Allergy drops deliver the same allergens via simple under-the-tongue drops. They're just as effective, but with greater convenience, making them easier to stick with for lasting results.

Allergy shots involve injecting allergen extracts under the skin to build tolerance over time. They're effective but require frequent clinic visits and carry some risks.

Shots are prepared in the clinic or by a compounding pharmacy to the prescriber's specification.

Drops can be prepared in-clinic or at a specialized pharmacy such as Allergychoices, the leading allergy immunotherapy pharmacy; Curex and Allergychoices are partner companies. Pharmacy compounding ensures precise, calibrated dosing for optimal effectiveness—giving you peace of mind and better outcomes.

Drops are self-administered at home: just place under your tongue for 1-2 minutes and let it absorb. Buildup takes about 3 months, with no office visits needed for dosing.

Shots require injections in a doctor's office. The buildup phase demands multiple weekly visits for months, followed by monthly maintenance. Due to anaphylaxis risk, you must wait 30 minutes post-shot.

Both aim for 3-5 years to achieve long-term tolerance, with relief often starting in the first year. Some may continue longer for sustained benefits.

If you pause shots, you typically restart from scratch. Drops allow easy resumption, making them more flexible for real-life interruptions.

Drops may cause mild tongue itching, with virtually no anaphylaxis cases—making severe reactions rare, though not impossible; an epinephrine plan is still standard.

Shots can cause local reactions like redness and swelling at the injection site, plus rare but serious anaphylaxis risks requiring epinephrine and monitoring.

Studies show similar results for both when followed consistently. However, patients on drops are 3x more likely to complete treatment due to convenience, leading to higher success rates overall.

Both use FDA-licensed allergen extracts. Shots use them by their labelled route; customized drops are prescribed off-label, and only four single-allergen sublingual tablets are FDA-approved.

Drops use the same extracts; while specific tablets (e.g., for dust mites) are FDA-approved, custom combinations are safely compounded by pharmacies—a standard, physician-trusted practice for personalized care. Custom combinations are not reviewed by the FDA.

Drops are compounded medications, typically not covered. Online or in-person doctor visits and allergy testing are covered. To determine affordability, you have to evaluate your out-of-pocket responsibility.

Shots qualify as medical procedures (office injections), so they're often covered by insurance—but expect copays and significant patient responsibility if you have deductibles.

Drops plus any clinic fees, often total $39-$99/month at published prices—more predictable and affordable without insurance surprises.

Shots In-clinic allergen immunotherapy typically costs $3,000-$5,000/year including testing, visits and extract. Typical first-year out-of-pocket with insurance: copays of about $10-$40 across 25-50 visits; without insurance, the full amount.