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Ragwitek Side Effects

Generic name: ragweed pollen allergen extract

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 22, 2022.

Note: This document contains side effect information about ragweed pollen allergen extract. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Ragwitek.

Applies to ragweed pollen allergen extract: sublingual tablet.

Warning

Sublingual route (Tablet)

Short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) pollen extract can cause life-threatening allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and severe laryngopharyngeal restriction. Do not administer short ragweed pollen extract to patients with severe, unstable or uncontrolled asthma. Observe patients in the office for at least 30 minutes following the initial dose. Prescribe auto-injectable epinephrine, instruct and train patients or parents/guardians on its appropriate use, and instruct patients or parents/guardians to seek immediate medical care upon its use. Short ragweed pollen extract may not be suitable for patients with certain underlying medical conditions that may reduce their ability to survive a serious allergic reaction or for patients who may be unresponsive to epinephrine or inhaled bronchodilators, such as those taking beta-blockers.

Serious side effects of Ragwitek

Along with its needed effects, ragweed pollen allergen extract (the active ingredient contained in Ragwitek) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ragweed pollen allergen extract:

More common

Less common

Incidence not known

Other side effects of Ragwitek

Some side effects of ragweed pollen allergen extract may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Incidence not known

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to ragweed pollen allergen extract: sublingual tablet.

General

The most common side effects reported were throat irritation, oral pruritus, ear pruritus, oral paresthesia, mouth edema, and tongue pruritus.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Systemic allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis)[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Throat irritation (up to 16.6%)

Common (1% to 10%): Oropharyngeal pain, throat tightness[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Chest discomfort[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Oral pruritus (10.9%), Oral paresthesia (10%)

Common (1% to 10%): Mouth edema, tongue pruritus, lip swelling, swollen tongue, lip pruritus, dry mouth, tongue edema, nausea, palatal edema, dysphagia[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Ear pruritus (10.4%)[Ref]

References

1. Product Information. Ragwitek (ragweed pollen allergen extract). Merck & Co., Inc. 2014.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer