HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Do Anti Allergic Shots For Bee Allergy Cause Any Side Effects?

default
Posted on Fri, 26 Sep 2014
Question: I am allergic to bees. if I take allergy shots for bees is there a chance of reacting to the shots? also I'm on a atenolol 12.5 mg will that react with the shots? I know it can make the epipen ineffective.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possible but easily treated

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

You can become tolerant to bee stings by the process of desensitization. The procedure is to have incremental doses of bee venom injected at specific intervals, usually weekly, till you are able to tolerate a quantity equal to that of several stings.
It is possible that you can develop a reaction to these shots more often at the beginning. So you should take it only at a place that has facility to handle a severe reaction and be there for a couple of hours after the shot. If there is a major reaction epinephrine is the antidote. Minor reactions like itching or urticaria may be treated with antihistamine. Atenolol does not interfere with the desensitization.
Epipen contains epinephrine and is the antidote to treat the allergic reaction like it can be used to treat the reaction to the bee sting.
If you have further queries, you are welcome to ask.
Dr. Noble Zachariah
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Noble Zachariah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 2319 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Do Anti Allergic Shots For Bee Allergy Cause Any Side Effects?

Brief Answer: Possible but easily treated Detailed Answer: Hello, You can become tolerant to bee stings by the process of desensitization. The procedure is to have incremental doses of bee venom injected at specific intervals, usually weekly, till you are able to tolerate a quantity equal to that of several stings. It is possible that you can develop a reaction to these shots more often at the beginning. So you should take it only at a place that has facility to handle a severe reaction and be there for a couple of hours after the shot. If there is a major reaction epinephrine is the antidote. Minor reactions like itching or urticaria may be treated with antihistamine. Atenolol does not interfere with the desensitization. Epipen contains epinephrine and is the antidote to treat the allergic reaction like it can be used to treat the reaction to the bee sting. If you have further queries, you are welcome to ask. Dr. Noble Zachariah