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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Non-Standardized Pollen Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen is a non-standardized allergenic extract used for the diagnosis and treatment of ragweed-induced allergic conditions, belonging to the class of pollen allergenic extracts.
Name
Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen
Raw Name
AMBROSIA CONFERTIFLORA POLLEN
Category
Non-Standardized Pollen Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Drug Count
3
Variant Count
3
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
About Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen
Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen is a non-standardized allergenic extract used for the diagnosis and treatment of ragweed-induced allergic conditions, belonging to the class of pollen allergenic extracts.
Detailed information about Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication containing Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen.
Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen, commonly known as Weakleaf Ragweed pollen, is a biological substance used in the field of clinical allergy and immunology. It is classified as a Non-Standardized Pollen Allergenic Extract [EPC]. This agent is primarily utilized for the diagnosis and treatment of type I hypersensitivity (immediate-type allergy) reactions triggered by the pollen of the Ambrosia confertiflora plant. This species is a perennial herb native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, distinguishing it from the more common annual ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). In clinical practice, this extract is used in allergen immunotherapy (often referred to as 'allergy shots'), a process designed to desensitize the patient's immune system to specific environmental triggers.
According to the FDA-approved labeling for allergenic extracts, these products consist of complex mixtures of proteins, glycoproteins, and other organic molecules derived from the pollen grains. Because it is a 'non-standardized' extract, its potency is typically expressed in terms of Weight/Volume (w/v) or Protein Nitrogen Units (PNU) rather than Bioequivalent Allergy Units (BAU). This requires healthcare providers to exercise extreme caution when switching between different lots or manufacturers, as the biological activity may vary significantly. The use of these extracts dates back to the early 20th century, and they remain a cornerstone of long-term allergy management for patients who do not respond adequately to pharmacotherapy such as antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids.
The mechanism of action for Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extract is rooted in the modulation of the human immune system through a process called desensitization or hyposensitization. When a patient with an allergy is exposed to ragweed pollen, their immune system incorrectly identifies the pollen proteins as a threat, leading to the production of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These IgE antibodies bind to mast cells and basophils. Upon subsequent exposure, the allergen cross-links the IgE, causing the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine, leukotrienes, and cytokines, which result in the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or asthma.
Allergen immunotherapy works by shifting the immune response from a Th2-dominated profile (which promotes IgE production and eosinophilic inflammation) to a Th1-dominated profile. At the molecular level, regular subcutaneous injections of increasing doses of Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extract induce the production of 'blocking antibodies,' specifically Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4). These IgG4 antibodies compete with IgE for binding sites on the allergen, effectively neutralizing it before it can trigger mast cell degranulation. Furthermore, the therapy promotes the development of T-regulatory (Treg) cells, which secrete IL-10 and TGF-beta, cytokines that suppress allergic inflammation and induce long-term immunological tolerance. This process is gradual and requires a 'build-up phase' followed by a 'maintenance phase' to achieve lasting clinical benefits.
Unlike traditional small-molecule drugs, the pharmacokinetics of allergenic extracts like Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen are not characterized by typical absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies. Because the active components are proteins and glycoproteins administered subcutaneously, their 'absorption' involves the gradual uptake by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells, in the local tissue.
Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extract is indicated for the following clinical applications:
This extract is primarily available in the following forms:
> Important: Only your healthcare provider can determine if Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen is right for your specific condition. The selection of the appropriate extract and concentration must be based on clinical history and diagnostic testing results.
The dosage for Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extract is highly individualized and must be determined by an allergy specialist. There is no standard 'one-size-fits-all' dose because the extract is non-standardized. The treatment is divided into two distinct phases:
In this phase, the patient receives injections once or twice weekly. The starting dose is extremely low, often a 1:100,000 or 1:10,000 dilution of the maintenance concentrate, depending on the patient's skin test reactivity. The volume of the injection is gradually increased (e.g., 0.05 mL, 0.10 mL, 0.20 mL, etc.) until the patient reaches the 'maintenance dose.' This phase typically lasts 3 to 6 months.
Once the maintenance dose is reached, the interval between injections is increased to every 2 to 4 weeks. The maintenance dose is the highest dose that the patient can tolerate without experiencing significant systemic reactions. A common maintenance volume is 0.5 mL of the most concentrated vial (e.g., 1:20 w/v or 20,000 PNU/mL), but this varies widely.
Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extract is generally considered safe and effective for use in children, typically those aged 5 years and older. Dosing protocols for children are similar to those for adults, as the dose is based on immunological tolerance rather than body weight. However, healthcare providers must exercise extra caution in children, as they may be less able to articulate the early symptoms of a systemic reaction. Use in children under 5 is less common due to the difficulty of administration and the risk of anaphylaxis.
No specific dosage adjustments are required for patients with renal impairment, as the extract is not cleared by the kidneys. However, the patient's overall health and ability to tolerate a systemic reaction must be considered.
No specific adjustments are necessary for hepatic impairment. The metabolic breakdown of proteins is not significantly impacted by liver disease in the context of immunotherapy.
Elderly patients may be at higher risk for complications if a systemic reaction occurs, particularly if they have underlying cardiovascular disease. Doses may be increased more conservatively in this population.
Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extract must ONLY be administered by a healthcare professional trained in the management of anaphylaxis. It is administered via subcutaneous injection, usually in the posterior aspect of the upper arm.
If a dose is missed during the build-up phase, the next dose may need to be reduced depending on the length of the delay:
During the maintenance phase, a delay of more than 4-6 weeks usually requires a temporary reduction in dose to ensure safety.
An 'overdose' in the context of immunotherapy refers to the administration of a dose that exceeds the patient's current level of tolerance. This can lead to a severe systemic reaction or anaphylaxis.
Immediate administration of epinephrine (1:1000) is the primary treatment for an overdose-induced systemic reaction. Oxygen, antihistamines, and corticosteroids may also be administered as secondary measures.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions exactly. Do not attempt to self-administer these injections or alter the schedule without medical guidance.
Most patients undergoing immunotherapy with Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen will experience some form of local reaction. These are generally not dangerous but can be uncomfortable.
> Warning: Stop taking Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency care if you experience any of these symptoms of anaphylaxis.
There are no known cumulative toxicities associated with the long-term use of Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extract. The primary 'long-term' effect is the desired immunological tolerance. However, some patients may develop 'serum sickness-like' symptoms (joint pain, fever, rash) in extremely rare cases, although this is more associated with older, less refined biological products. There is no evidence that allergen immunotherapy increases the risk of autoimmune diseases or malignancy.
While Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extracts may not always carry a specific 'Black Box' in the same way as synthetic drugs, the FDA requires a general boxed warning for all allergenic extracts regarding the risk of severe systemic reactions.
Report any unusual symptoms or reactions to your healthcare provider immediately. Even a large local reaction should be reported, as it may predict a future systemic reaction.
Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extract is a potent biological agent that must be handled with extreme care. The primary safety concern is the risk of an IgE-mediated systemic allergic reaction. Patients must be fully informed of this risk and must agree to the mandatory 30-minute observation period after each injection. This product is not intended for the immediate relief of allergy symptoms; it is a long-term disease-modifying therapy.
No FDA black box warnings specifically for 'Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen' exist as a unique entity, but it falls under the mandatory class-wide warning for Allergenic Extracts. The warning states that these products can cause severe non-fatal and fatal systemic reactions. Injections must be given by physicians who are experienced in the treatment of allergic diseases and who are prepared to treat anaphylaxis. Patients must be observed for at least 30 minutes. Fatalities have occurred most often in patients with poorly controlled asthma.
Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extract generally does not interfere with the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if a patient experiences a systemic reaction, dizziness, or is given antihistamines/epinephrine for a reaction, they should not drive until they have fully recovered.
There is no direct chemical interaction between alcohol and the pollen extract. However, alcohol consumption can cause vasodilation and may theoretically increase the rate of allergen absorption or mask the early symptoms of an allergic reaction. It is generally advised to avoid heavy alcohol use on the day of an injection.
Immunotherapy is typically continued for 3 to 5 years. Stopping the treatment prematurely may result in the return of allergy symptoms. There is no 'withdrawal syndrome' associated with stopping pollen extracts, but the immunological benefits will gradually wane if the maintenance phase is not completed.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially heart or lung problems, with your healthcare provider before starting Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen.
While there are few absolute contraindications for drug combinations, the following are considered highly dangerous in the context of Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen immunotherapy:
There are no known direct food interactions with Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen. However, patients with 'Oral Allergy Syndrome' (OAS) may experience itching in the mouth when eating certain fruits (like melons or bananas) that share cross-reactive proteins with ragweed. This is not an interaction with the medication itself but a manifestation of the underlying allergy.
For each major interaction, the mechanism is usually pharmacodynamic (affecting the body's response to the drug or the rescue medication) rather than pharmacokinetic (affecting metabolism). Management involves careful screening of the patient's medication list before every injection.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially those for blood pressure or heart rhythm.
Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extract must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
Conditions requiring careful risk-benefit analysis include:
Patients allergic to Ambrosia confertiflora are almost certainly allergic to other ragweeds (Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Ambrosia trifida). They may also show cross-sensitivity to other members of the Asteraceae family, such as chrysanthemums, daisies, or sunflowers. This must be considered during diagnostic testing.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including heart and lung health, before prescribing Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen.
FDA Pregnancy Category: Historically Category C.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extract in pregnant women. The primary risk during pregnancy is not the extract itself, but the occurrence of a systemic reaction (anaphylaxis) in the mother. Anaphylaxis can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure and uterine contraction, which can cause fetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the baby), miscarriage, or premature labor.
Clinical Guidance: Most allergists will NOT start a new course of immunotherapy during pregnancy. However, if a woman is already on a maintenance dose and is tolerating it well, the treatment is often continued, as the risk of a reaction is much lower during the maintenance phase than during the build-up phase.
It is not known whether allergenic proteins from the extract are excreted in human milk. However, since the proteins are degraded into peptides and are administered in minute quantities, it is highly unlikely that they would have any effect on a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is generally not considered a contraindication to continuing immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy is widely used in the pediatric population. It is particularly valuable in children because it has been shown to prevent the 'allergic march'—the progression from allergic rhinitis to asthma. It can also prevent the development of new sensitizations to other allergens.
Elderly patients (over 65) may be at higher risk for complications. They are more likely to have underlying cardiovascular disease or be taking medications like beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors. The decision to use Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen in an elderly patient must be highly individualized, focusing on the severity of their allergy symptoms versus their overall physiological reserve.
No dosage adjustments are required for renal impairment. The allergenic proteins are not cleared by the kidneys, and there is no evidence of nephrotoxicity.
No dosage adjustments are required for hepatic impairment. The liver is not primarily responsible for the clearance of these proteins in a way that would require dose modification.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extract acts as an immunomodulator. The primary allergens in the pollen, such as the Amb c 1 protein (a homologue of the major common ragweed allergen Amb a 1), are recognized by the immune system. In an allergic individual, this recognition leads to a Th2-mediated inflammatory response. By administering these allergens in gradually increasing sub-lethal doses, the therapy induces a shift toward a Th1 response and the expansion of T-regulatory (Treg) cells. These Treg cells produce IL-10, which suppresses IgE production and increases the production of IgG4 'blocking' antibodies. This effectively desensitizes the patient by raising the threshold of allergen exposure required to trigger a reaction.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | N/A (Subcutaneous injection) |
| Protein Binding | N/A (Proteins are processed by APCs) |
| Half-life | Variable (Proteins degraded within hours/days) |
| Tmax | N/A (Local uptake is gradual) |
| Metabolism | Proteolytic degradation in lysosomes |
| Excretion | Not renally excreted as intact protein |
Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen belongs to the class of Non-Standardized Pollen Allergenic Extracts. It is grouped with other ragweed extracts, tree pollen extracts, and grass pollen extracts used in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases.
