Allergic conditions rank as one of the top ten reasons to visit primary care doctors, responsible for about 10-40% of the total patient visits.1,2 Although primary care doctors are expected to treat mild to moderate allergies in allergy patients, many general practitioners encounter obstacles and challenges in diagnosing and managing allergic diseases.3
As a result, many primary care physicians prescribe over-the-counter medications (antihistamines) or intranasal steroids as a “first-line” treatment of allergic conditions. However, these interventions only mask the real problem by providing temporary relief. If these interventions are not completely effective, then immunotherapy becomes a consideration. Immunotherapy is the only treatment proven to modify the disease and provide lasting relief by addressing the underlying cause of the allergic reaction.
Many primary care physicians have avoided administering immunotherapy injections; this could be due to the significant and real risks associated with using SCIT allergy shots (requiring a post-treatment observation period) and the very low patient compliance with the treatment. Instead, they may refer the allergy patients to a specialist a large portion of these patients are lost to the practice.
However, according to a survey by United Allergy Services, more than 66% of patients would prefer their primary care doctor to treat their allergies (versus an allergist), and 88% are willing to try a treatment that eliminates allergy symptoms and doesn’t just temporarily relieve the symptoms from which they are suffering.
An innovative treatment for allergy patients
Circava System™ is a breakthrough allergy immunotherapy protocol that makes treating allergy patients more practical and safe in the primary care setting. Instead of shots, Circava System therapy is a fast-acting, orally administered treatment that the patient takes before bed. Other than the very first dosage, which is supervised by a physician, the patient self-administers the dosages at home, which ensures compliance rates are significantly higher than for SCIT allergy shots.
Furthermore, Potens Allergy supports prescribing physicians with allergy testing instructions and testing kits, patient education materials, and more to ensure ongoing compliance and speed of maintenance. In fact, many patients see results in as little as 4 weeks.
Practices interested in prescribing this therapy will be pleased to know that after thousands of treatments, there have been no reported severe reactions compared with SCIT allergy shots. This makes prescribing Circava System immunotherapy safe and practical for primary care physicians.
- Wang DY. Management of allergic rhinitis in general practitioners. Asia Pac Allergy. 2012;2(4):233–236. doi: 10.5415/apallergy.2012.2.4.233. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
- Wang DY, Chan A, Smith JD. Management of allergic rhinitis: a common part of practice in primary care clinics. Allergy. 2004;59:315–319. doi: 10.1046/j.1398-9995.2003.00402.x. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
- M.L. Levy, D. Price, X. Zheng, C. Simpson, P. Hannaford, A. Sheikh. Inadequacies in UK primary care allergy services: national survey of current provisions and perceptions of need. Clin Exp Allergy, 34 (4) (2004), pp. 518-519
