Peanut Allergy Medicine | Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) Treatment
AllergyWorx provides physician-supervised allergy care through oral immunotherapy (OIT) a treatment approach that gradually introduces small, controlled amounts of peanut protein to help build tolerance over time.
Our personalized immunotherapy protocol helps train your immune system to tolerate peanut exposure, reducing the risk of severe reactions and providing greater peace of mind in daily life.
Treatment is conducted under strict medical supervision with careful monitoring, making it a safe option for eligible patients seeking long-term protection against accidental peanut exposure.
Physician-Led Treatment Plans
Gradual Desensitization Protocol
Safe for Eligible Patients Ages 4+
Peanut Allergy Symptoms & Severe Reactions
- Physician-supervised oral immunotherapy for peanut allergies
- Gradual, controlled dosing protocols with continuous medical monitoring
- Evidence-based approach supported by clinical research
- Comprehensive safety protocols and emergency preparedness
- Safe for eligible children and adults
How It Works
Getting started with AllergyWorx oral immunotherapy follows a careful, medically supervised approach.
Medical Evaluation
Undergo comprehensive testing and evaluation to confirm peanut allergy and determine if oral immunotherapy is appropriate for you.
Initial Dose Escalation
Begin treatment in a controlled medical setting where small amounts of peanut protein are administered under direct physician supervision.
Gradual Build-Up Phase
Continue treatment at home with regular check-ins, slowly increasing doses over months to years while under ongoing medical monitoring and support.
Understanding Peanut Allergies & Anaphylaxis Risk
Peanut allergy is one of the most common and potentially severe food allergies, affecting approximately 1–2% of children and adults in the United States. Unlike many childhood allergies, peanut allergy rarely resolves on its own and often persists into adulthood.
Reactions to peanuts can range from mild symptoms like hives or stomach discomfort to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Even trace amounts of peanut protein can trigger reactions in highly sensitive individuals, making cross-contamination a constant concern.
Traditional management has focused on strict avoidance and carrying emergency epinephrine. Oral immunotherapy represents a newer approach that aims to reduce reaction severity and increase the threshold amount needed to trigger symptoms providing an added layer of protection against accidental exposure.
Common Triggers
Peanuts and Peanut Products
Whole peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oil, peanut flour
Cross-Contaminated Foods
Foods processed in facilities that handle peanuts
Baked Goods
Cookies, cakes, and desserts that may contain hidden peanut ingredients
International Cuisines
African, Asian, and Mexican dishes often use peanuts or peanut sauces
Non-Food Sources
Some cosmetics, lotions, and pet foods contain peanut-derived ingredients
Typical Symptoms
- Hives, redness, or itching of the skin
- Swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat
- Tingling or itching in the mouth
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Rapid pulse or drop in blood pressure
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness
- Anaphylaxis (severe, life-threatening allergic reaction)
When untreated or unmanaged, peanut allergies can severely limit food choices, create anxiety around eating, restrict social activities, and pose serious safety risks during accidental exposure.
AllergyWorx helps eligible patients build tolerance through carefully supervised oral immunotherapy.
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for Peanut Allergies
AllergyWorx offers physician-supervised oral immunotherapy (OIT) that helps build tolerance to peanut protein through gradual desensitization.
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT):
Carefully controlled introduction of peanut protein under medical supervision
Gradual Dose Escalation:
Slow, incremental increases over months to years
Desensitization Goal:
Reduce reaction severity and increase tolerance threshold
Emergency Preparedness:
Epinephrine always available during treatment
Ongoing Medical Monitoring:
Regular check-ins and adjustments based on response
Treatment protocols are based on FDA-approved frameworks and clinical research, administered under physician supervision.
Important Note: Oral immunotherapy for peanut allergy is not a cure and does not work for everyone. Patients must continue regular peanut consumption to maintain desensitization, and epinephrine should always be available for emergencies. Your AllergyWorx physician will determine if you are a suitable candidate.
