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Ragwitek Side Effects

Generic name: ragweed pollen allergen extract

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 22, 2022.

Note: This document contains side effect information about ragweed pollen allergen extract. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Ragwitek.

Applies to ragweed pollen allergen extract: sublingual tablet.

Warning

You should not use this medicine if you have uncontrolled asthma, or if you have a history of allergic reaction to a pollen-extract medicine, or allergic reaction that affected your esophagus.

You may not be able to use ragweed pollen allergen extract if you have certain medical conditions, such as breathing problems, heart disease, or high blood pressure. This medicine also may not be safe for you if you take certain medicines.

Ragweed pollen allergen extract may cause a severe allergic reaction. Your doctor will give you the first dose and watch you closely to make sure you do not have a reaction.

Your doctor may also prescribe epinephrine (Epi-Pen) to keep with you in case you ever have an allergic reaction to ragweed pollen allergen extract.

Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: severe dizziness, feeling like you might pass out; fast heart rate, cough, chest tightness, wheezing, trouble breathing; stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea; hives, itching, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ragweed pollen allergen extract may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking the medicine and Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking ragweed pollen allergen extract (the active ingredient contained in Ragwitek)

  • severe dizziness or a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out);

  • fast heart rate;

  • stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea;

  • hives, itching, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

  • cough, chest tightness, wheezing, trouble breathing; or

  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

If you stop taking ragweed pollen allergen extract after having an allergic reaction, do not start taking the medicine again without your doctor's advice.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe mouth or throat irritation;

  • breathing problems; or

  • choking feeling, chest pain, trouble swallowing.

Common side effects may include:

  • numbness, tingling, itching, or swelling in your mouth;

  • swollen tongue;

  • throat irritation; or

  • itching in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to ragweed pollen allergen extract: sublingual tablet.

General

The most common side effects reported were throat irritation, oral pruritus, ear pruritus, oral paresthesia, mouth edema, and tongue pruritus.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Systemic allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis)[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Throat irritation (up to 16.6%)

Common (1% to 10%): Oropharyngeal pain, throat tightness[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Chest discomfort[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Oral pruritus (10.9%), Oral paresthesia (10%)

Common (1% to 10%): Mouth edema, tongue pruritus, lip swelling, swollen tongue, lip pruritus, dry mouth, tongue edema, nausea, palatal edema, dysphagia[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Ear pruritus (10.4%)[Ref]

References

1. Product Information. Ragwitek (ragweed pollen allergen extract). Merck & Co., Inc. 2014.

Further information

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

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer