FDA Approves Treatment for Hay Fever
The FDA approves Ragwitek for treatment of short ragweed pollen allergies
The FDA recently approved Ragwitek, an allergen extract designed to treat short ragweed pollen induced allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Administered under the tongue, Ragwitek treats those with hay fever (with or without conjunctivitis) ages 18 through 65, the FDA reports.
According to the FDA, “Ragwitek contains an extract from short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) pollen.” Users take the tablet once daily by placing it under their tongue and letting it dissolve. In addition, those using the treatment begin it 12 weeks before the start of ragweed pollen season and continue taking it throughout the season. The first time a patient takes Ragwitek, they have to do so at their health care professional’s office so they can evaluate the patient for possible adverse reactions.
The safety of the medication was studied by evaluating 1,700 adults in clinical studies. Patients who were taking Ragwitek during ragweed pollen season experienced a 26 percent reduction in symptoms compared to those who received a placebo.
“The approval of Ragwitek offers millions of adults living with ragweed pollen allergies in the United States an alternative to allergy shots to help manage their disease,” said Karen Midthun, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research in the FDA’s press release.