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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Echinacea (angustifolia), Calendula Officinalis, Hamamelis Virginiana, Echinacea Purpurea, Bellis Perennis, Chamomilla, Hypericum Perforatum, Millefolium, Ledum Palustre, Arnica Montana, Bryonia (alba), Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum, Nadidum, Pantothenic Acid, Sarcolacticum Acidum, Symphytum Officinale, Rhus Tox, Aconitum Napellus, Funiculus Umbilicalis Suis, Glandula Suprarenalis Suis
Brand Name
Celeragesic
Generic Name
Echinacea (angustifolia), Calendula Officinalis, Hamamelis Virginiana, Echinacea Purpurea, Bellis Perennis, Chamomilla, Hypericum Perforatum, Millefolium, Ledum Palustre, Arnica Montana, Bryonia (alba), Hepar Sulphuris Calcareum, Nadidum, Pantothenic Acid, Sarcolacticum Acidum, Symphytum Officinale, Rhus Tox, Aconitum Napellus, Funiculus Umbilicalis Suis, Glandula Suprarenalis Suis
Active Ingredient
Achillea Millefolium WholeCategory
Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Variants
2
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 [hp_X]/mL | LIQUID | ORAL | 43742-1267 |
| 3 [hp_X]/g | GEL | TOPICAL | 43742-1397 |
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Celeragesic, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Detailed information about Celeragesic
Achillea Millefolium Whole is a non-standardized plant allergenic extract used for the diagnosis and treatment of allergic sensitivities. It belongs to the class of allergenic extracts used in immunotherapy to desensitize patients to specific environmental triggers.
Dosage for Achillea Millefolium Whole is highly individualized and must be determined by an allergy specialist based on the patient's sensitivity level. There is no 'standard' dose, but therapy generally follows two phases:
During this phase, the patient receives injections once or twice a week. The starting dose is usually very low (e.g., 0.05 mL of a 1:100,000 w/v dilution). The volume and concentration are gradually increased according to the patient's tolerance. A typical progression might involve moving from 1:10,000 to 1:1,000, and finally to 1:100 dilutions over several months.
Once the 'top dose' or maximum tolerated dose is reached, the frequency of injections is decreased to once every 2 to 4 weeks. The maintenance dose is intended to sustain the immunological tolerance achieved during the build-up phase. This phase typically continues for 3 to 5 years.
Achillea Millefolium Whole extracts may be used in children, generally starting at age 5 or older. The dosing schedule is similar to that of adults, but healthcare providers exercise extreme caution due to the difficulty younger children may have in communicating early symptoms of a systemic reaction. Dosage is based on clinical response and skin test reactivity rather than body weight.
No specific dosage adjustments are typically required for renal impairment, as the systemic load of the protein extract is minimal. However, the patient's overall health should be stable before administration.
No dosage adjustments are defined for hepatic impairment. The metabolism of the extract occurs via local and systemic proteolysis rather than hepatic CYP450 pathways.
Geriatric patients may require more cautious dosing, particularly if they have underlying cardiovascular disease. The risk-benefit ratio must be carefully considered because elderly patients may be less able to tolerate the physiological stress of a systemic reaction or the administration of epinephrine.
If a dose is missed, the next dose may need to be reduced depending on how much time has passed.
An 'overdose' in the context of allergenic extracts refers to an injection of a concentration higher than what the patient's immune system can currently tolerate. Signs include:
In the event of an overdose or systemic reaction, emergency protocols for anaphylaxis must be initiated immediately, typically involving the administration of intramuscular epinephrine.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose or frequency without medical guidance.
Most patients undergoing immunotherapy with Achillea Millefolium Whole will experience local reactions. These are generally not dangerous but can be uncomfortable.
Achillea Millefolium Whole is a potent biological agent. Its safety depends heavily on the expertise of the administering clinician and the stability of the patient's health at the time of the injection. Patients should always inform their doctor if they are feeling unwell, have a fever, or are experiencing an exacerbation of asthma symptoms before receiving their dose.
No FDA black box warnings specifically unique to Achillea Millefolium Whole exist beyond the standard class-wide warnings for allergenic extracts. The primary concern is the risk of anaphylaxis, which is a sudden, systemic, and potentially fatal allergic reaction. Because of this risk, the extract is never used in home settings and requires a mandatory observation period post-administration.
While there are few absolute contraindications for drug-drug interactions with Achillea Millefolium Whole, certain combinations are avoided due to safety risks:
Achillea Millefolium Whole must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Achillea Millefolium Whole in pregnant women.
It is not known whether the allergenic components of Achillea Millefolium Whole are excreted in human milk. However, because these are proteins that are digested in the infant's gastrointestinal tract, they are unlikely to cause harm. The consensus is that breastfeeding is not a contraindication to receiving allergy shots.
Achillea Millefolium Whole acts as an immunotherapeutic agent. The extract contains a variety of proteins, including sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids, which serve as antigens. Upon subcutaneous administration, these antigens are captured by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells. These cells migrate to the lymph nodes and present the antigens to naive T-cells. In an allergic individual, this normally produces a Th2 response. Immunotherapy induces 'immune deviation,' shifting the response toward Th1 and T-regulatory cells. This leads to the production of IL-10, which suppresses IgE production and increases the production of IgG4 (blocking antibodies).
Common questions about Celeragesic
Achillea Millefolium Whole is primarily used for the diagnosis and treatment of allergies to the yarrow plant. In a diagnostic setting, it is applied during skin prick testing to see if a patient develops a localized allergic reaction, confirming a sensitivity. In a therapeutic setting, it is used in 'allergy shots' (immunotherapy) to gradually desensitize the patient's immune system to yarrow. This helps reduce symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and asthma caused by environmental exposure to the plant. It is always administered under the strict supervision of an allergy specialist.
The most common side effects are local reactions at the site of the injection, occurring in nearly all patients at some point during therapy. These include redness, swelling, itching, and a feeling of warmth where the shot was given. These symptoms usually appear within minutes and fade within a few hours. Some patients may also experience mild fatigue or a temporary increase in their usual allergy symptoms, such as sneezing or a runny nose. While these are common, any local swelling larger than the size of a large coin should be reported to your doctor.
It is generally advised to avoid alcohol for several hours before and after receiving an injection of Achillea Millefolium Whole. Alcohol can cause your blood vessels to dilate (expand), which may speed up the absorption of the allergen into your systemic circulation. This increased absorption rate can raise the risk of a serious systemic allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Additionally, alcohol can mask the early symptoms of a reaction, such as dizziness or flushing. Always check with your immunologist for their specific recommendations regarding alcohol and your treatment schedule.
Achillea Millefolium Whole is generally not started during pregnancy because of the risk of a severe allergic reaction, which could deprive the developing fetus of oxygen. However, if a woman is already on a stable maintenance dose and becomes pregnant, many doctors will continue the treatment because the risk of a reaction is much lower at that stage. The decision is made on a case-by-case basis by weighing the benefits of allergy control against the potential risks. If you are planning to become pregnant or find out you are pregnant while on this medication, notify your allergist immediately.
The diagnostic effects of Achillea Millefolium Whole are almost immediate, with skin test results appearing in about 15 to 20 minutes. However, the therapeutic benefits of allergy shots take much longer to develop. Most patients begin to notice a reduction in their allergy symptoms during the first 3 to 6 months of the 'build-up' phase. The full effect is typically achieved once the maintenance dose is reached, which can take 6 to 12 months. For long-lasting protection that continues even after the shots are stopped, a full course of 3 to 5 years of treatment is usually required.
Yes, you can stop taking Achillea Millefolium Whole injections suddenly without experiencing 'withdrawal' symptoms like those seen with some other medications. However, stopping treatment prematurely—especially before completing the first year—will likely result in the return of your original allergy symptoms. If you stop during the maintenance phase, the 'protection' you've built up may gradually fade over time. It is always best to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor before deciding to discontinue immunotherapy, as they can help you determine the best time to stop for long-term success.
