Ep. 44 What is Oral Immunotherapy
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What is Oral Immunotherapy, OIT?
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 Oral Immunotherapy. 
- 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 unknowns 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
 
                         
            