#44 - What is Oral Immunotherapy

Oral Immunotherapy, OIT, has been on a lot of food allergy minds lately, especially with the FDA approval of PALFORZIA (the peanut pill).

Dr. G and Kortney talk with Dr. Gharfeh is a double board-certified pediatric trained allergist/immunologist practicing in Oklahoma City. She has first-hand knowledge when it comes to OIT as she practices in clinic and has recently undergone OIT with her daughter. 

What we cover in this episode on Oral Immunotherapy

• The types of immunotherapy including OIT, SLIT, and epicutaneous.
• The current research and status of OIT for the different allergens.
• The status of peanut for OIT. 
• Unpack the advantages and disadvantages of Palforzia, the FDA-approved peanut pill.
• Outline the process of OIT at the allergist office.
• What happens is if you react during OIT.
• How allergists ensure the protein in the doses are used for OIT. 
• The pros and cons of doing oral immunotherapy as a patient and as a family such as the time commitment and risks of OIT.
• The reason why OIT is mostly targeted to under 18s. 
• The side effects of OIT.
• Risk of developing EOE during OIT. 
• Current unknown of OIT - will the desensitization last? How long will the patient need to take the maintenance dose?
• What should a patient think about when considering OIT
• How many foods you can do at a time with OIT
• Dr Gharfeh shares her personal experience doing OIT with her daughter

Additional resources on Oral Immunotherapy

• Palforza: https://www.palforzia.com/
• Dr. Wasserman, the protocol Dr. Garfeh and her colleagues follow: https://www.allergypartners.com/northtexas/doctors/?providerid=796
• Dr. Maya N. Gharfeh's bio: https://oklahomaallergy.com/team/maya-gharfeh/
•  Dr. Garfeh on Instagram @allergistmama and Twitter @Maya Gharfeh MD

How to claim CME credits from this episode: https://www.adaptrack.com/welcome/the-itch-podcast