Table of Contents

• What is DACTYLIS GLOMERATA POLLEN EXTRACT?
• Medical Uses and Conditions Treated
• How It Works
• Administration and Dosage
• Current Clinical Trials
• Eligibility for Treatment
• Safety and Side Effects

What is DACTYLIS GLOMERATA POLLEN EXTRACT?

DACTYLIS GLOMERATA POLLEN EXTRACT is a substance derived from the pollen of Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as cocksfoot grass or orchard grass^[1]. This extract is used in allergy testing and treatment, particularly for individuals who suffer from grass pollen allergies. It’s important to note that this extract is often used alongside other grass pollen extracts to create a comprehensive allergy profile or treatment plan.

Medical Uses and Conditions Treated

The primary medical use of DACTYLIS GLOMERATA POLLEN EXTRACT is in the diagnosis and treatment of grass pollen allergies. Specifically, it is used for:

• Diagnosis of allergies to Dactylis glomerata (cocksfoot grass) through skin prick tests^[1]
• Treatment of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis caused by grass pollen^[2]
• Potential management of grass pollen-induced allergic asthma, when used as part of a broader allergy treatment plan^[2]

How It Works

DACTYLIS GLOMERATA POLLEN EXTRACT works on the principle of allergen-specific immunotherapy. When used in treatment:

1. Small amounts of the allergen (grass pollen extract) are introduced to the patient’s body.
2. Over time, this exposure helps the immune system become less sensitive to the allergen.
3. This can lead to a reduction in allergy symptoms when the patient is exposed to grass pollen in their environment.

When used in diagnosis (skin prick tests), the extract helps identify if a patient is allergic to this specific type of grass pollen^[1].

Administration and Dosage

DACTYLIS GLOMERATA POLLEN EXTRACT can be administered in different ways:

• Skin Prick Test: For diagnosis, a small amount (usually 1 drop) is applied to the skin and then the skin is pricked^[1].
• Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): For treatment, the extract may be given as drops or tablets placed under the tongue^[2].

The exact dosage and administration schedule would be determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual patient’s needs and the specific product being used.

Current Clinical Trials

There are ongoing clinical trials involving DACTYLIS GLOMERATA POLLEN EXTRACT. One such trial is studying the effectiveness of this extract along with other grass pollen extracts in diagnosing grass pollen allergies^[1]. The trial aims to:

• Determine the optimal concentration of the extract for skin prick tests
• Assess the safety and tolerability of the extract
• Compare the effectiveness of this extract to other grass pollen extracts

Eligibility for Treatment

Based on the clinical trial information, patients who might be eligible for treatment or participation in studies involving DACTYLIS GLOMERATA POLLEN EXTRACT typically include^[1]:

• Adults aged 18-64 years
• Individuals with a history of inhalant allergy (rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, or asthma) to grass pollens
• Those with a positive skin prick test or specific IgE antibodies to grass pollens
• Patients living in areas where grass pollen allergies are common

However, certain conditions may exclude a person from treatment, such as^[1]:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Severe asthma or other unstable medical conditions
• Recent use of certain medications that could interfere with allergy testing
• History of severe reactions to skin prick tests

Safety and Side Effects

While DACTYLIS GLOMERATA POLLEN EXTRACT is generally considered safe when used as directed by a healthcare professional, it can cause side effects. These may include^[1][2]:

• Local reactions at the site of administration (itching, redness, swelling)
• Mild allergic symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes)
• In rare cases, more severe allergic reactions

It’s crucial that this treatment is administered under medical supervision, especially for the first dose, to monitor for any adverse reactions. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any side effects experienced during treatment.