Skip to main content

Grastek and Alcohol/Food Interactions

There is 1 alcohol/food/lifestyle interaction with Grastek (timothy grass pollen allergen extract).

Moderate

timothy grass pollen allergen extract food

Moderate Food Interaction

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Since sublingual preparations of allergenic extracts are meant to be absorbed directly from tissues under the tongue into the blood stream, consuming food or beverage during or immediately after administration may reduce the systemic bioavailability of the medication.

MONITOR: Coadministration of allergenic extracts for allergy immunotherapy with alcohol may potentiate the risk of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. According to some studies, alcohol is an augmenting factor influencing immunological mechanisms that can induce more severe allergic reactions and is involved in up to 15% of cases of anaphylactic reactions. Proposed mechanisms include an increase in allergen absorption from altered permeability of the intestinal epithelial barrier, enhancing mast cell and basophil activation, and an increase in serum IgE concentrations. A causal relationship with all allergenic extracts has not been established.

MANAGEMENT: Food or beverage should not be taken with, or for at least 5 minutes after, the administration of sublingual allergenic extracts. Patients should also avoid swallowing for about 1 minute following placement of the allergen extract under the tongue. Caution is advised if allergenic extracts for immunotherapy are used concomitantly with alcohol. Some manufacturers of peanut allergen extract recommend alcohol not be consumed for 2 hours before, or 2 hours after taking peanut allergen extract and if alcohol use cannot be avoided, that withholding or decreasing peanut allergen dosage should be considered. Individual prescribing information should be consulted for further guidance and clinical monitoring may be considered.

References

  1. "Product Information. Grastek (timothy grass pollen allergen extract)." Merck & Co., Inc (2014):
  2. "Product Information. Ragwitek (ragweed pollen allergen extract)." Merck & Co., Inc (2014):
  3. "Product Information. Oralair (mixed grass pollens allergen extract)." Greer Laboratories Inc (2014):
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Canadian Product Information." O 0 (2015):
  5. "Product Information. Palforzia (peanut allergen extract)." Aimmune Therapeutics (2023):
  6. "Product Information. Palforzia Level 1 (peanut allergen extract)." Aimmune Therapeutics UK Ltd (2022):
  7. Munoz-Cano R, Pascal M, Araujo G, et al. "Mechanisms, Cofactors, and Augmenting Factors Involved in Anaphylaxis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5623009/pdf/fimmu-08-01193.pdf" (2023):
  8. "Product Information. Odactra (house dust mite allergen extract)." ALK-Abello Inc (2023):
View all 8 references

Switch to consumer interaction data

Grastek drug interactions

There are 139 drug interactions with Grastek (timothy grass pollen allergen extract).

Grastek disease interactions

There are 3 disease interactions with Grastek (timothy grass pollen allergen extract) which include:

Report options

Loading...
QR code containing a link to this page

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer