Rush Immunotherapy

Rush Immunotherapy at Freedom Allergy

What Is Rush Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a highly effective method of treating allergies through a series of injections that contain small amounts of the allergens causing your symptoms. Over time, your immune system becomes less reactive, leading to long-term relief.

Rush Immunotherapy (RUSH) is an accelerated desensitization method that helps patients reach their maintenance dose faster than traditional allergy shots. This means:

• Earlier symptom relief

• Fewer office visits

• Reduced copays

• A quicker path to long-term control

With traditional immunotherapy, it may take up to 19 weeks to reach maintenance dosing. With RUSH, patients may reach maintenance in as few as 8 weeks. After completing RUSH, you’ll return weekly for about 7 weeks, then transition to maintenance dosing every 3–4 weeks for 3–5 years, until you are fully desensitized.

Benefits of Rush Immunotherapy

• Faster relief from allergy symptoms

• Shorter buildup phase compared to traditional shots

• Long-term reduction in allergy severity

• Improved quality of life for adults and children

Risks of Rush Immunotherapy

While generally safe, RUSH does pose a slightly higher risk of allergic reactions than traditional immunotherapy. Most patients do not experience significant side effects, but possible reactions may include:

• Itching, redness, or swelling at the injection site

• Flushing or generalized itching

• Rarely, systemic allergic reactions

To ensure safety, patients are closely monitored by our board-certified allergists and staff. After your RUSH session, you’ll remain under observation for about one hour due to the increased dosing schedule.

Preparing for Your RUSH Appointment

To minimize risks, medications must be taken before your RUSH immunotherapy day. Our office will provide detailed instructions and prescriptions.

Medications you will need:

• Prednisone

• Montelukast (Singulair)

• Epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen or Auvi-Q)

• Famotidine (Pepcid)

• Antihistamine: cetirizine (Zyrtec), levocetirizine (Xyzal), or fexofenadine (Allegra)

What to Expect on RUSH Day

• Wear a short-sleeved shirt for easy access to injections.

• Eat a complete meal before your appointment.

• Bring your epinephrine auto-injector.

• Be prepared to stay in the office for 3–4 hours.

Process:

• You will receive 6–8 allergy shots at 20-25-minute intervals.

• Doses gradually increase in concentration.

• Continuous monitoring ensures safety throughout the procedure.

• After your last injection, you will stay for a 1-hour observation period.

We encourage patients to bring snacks, drinks, and items such as laptops or tablets. Wi-Fi is available in the office.

After Your Appointment

• Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for the rest of the day.

• Some patients may experience delayed hives or mild allergic symptoms later that evening.

• If symptoms occur, call our office. If after-hours, leave a message — our team will respond promptly.

Why Choose Freedom Allergy for Rush Immunotherapy?

• Experienced, board-certified allergists

• Safe, monitored environment with expert staff

• Personalized allergy treatment plans for adults and children

• Faster relief compared to traditional allergy shots

• Trusted by families across Georgia and beyond