Abstract

Treatment with the SQ-Standardised Grass Allergy Immunotherapy Tablet is well Tolerated in Children, Adolescents and Adults in Real Life Application-A Non-Interventional Observational Study

Christine Gronke, Hendrik Wolf, Jörg Schnitker and Eike Wüstenberg

Background: Efficacy and safety of the SQ-standardised grass allergy immunotherapy tablet (GRAZAX®) has been reported in a large number of randomised, controlled clinical trials in children and adults performed in Europe and the US. GRAZAX® became available for routine treatment in children from 5 years of age in Germany and Austria in 2008.To examine the safety and tolerability of GRAZAX® in patients that were less highly selected as in the controlled trials we performed an open label, uncontrolled, non-interventional study in children and adults who were routinely treated in allergists´ offices.

Materials and methods: Patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis with or without asthma were treated with GRAZAX® and observed for 3-4 visits every 3 months with the last visit after the first grass pollen season. Adverse seasons before and during therapy.

Results: Treatment was documented in 1,761 patients (797 <18 years; 964 ≥18 years) treated by 373 allergists in Germany and Austria between November 2008 and January 2010. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 31.8% of patients (27.3% ≥18 years, 37.3% <18 years). The higher number of patients <18 years with reactions was due to a higher frequency of local oral reactions. The overall tolerability profile was similar in children and adults. Nasal symptoms improved in 82.7% of patients and no or less symptomatic medication was used by 89.7%.The compliance was rated >75% in 89.8% of patients, >95% of patients and physicians were satisfied with treatment.

Conclusion: The results of our study confirm the safety and tolerability profile observed in controlled clinical trials with GRAZAX®. Treatment satisfaction during routine application was rated high and was combined with a high compliance.