If you do suffer from hay fever, you’ll experience a range of symptoms. Some of these symptoms can be manageable with home remedies, however, others may need medication, and some severe cases might need relief from a hay fever injection.

Please note this injection is only available every 2 years.

Here are some of symptoms you are likely to experience when there is a high pollen count:

• Sneezing
• Blocked nose or runny nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Blocked sinuses, headaches, and migraines
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• Fatigue

What Causes Hayfever?

Hay fever, or allergic Rhinitis, is an allergy to pollen, dust, or even mould. According to Allergy UK, hay fever affects about 20% of the population. If you have a family history of asthma or eczema, you are more likely to suffer from hay fever.

Pollen, the main cause of hay fever, is high during warm, dry, and windy weather. To ease your symptoms, consider tracking pollen forecasts and taking preventative steps like washing off pollen from your clothes and skin after spending time outdoors.

Not only this, but there are different types of pollen:

• Grass pollen: High pollen count during May to July
• Tree pollen: High pollen count during February to June
• Weed pollen: High pollen count during June to September

What’s In the Hayfever Injection?

The hay fever injection contains Triamcinolone Acetonide, a known corticosteroid medicine given by deep intramuscular injection typically into the large muscles of the buttock. It is prescribed by medical professionals for many different conditions, including the suppression of inflammatory and allergic disorders such as seasonal allergies (commonly called hay fever) and allergic rhinitis.

Hay fever generally affects most people during the spring and summer months when pollen levels are highest. However, allergic reactions and similar symptoms could also occur throughout the year due to other allergy-related problems. Our pharmacists will discuss and suggest the most appropriate course of treatment for seasonal allergy problems you may be suffering from.

Do you have severe hay fever symptoms?

If you are getting limited relief from over-the-counter remedies, including anti-histamine tablets, eye drops, and nasal sprays, then you may be experiencing severe hay fever symptoms. When traditional over-the-counter remedies are not working, and even medication from your GP is not improving your symptoms, an injection may be a suitable solution.

How many treatments are needed?

This simple treatment for hay fever involves just one injection. If suitable, a single 40mg injection can provide season-long relief. This will help you manage your lifestyle with enhanced protection from the physical symptoms of hay fever that disrupt your work and daily life.

Please remember:

It is NOT 100% effective and you can still expect some milder symptoms

It is NOT a replacement for standard hay fever remedies, take these too!

How quickly does the hay fever injection work?

Most patients can note some relief within 24 hours, with most finding they get symptomatic relief within 72 hours. If your symptoms have flared up or are severe at the time of your appointment, it may take much longer to get the maximum effect of the injection. As a preventative measure, it can also be taken prior to your symptoms occurring.

Many patients who suffer every year opt for an injection before their symptoms even start. It is best to have the injection 1 month before you usually feel at your worst.

How is it available?

Hay Fever Injections are administered by our trained pharmacists in our pharmacies across Edinburgh & Fife. Our pharmacists will carry out a short consultation to discuss your symptoms, during which you’ll complete an assessment of consent and provide your medical history. If you are medically safe to receive the injection, it will be done during the same visit. This takes no longer than 15–30 minutes total in the clinic.

Following your appointment and injection, you will be safe to drive, and return to your normal daily routine.

What if the hay fever Injection is not suitable for me?

There are times when the Hay Fever Injection is not suitable for a particular person. We require all patients to have a consultation with our pharmacists first in order to assess suitability. If a Hay Fever Injection is not suitable, our pharmacists will recommend an alternative option for your hay fever treatment.

Availability

Select your preferred pharmacy to visit their page and enquire about this service, or just pop in when it suits you.