Acarizax

What is this medication for?

Acarizax is used to treat house dust mite allergy. It works by increasing your body’s tolerance to the house dust mite allergen, and this gradually stops or reduces your allergic symptoms. Response to treatment may vary among  individuals. When you reach 8- 14 weeks of daily treatment, you may start to see improvement in symptoms. You may need to take a minimum of 3 years to achieve the full effect of the treatment or improvement in your symptoms. 

How should I take or use this medication?

This medication should be placed under your tongue (sublingual). You can take antihistamines (such as cetirizine,loratadine, fexofenadine) 1 hour before taking Acarizax. The first dose should be taken under medical supervision and you should be monitored for at least half an hour.

1. Tear off the strip marked with triangles at the top of the pack as per Step 1 below. 
2. Tear a square of the pack along the dotted lines as per Step 2 below. 
3. To remove the tablet, fold back the marked corner of the foil and pull it off. Do not force the tablet through the foil as it breaks easily as per Step 3 below. 
4. Remove the tablet carefully from the foil, with dry hands.
5. Place the tablet under the tongue, allowing it to remain there until it has fully dissolved.
6. Do not swallow for 1 minute and do not eat or drink for at least 5 minutes. 

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose. 

If treatment with Acarizax is interrupted for a period up to 7 days, treatment can be resumed. If the treatment is interrupted for more than 7 days, it is recommended to contact your doctor before resuming the treatment.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if you: 

• are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• had serious allergic reaction previously or serious asthma flare up within the last 3 months 
• have an autoimmune condition or eosinophilic esophagitis (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach gets inflamed and irritated due to a buildup of white blood cells called eosinophils).
• are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding: 
• have swelling, sores, or an infection in your mouth, or you have recently had a mouth injury, tooth loss, or any oral surgery.
• are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Swelling of the mouth 
• Itching of the mouth or ear
• Throat irritation 

Side effects usually peak (become increasingly discomforting) in weeks 2 and 3 of starting treatment and subside by week 4

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Other rare but life threatening side effects include:

• If you have asthma and you have trouble breathing or your asthma gets harder to control
• Trouble swallowing or speaking
• Pain with swallowing
• Mouth or tongue sore (ulcers) 

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.