Immunotherapy for patients with persistent allergic rhinitis unsatisfied with free chronic pharmacotherapy.

BACKGROUND Chronic pharmacotherapy is recommended to patients with persistent moderate-severe (PM-S) allergic rhinitis (AR). The cost of pharmacotherapy is the main barrier to achieve symptoms control. AIMS OF THE STUDY To determine the benefits of mite subcutaneous immunotherapy (SIT) in patients with PM-S AR not satisfied with chronic pharmacotherapy received free of charge. METHODS Open study with seven (7) patients with PM-S AR not satisfied with chronic pharmacotherapy. Prior to enrollment patients had received monthly for more than five months and free of charge, optimal pharmacotherapy. We compared, off pharmacotherapy, symptoms and quality of life (QOL) before and during SIT. RESULTS Mite SIT improved nasal symptoms, non nasal symptoms and QOL. Off pharmacotherapy patients reported adequate control of symptoms and were satisfied. CONCLUSIONS Not all patients with PM-S AR are satisfied with chronic pharmacotherapy, even if medication is received free of charge. SIT control symptoms and satisfies patients with PM-S AR unsatisfied with free chronic pharmacotherapy.