Dust Mite Allergen Extract Injection

What is this medication?

DUST MITE ALLERGEN EXTRACT (dest mite AL er jen EK strakt) helps diagnose dust mite allergy. It may be used to reduce allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, or runny or stuffy nose from dust mite allergies. It works by exposing your immune system to small amounts of dust mite allergens. Do not use it to treat an allergic reaction.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat or rhythm
• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
• Recent or upcoming allergy shots
• An unusual or allergic reaction to mite extract, yeast, pork, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected under the skin. It is usually given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

• Antihistamines
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat, such as propranolol, metoprolol
• Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline
• Dopamine
• Ephedrine
• Terbutaline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Your care team should prescribe auto-injectable epinephrine for you to keep at home for treating a severe allergic reaction if needed. Your care team will tell you how to use the auto-injectable epinephrine.

Some medications may make epinephrine not work as well or worsen side effects. Talk with your care team if you take any of these medications:

• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health disorders
• Chlorpheniramine
• Diphenhydramine
• Diuretics
• Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Thyroid hormone

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Itching
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Sneezing
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.