Acarizax 12SQ-HDM tablets 30 for house dust mite allergen

Because Acarizax tablets are only available as a repeat prescription (when you’ve already started treatment under the care of your doctor or specialist), you should continue to follow their instructions.  

You should also read the Patient Information Leaflet for more information about how to take Acarizax.  

How to take Acarizax

Your doctor or specialist will monitor your initial dose. Following this supervised introduction, you can continue treatment independently at home.

For ongoing treatment, take one tablet daily. The tablet should be placed under your tongue and allowed to completely dissolve. Avoid swallowing for the first 60 seconds and don’t consume food or beverages for a minimum of 5 minutes afterward.

In case of accidental overdose, you might experience allergic reactions, particularly in the mouth and throat areas. Seek emergency medical attention if these reactions become intense. If you miss a scheduled dose, don't take two tablets. Instead, take it when you remember and resume your regular schedule for the next dose.

How long should I treat my allergy with Acarizax?

To achieve the maximum benefit, Acarizax should be taken daily for around 3 years to build incremental immunity. It may take an initial 2-3 months before you notice any improvement in symptoms. Your specialist should continue to see you during this time.

Some people may experience a few side effects or allergic responses when they first start taking Acarizax, but not everyone will experience them. If you do, generally the effects last from minutes to hours after taking the tablets and most will subside within 1-3 months of treatment.

You should be familiar with how you react to Acarizax as you will have already taken your first dose under the supervision of your doctor or specialist.

Stop taking Acarizax and contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Worsening of existing asthma

• Rapid swelling of face, mouth, throat or skin - this is an emergency, call 999

• Difficulties in swallowing   

• Difficulties in breathing - this is an emergency, call 999

• Voice changes   

• Low blood pressure  

• Feeling of fullness in the throat (like a swelling)  

• Hives and itching of the skin

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

• Irritating sensation in the throat  

• Swelling of the mouth and lips  

• Itching of the mouth and ears  

• Airway infections   

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Prickling sensation or numbness of the mouth or tongue  

• Itching of the eyes  

• Itching of the tongue and lips    

• Swelling of the tongue or throat  

• Inflammation, discomfort or burning sensation in the mouth  

• Redness in the mouth or mouth ulcers  

• Pain in the mouth  

• Altered taste  

• Stomach pain or discomfort   

• Diarrhoea  

• Feeling sick (nausea) and vomiting  

• Pain when swallowing or difficulty in swallowing  

• Symptoms of asthma  

• Cough  

• Shortness of breath   

• Chest discomfort  

• Indigestion and heartburn   

• Hoarseness  

• Tiredness  

• Hives and itching of the skin

Make sure to read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication for a full list of possible side effects. You’ll also find a copy in the medication packaging or box.

Medical considerations before taking Acarizax tablets

Talk to your doctor before taking Acarizax if:

• You are being treated for depression with tricyclic antidepressants, mono amino oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or for Parkinson’s disease with COMT inhibitors.

• You have previously had a severe allergic reaction to an injection of an allergen extract of house dust mites.

• You have an allergy to fish. Acarizax may contain trace amounts of fish protein. Available data have not indicated an increased risk of allergic reactions in patients with fish allergies.

• You experience severe allergic symptoms, such as difficulty in swallowing or breathing, changes in your voice, hypotension (low blood pressure) or feeling of a lump in the throat. Stop the treatment and contact your doctor immediately.

• Your asthma symptoms get noticeably worse than normal. Stop treatment and contact your doctor immediately. If you have asthma, you should continue to use your regular asthma medication while starting treatment with ACARIZAX. Your doctor will tell you how to gradually reduce the asthma medication over time. If you experience persisting heartburn or difficulty swallowing you should contact your doctor. You can expect some mild to moderate localised allergic reactions during your treatment. However, if it is severe, talk to your doctor to see if you need any anti-allergic medicines such as antihistamines.

If you would like to talk to our Healthcare Advisors about any concerns around side-effects please call us on 01295 262925 or email help@oxfordop.co.uk.