What Is the Clinical Name for an Allergy Shot? SCIT Explained
The clinical name for an allergy shot is subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) — also called allergen immunotherapy or specific immunotherapy. There is no single brand name because SCIT vials are custom-compounded per patient from FDA-licensed allergen extracts. Branded names belong to SLIT tablets (Grastek, Oralair, Ragwitek, Odactra), biologics (Xolair, Dupixent), and depot steroids (Kenalog-40) — not to SCIT itself.
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The clinical name for an allergy shot is subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), also called allergen immunotherapy. There is no brand name — each patient's vial is custom-compounded from FDA-licensed allergen extracts.
The essentials
The clinical name for an allergy shot is subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), abbreviated SCIT and used consistently in the AAAAI/ACAAI/JCAAI Practice Parameter Third Update (Cox L, Nelson H, Lockey R et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011;127(1 Suppl):S1-S55, DOI 10.1016/j.jaci.2010.09.034). Equivalent clinical names used interchangeably in the literature include 'allergen immunotherapy' (AIT), 'specific immunotherapy' (SIT), and 'allergen-specific immunotherapy.' Historical synonyms include 'hyposensitization' (Noon 1911) and 'desensitization' (mid-20th century usage).
The most important naming fact for patients: SCIT has NO single brand name. Each patient's vial is custom-compounded by the allergist from FDA-licensed allergen extracts ordered from one of several manufacturers. The label on the vial shows the patient's name, the allergen source(s), the extract concentration, and the manufacturer — not a drug brand name.
Curex's at-home IgE blood test with allergist review identifies which allergen extracts should appear on the SCIT or SLIT prescription, so the custom-compounded preparation targets the actual sensitizations.
Branded names DO exist in the allergy-treatment space — but they belong to other product categories:
FDA-approved SLIT tablets (sublingual, not injected): Grastek (timothy grass), Oralair (5-grass mix), Ragwitek (short ragweed), Odactra (house dust mite). These are allergen immunotherapy — the same tolerance-inducing mechanism as SCIT — but delivered sublingually and sold as branded pharmaceutical products.
Branded injectable biologics (NOT immunotherapy): Xolair (omalizumab, anti-IgE, FDA 2003), Dupixent (dupilumab, anti-IL-4Rα, FDA 2017), Tezspire (tezepelumab, anti-TSLP, FDA December 2021). These are separate drug classes with specific FDA indications for asthma, atopic dermatitis, and other conditions.
Branded depot corticosteroids (symptomatic, NOT immunotherapy): Kenalog-40 (triamcinolone acetonide, FDA 1965), Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate).
Branded epinephrine devices (emergency rescue, NOT immunotherapy): EpiPen (FDA 1987), Auvi-Q (Kaléo, FDA 2012), neffy (epinephrine nasal spray, FDA August 9, 2024).
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See if at-home shots are right for youFrequently asked questions
What is the medical name for an allergy shot?
The medical name for an allergy shot is subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), per the AAAAI/ACAAI/JCAAI Practice Parameter Third Update (Cox L, Nelson H, Lockey R et al., J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011;127(1 Suppl):S1-S55). Equivalent clinical names include allergen immunotherapy (AIT) and specific immunotherapy (SIT). Historical names include hyposensitization (Noon 1911) and desensitization (used through much of the 20th century). The WHO 1998 position paper endorsed 'allergen vaccine' as a synonym, though US specialty practice reverted to 'immunotherapy' in 2011.
Is there a brand name for allergy shots?
No. SCIT (subcutaneous immunotherapy) has no single brand name because each patient's vial is custom-compounded by the allergist from FDA-licensed allergen extracts specific to that patient's sensitization profile. The vial label shows patient name, allergen sources, concentration, and manufacturer — not a drug brand. Brand names exist for SLIT tablets (Grastek, Oralair, Ragwitek, Odactra) and for other allergy-related injectables (Xolair, Dupixent, Tezspire for biologics; Kenalog-40, Depo-Medrol for depot steroids; EpiPen, Auvi-Q, neffy for epinephrine). None of these brand names refer to SCIT.
What are Grastek and Oralair?
Grastek and Oralair are FDA-approved brand names for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets used for grass pollen allergy — they are NOT allergy shots. Grastek contains Timothy grass pollen allergen; Oralair contains a 5-grass pollen mix. Both are dissolved under the tongue daily, beginning before and continuing through grass-pollen season. They carry FDA boxed warnings for severe allergic reactions and require a supervised first dose plus an epinephrine auto-injector prescription. Ragwitek (short ragweed SLIT tablet) and Odactra (house dust mite SLIT tablet) are the other two FDA-approved SLIT tablet brands.
What extract manufacturers make SCIT vials?
FDA-licensed US allergen extract manufacturers include Stallergenes Greer (Lenoir, NC — generally regarded as the largest US supplier), ALK-Abelló (US operations), Jubilant HollisterStier, Nelco Laboratories, and Antigen Laboratories. Globally, ALK-Abelló, Stallergenes Greer, HAL Allergy, and Allergy Therapeutics are the major players. Each manufacturer produces FDA-licensed extracts that allergists use to custom-compound patient-specific SCIT vials. The manufacturer's name may appear on the vial label but is not a consumer brand in the way that Xolair or Dupixent are branded.
What is Xolair and is it an allergy shot?
Xolair (omalizumab) is a subcutaneous injection — but it is NOT allergen immunotherapy (SCIT). Xolair is a monoclonal antibody against IgE (anti-IgE biologic) that prevents IgE from binding to mast cells and basophils, reducing IgE-triggered allergic responses. It is FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe allergic asthma (2003), chronic spontaneous urticaria, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and IgE-mediated food allergy reactions (February 16, 2024, OUtMATCH trial). Xolair does not induce allergen-specific immune tolerance; benefits return when treatment stops. Its brand name is Xolair; SCIT has no comparable brand name.
Does the name of an allergy shot change based on what allergen is being treated?
The clinical procedure name (SCIT) does not change based on the allergen — it is always subcutaneous immunotherapy regardless of whether the extract targets grass pollen, dust mites, cat dander, or bee venom. The extract ingredient within the vial is described by its allergen source: for example, 'timothy grass SCIT' or 'Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus SCIT.' Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy is sometimes referred to as venom immunotherapy (VIT) as a subcategory — same procedure, same SCIT classification, but specific to insect-sting allergy. The five standardized Hymenoptera extracts (honey bee, yellow jacket, yellow hornet, white-faced hornet, wasp) each have regulatory identities from FDA CBER.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. Content reviewed by board-certified allergists at Curex.