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SCIT vs. SLIT: Which Allergy Treatment is Right for You?

Updated: Dec 7, 2023

Overview | SCIT vs SLIT | Effectiveness | Which is Right for You?

Allergies can be a real nuisance, but there are two tried-and-true methods for tackling them: Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) and Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT). This blog dives into the differences and similarities between these allergy treatments, so you can make an informed choice for your allergy management:

A side-by-side photo of a medical professional administering an arm injection and a photo of allergy drops being self-administered by a child. The letters "VS" or versus written in the middle. — Photobyphotoboy / CareQuest Pharmacy

Overview

Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is a type of allergy treatment that involves injecting small amounts of an allergen under the skin, whereas Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is another type of allergy treatment that involves placing small amounts of an allergen under the tongue, typically in the form of drops or rapidly-dissolving tablets.

	Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) or Allergy Drops	Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) or Allergy Shots
Route of administration	Under the tongue	Injection
Frequency of administration	Twice Daily	Weekly or bi-weekly
Duration of treatment	3-5 Years	3-5 Years
Side Effects	More Common	Less Common

SCIT vs. SLIT

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy

SCIT is a more traditional form of immunotherapy with over 100 years of proven treatment that changes the immune system and prevents new allergies and asthma from developing. Additionally, SCIT has been a staple in allergy treatment for decades and is highly effective in providing long-term relief.

Among the advantages of SCIT include:

Well-established efficacy
Long-lasting benefits
Broad applicability for various allergens
Covered by most insurance plans

In terms of disadvantages associated with SCIT, individuals can generally anticipate:

Frequent injections
Administration inconvenience due to regular clinic visits
Risk of rare, systemic side effects

SCIT is usually effective for managing allergens including trees, grass, weeds, mold, house dust, dander, animals, and insect stings. Read more about the risks and safety of SCIT here.

Sublingual Immunotherapy

The administration of SLIT is considered more patient-friendly compared to injections, making it an attractive option for those seeking a less invasive method. These allergy tablets are currently available for ragweed and grass pollen only.

Among its positive aspects are:

Convenience: SLIT is often self-administered at home
Reduced risk of systemic reactions
More comfortable for children

When examining the drawbacks of SLIT, patients may expect:

Limited insurance coverage
Consistency challenges

Patients will need to be informed about how to safely and effectively administer on themselves, as well as the best practices on how to resume therapy after missed doses. Read more about the benefits and safety of SLIT here.

Effectiveness

Both SCIT and SLIT are effective at reducing allergy symptoms, and they can also help to prevent the development of new allergies.

Here is a table summarizing the effectiveness of SCIT and SLIT:

Condition	SCIT	SLIT
Allergic Rhinitis (AR)	80-90%	60-80%
Asthma	60-80%	40-60%
Allergic Conjunctivitis	60-80%	40-60%

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Laryngoscope, a peer-reviewed medical journal in the field of otolaryngology, revealed that both subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) demonstrated equal effectiveness in the treatment of allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis (AR/C) among adult patients.

In another study published in MEDICINA, researchers found that SCIT was associated with savings in terms of the cost of medication for allergic rhinitis and asthma treatment in the long run. Moreover, the rates of AR, asthma exacerbations, and upper respiratory tract infection were also decreased in subjects who received SCIT.

Which is Right for You?

Choosing between SCIT and SLIT ultimately depends on your individual preferences, lifestyle, and the specific nature of your allergies.

Choose SCIT if you:

seek comprehensive allergy management
want to reduce dependence on allergy medications
have multiple specific allergens identified
wish to prevent allergy progression

Choose SLIT if you:

prefer a convenient at-home option
seek a needle-free, non-invasive, or child-friendly alternative
have a busy schedule

For a personalized recommendation, reach out to an ENT specialist or an allergist who can guide you through the specifics of your situation. Remember, whether you opt for SCIT or SLIT, the goal is the same: to regain control over your allergies and enjoy a life with fewer sneezes and more comfort.