Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is a process that regularly exposes the patient to increasing amounts of the foods they are allergic to, with the goal of desensitizing the body and protecting against anaphylaxis due to accidental exposures. Research over the last two decades supports the safety and efficacy of OIT for patients with single and multiple food allergies.
For more background on oral immunotherapy, we recommend the following published studies and meta-analysis:
IgE-mediated food allergies can be treated with oral immunotherapy and multiple allergens can be treated together. Our allergists work with each patient to weigh the benefits and the burden of the treatment for each allergen. Below are results of clinical studies and relevant reviews for treatment of specific food allergens.
Peanut
Wheat
Cow’s Milk
Egg
Tree Nuts (Walnut, Pecan, Cashew, Pistachio, Hazelnut, Almond, Brazil Nut, Macadamia)
Fish & Shellfish
Sesame
Most of the services we provide are covered by insurance. For example, our initial diagnostic visits and follow up office visits are typically covered. If we determine that oral immunotherapy is the right treatment plan for you, office visit costs will be covered by your insurance, but there is a one-time program fee — only applicable to oral immunotherapy patients — that is considered a non-covered service and therefore not billable to insurance. Payment plans are available for the program fee and it is often FSA- or HSA-eligible. If you are considering treatment, please call us for more details.
Xolair (omalizumab) is an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody that works by inhibiting the allergic reaction process. It is FDA approved for use in children over age 6 with asthma and in children over age 12 with chronic urticaria (hives). At Latitude, we offer Xolair in conjunction with OIT to increase safety for some patients. Xolair has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the prevention of severe allergic reactions to food allergy by the FDA, but this is currently an off label usage and is often not covered by insurance.
For more background on oral immunotherapy with anti-IgE Xolair (omalizumab), we recommend the following published studies and meta-analysis:
We look forward to partnering with you on your patient’s care. While there are some underlying medical conditions that may preclude treatment, most patients can be treated with oral immunotherapy. We provide OIT for patients as young as 12 months old and adults. When we discuss the benefits and risks with a patient and their family, we address the following:
Please reach out to our clinical team at (888) 528-1592 if you have a question about a specific patient profile.
Yes, we treat multiple food allergies at the same time. For more background on oral immunotherapy for multiple foods — with and without the off-label use of anti-IgE Xolair (omalizumab) as an adjunct — we recommend the following published studies and meta-analysis:
Thousands of patients have safely completed oral immunotherapy around the world. We have specific protocols in place to increase safety in the office and at home during OIT, but it is possible to have an allergic reaction while going through OIT.
For more information about the risks and benefits of OIT, we recommend the following published studies and meta-analysis:
OIT is not a cure. It is a desensitization. In order to maintain desensitization, a patient needs to continue to eat the foods they have been desensitized to on a regular basis.
Research shows that OIT is approximately 85% effective when supervised by an expert care team who specialize in food allergy treatment. At Latitude, 92% of our OIT patients have successfully achieved maintenance. While there are a small number of clinical reasons a patient may need to stop therapy, those who do not complete the OIT process primarily pause treatment due to the time commitment or other lifestyle demands.
For more background on the long-term impact of oral immunotherapy, we recommend the following published studies and meta-analysis:
At Latitude, our clinics are 100% focused on food allergy. Our board-certified allergists are all specially trained and deeply experienced in food allergy treatment and care. And our unique clinical model provides quick access for your patients to important testing and treatment options, including oral food challenges.
Get started with a consultation to find out if Latitude is right for you
Get StartedNew clinics now open in Brooklyn Heights and in San Francisco!