Lifestyle & Prevention Tips for Peanut Allergies
Read all food labels carefully
Peanuts can appear in unexpected products under various names.
Carry epinephrine auto-injectors
At all times and ensure they are not expired.
Wear medical alert identification
Bracelets or necklaces that clearly state your peanut allergy.
Communicate your allergy
To restaurants, schools, airlines, and event organizers.
Avoid cross-contamination
Use separate utensils, cutting boards, and cooking surfaces.
Check ingredient lists repeatedly
Manufacturers may change formulations without notice.
Be cautious with bulk bins
Cross-contamination is common in stores with shared scoops.
Educate family and friends
About your allergy and how to recognize/respond to reactions.
Know hidden sources
Peanut protein can be in sauces, dressings, and ethnic foods.
Plan for emergencies
Create an allergy action plan with your physician and share it with caregivers.
Pro Tip
Even if undergoing oral immunotherapy, continue practicing strict avoidance of accidental exposures outside of your prescribed treatment protocol. OIT increases your threshold but does not eliminate risk entirely.
Success Stories
*Individual results may vary. Always consult your physician before starting any treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is oral immunotherapy (OIT) for peanut allergies?
Oral immunotherapy for peanut allergy involves consuming gradually increasing amounts of peanut protein under strict medical supervision to build tolerance. Treatment starts with tiny doses (micrograms) and slowly increases over months to years until you can tolerate a full serving of peanuts. The goal is desensitization reducing reaction severity if accidental exposure occurs or sustained unresponsiveness, where you maintain tolerance after stopping treatment. OIT must be done under allergist supervision due to reaction risks. Success rates are 60-80% for achieving significant protection against accidental exposure.
How long does peanut OIT take to work?
Initial build-up phase typically takes 6-12 months to reach maintenance dose (equivalent to 1-2 peanuts daily). Most patients notice reduced reaction severity within 3-6 months of starting treatment. The complete OIT protocol usually lasts 3-5 years to achieve lasting tolerance. During treatment, you must consume your daily dose consistently missing doses can result in losing progress. Some patients achieve ‘bite-proof’ protection (tolerating small amounts) within 6-12 months, while others need longer to tolerate full servings. Long-term studies show many maintain tolerance years after completing treatment.
Is peanut allergy immunotherapy safe?
Peanut OIT is generally safe when performed by experienced allergists following established protocols, though it does carry risks. Allergic reactions during treatment are common but usually mild (mouth itching, mild hives) and manageable with antihistamines. Severe reactions requiring epinephrine occur in approximately 10-15% of patients during the course of treatment, which is why medical supervision and emergency preparedness are essential. The treatment is much safer than living with unpredictable severe peanut allergy. Benefits typically outweigh risks for highly allergic individuals seeking protection against accidental exposure.
Can peanut allergies be cured?
While OIT doesn’t ‘cure’ peanut allergy in the sense of completely eliminating the allergy, it can provide significant desensitization allowing most patients to tolerate peanuts without severe reactions. Some patients achieve sustained unresponsiveness maintaining tolerance even after stopping daily peanut consumption while others need ongoing maintenance doses. About 50-60% of patients maintain significant protection 1-2 years after stopping treatment. OIT is currently the only proven treatment that can modify peanut allergy rather than just avoiding peanuts and managing reactions when they occur.
At what age can you start peanut OIT?
Most OIT protocols accept children as young as 4-6 years old, though some specialized programs treat children as young as 12-18 months. Earlier treatment may be more effective as younger immune systems are more adaptable. There’s no upper age limit adults can successfully complete OIT too, though the process may take slightly longer. The ideal age is often 4-10 years when children can reliably report symptoms, cooperate with daily dosing, and before social situations (school parties, sleepovers) make peanut avoidance particularly challenging.
Ready to Explore Oral Immunotherapy for Peanut Allergy?
Get physician-supervised care today, safe, evidence-based treatment designed to build tolerance and reduce reaction risk.
Live with greater confidence and peace of mind around accidental peanut exposure.
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