of the injection. These include redness, swelling, itching, and a small bump that feels like a mosquito bite. These reactions usually appear within minutes and fade within a day. Some patients may also experience a temporary increase in their usual allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose or itchy eyes. While rare, more serious systemic reactions like hives or difficulty breathing can occur, which is why patients are monitored for 30 minutes after each dose.
There is no direct interaction between alcohol and the pollen extract itself. However, healthcare providers generally advise against heavy alcohol consumption on the day of an injection. Alcohol can cause blood vessels to dilate, which might speed up the absorption of the allergen into your system and potentially increase the risk or severity of an allergic reaction. It is best to stay hydrated and avoid substances that might mask or worsen a reaction until you know how your body responds to the treatment.
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen is generally considered safe to continue if you are already on a stable maintenance dose when you become pregnant. However, doctors almost never start a new course of immunotherapy during pregnancy because of the risk of a severe allergic reaction, which could harm the fetus. If you are already receiving the shots, your allergist will likely keep your dose the same rather than increasing it. Always notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while receiving allergy shots.
Immunotherapy with Agrostis Gigantea Pollen is a long-term commitment and does not provide instant relief. Most patients begin to notice an improvement in their symptoms during the maintenance phase, which usually starts 3 to 6 months after beginning treatment. Significant benefits are typically seen after the first full grass pollen season while on maintenance. For the best long-term results, the treatment is usually continued for 3 to 5 years to ensure the immune system remains desensitized.
Yes, you can stop taking the injections suddenly without experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms. Unlike some medications, there is no chemical dependency involved with pollen extracts. However, stopping the treatment before you have completed the recommended 3-to-5-year course means your allergy symptoms are likely to return over time. If you need to stop due to side effects or life changes, discuss a plan with your allergist to see if there are alternative treatments or if you can resume later.
If you miss a dose, you should contact your allergist's office as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not try to 'double up' on your next dose. If you are in the build-up phase, missing a week or two may require your doctor to repeat your last dose or even reduce it to ensure safety. If you miss several weeks, the build-up process may need to be restarted at a lower concentration. Consistency is key to both the safety and the effectiveness of allergy immunotherapy.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Agrostis Gigantea Pollen or other allergenic extracts cause weight gain. The treatment involves very small amounts of natural proteins that do not affect your metabolism or appetite. If you experience weight changes while on immunotherapy, it is likely due to other factors or medications you may be taking, such as oral corticosteroids used for severe asthma. Always discuss unexpected weight changes with your primary care physician.
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen can be taken alongside most common medications, but there are important exceptions. You must tell your doctor if you are taking beta-blockers (for heart issues or migraines) or MAO inhibitors, as these can make allergic reactions much more dangerous and harder to treat. Most standard allergy medications like antihistamines and nasal sprays are fine to continue and may actually help manage minor side effects of the injections. Always provide your allergist with a full list of your current medications.
Agrostis Gigantea Pollen is a biological product, so the term 'generic' is not used in the same way as it is for chemical drugs like ibuprofen. However, various manufacturers produce Redtop grass pollen extracts that are considered therapeutically equivalent. These are often sold under their scientific name or as part of a 'Grass Mix.' While the brand name may differ, the active ingredient—the pollen proteins—remains the same across different suppliers, provided they meet FDA standards for potency.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Agrostis Gigantea Pollen)