If you miss a dose, do not attempt to 'double up' or administer a dose yourself. Contact your allergist's office to reschedule. The safety of the next dose depends on how much time has passed since your last injection. If it has only been an extra week, you might receive the same dose as last time. If several weeks have passed, your doctor will likely need to reduce the dose or concentration to prevent a reaction, as your body's tolerance may have slightly decreased. Consistent attendance is key to both the safety and effectiveness of this treatment.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Achillea Millefolium Whole allergenic extracts cause weight gain. Unlike systemic corticosteroids (such as prednisone), which are known to affect metabolism and appetite, allergenic extracts are proteins that work locally on the immune system. Any weight changes experienced during treatment are likely due to other factors, such as lifestyle changes or other medications you may be taking. If you have concerns about weight gain, discuss them with your healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause.
Achillea Millefolium Whole can be taken with many other medications, but there are critical exceptions. You must inform your doctor if you are taking beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or MAO inhibitors, as these can make allergic reactions more dangerous or harder to treat. Antihistamines should be avoided before skin testing because they can cause false-negative results, though they are often used during the immunotherapy phase to manage minor side effects. Always provide your allergist with a complete list of all prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements you use.
Achillea Millefolium Whole is a biological product rather than a synthetic drug, so the term 'generic' does not apply in the traditional sense. Instead, different manufacturers may produce their own versions of yarrow extract. While these extracts all contain proteins from the same plant, they are 'non-standardized,' meaning the exact concentration of specific allergens may vary between brands. For this reason, allergists generally prefer not to switch between different manufacturers' products once a patient has started their build-up phase, as it could increase the risk of an unexpected reaction.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Achillea Millefolium Whole)
These reactions are more widespread but usually manageable:
> Warning: Stop taking Achillea Millefolium Whole and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency care if you experience any of these symptoms of anaphylaxis.
The long-term use of Achillea Millefolium Whole is generally associated with a reduction in allergy symptoms and a decreased risk of developing new allergies or asthma. However, some patients may develop 'Arthus-type' reactions—delayed local swelling and pain that occurs 6 to 12 hours after injection—due to the formation of immune complexes. This is usually managed by adjusting the dose or the interval between injections.
Most allergenic extracts, including Achillea Millefolium Whole, carry a class-wide warning regarding the risk of severe systemic reactions.
Summary of Warning: This product can cause severe life-threatening systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis. It must only be administered by healthcare providers prepared to manage such reactions. Patients with unstable asthma are at higher risk for severe outcomes. Certain medications, like beta-blockers, may make a patient less responsive to the usual doses of epinephrine used to treat a reaction.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider, especially those occurring within the first few hours after an injection.
Most patients can drive after their 30-minute observation period. However, if you experience dizziness, fatigue, or 'brain fog' following an injection, you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until these symptoms resolve.
Alcohol consumption should be avoided for several hours before and after an injection. Alcohol causes vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels), which can theoretically increase the speed at which the allergen is absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of a systemic reaction.
Immunotherapy is usually discontinued if:
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Achillea Millefolium Whole.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Conditions requiring careful risk-benefit analysis include:
Patients should be aware of cross-sensitivity within the Asteraceae family. If you are severely allergic to yarrow, you may also react to:
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Achillea Millefolium Whole.
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can generally receive Achillea Millefolium Whole. However, if they are on dialysis, the timing of the injection should be coordinated so it does not occur immediately before or after a dialysis session, as blood pressure fluctuations are common during those times.
There are no specific restrictions for patients with liver disease. Since the extract is not metabolized by the liver's cytochrome P450 system, hepatic impairment does not affect the 'clearance' of the allergen in the traditional sense.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment to ensure the benefits of immunotherapy outweigh the potential risks.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | N/A (Subcutaneous local interaction) |
| Protein Binding | N/A (Biological proteins) |
| Half-life | Days (Proteins); Years (Immunological memory) |
| Tmax | 30-60 minutes (Systemic absorption of allergens) |
| Metabolism | Local and systemic proteolysis |
| Excretion | Renal (as peptide fragments) |
Achillea Millefolium Whole is classified as a Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract. It belongs to the therapeutic category of Allergenic Extracts or Biologicals for Immunotherapy. It is related to other Asteraceae extracts like Ragweed (Ambrosia) and Mugwort (Artemisia).