Common questions about Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen
Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extract is primarily used for the diagnosis and treatment of allergies to Weakleaf Ragweed. For diagnosis, it is used in skin testing to confirm if a patient's hay fever or asthma symptoms are triggered by this specific pollen. For treatment, it is used in allergen immunotherapy, commonly known as 'allergy shots.' This process involves giving the patient gradually increasing amounts of the pollen extract to desensitize their immune system. Over time, this reduces the severity of symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and wheezing when the patient is exposed to ragweed in the environment. It is a long-term therapy meant for people who do not get enough relief from standard allergy medications.
The most common side effects are local reactions at the site where the injection was given. This typically includes redness, itching, and swelling that may look like a large mosquito bite. These reactions usually appear within minutes and fade within a few hours, though some can last a day or two. Some patients may also experience a temporary increase in their usual allergy symptoms, such as a stuffy nose or watery eyes, shortly after the injection. Feeling tired or fatigued for the remainder of the day is also frequently reported by patients. While these are common, they are generally not dangerous, but you should always inform your doctor about them before your next dose.
There is no known direct chemical interaction between alcohol and Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extract. However, most doctors recommend avoiding alcohol on the day of your allergy injection. Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate (widen), which could theoretically speed up the absorption of the allergen into your bloodstream and increase the risk of a systemic reaction. Additionally, being under the influence of alcohol can make it harder for you to notice the early warning signs of an allergic reaction, such as a scratchy throat or mild hives. For your safety, it is best to remain sober for at least 24 hours around the time of your treatment. Always follow the specific advice provided by your allergy specialist regarding lifestyle choices during immunotherapy.
Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen is generally not started during pregnancy. This is because the 'build-up' phase carries a higher risk of anaphylaxis, which can be very dangerous for both the mother and the developing baby by reducing oxygen flow. However, if a woman is already on a stable 'maintenance' dose and becomes pregnant, many doctors will choose to continue the treatment. In this case, the dose is usually not increased further during the pregnancy. The goal is to avoid any risk of a severe allergic reaction while maintaining the progress already made in desensitization. If you are planning to become pregnant, you should discuss your immunotherapy schedule with your allergist.
Allergen immunotherapy is a slow process and does not provide immediate relief like an antihistamine would. Most patients begin to notice a decrease in their allergy symptoms after they have reached their maintenance dose, which usually takes 3 to 6 months of weekly injections. Significant clinical improvement is typically seen after the first full ragweed season while on the maintenance dose. For the best results, the treatment must be continued for a total of 3 to 5 years. This long-term commitment is necessary to 'retrain' the immune system and provide lasting relief that continues even after the injections are stopped. If you do not see improvement after a year of maintenance, your doctor may re-evaluate the treatment plan.
Yes, you can stop taking the injections suddenly without experiencing a 'withdrawal' or physical illness. Unlike some medications that require tapering, pollen extracts do not affect your body's hormones or chemistry in a way that causes a crash. However, stopping the treatment prematurely, especially before the 3-to-5-year mark, will likely result in your allergy symptoms eventually returning to their original severity. The immunological tolerance built up during the treatment needs time to become 'permanent.' If you need to stop treatment due to a move or financial reasons, discuss it with your doctor to see if there are alternative options, such as finding a new clinic to continue your maintenance doses.
If you miss a dose, you should contact your allergy clinic as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not simply wait until your next scheduled appointment without calling. Because immunotherapy relies on a specific schedule to maintain tolerance, missing a dose may mean your next dose needs to be lowered for safety. If you are in the build-up phase and miss a week, your doctor might repeat the last dose. If you miss several weeks, they may need to go back several steps in your schedule to prevent a reaction. During the maintenance phase, there is more flexibility, but a delay of more than 4 weeks usually requires a temporary dose reduction. Never try to 'double up' on doses to make up for a missed one.
There is no evidence that Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen extract causes weight gain. The extract consists of a very small amount of protein and glycerin, which has no caloric impact on the body. Unlike systemic corticosteroids (like prednisone), which are sometimes used to treat severe allergies and are well-known for causing weight gain and fluid retention, allergenic extracts work specifically on the immune system's response to pollen. If you notice weight changes while on immunotherapy, it is likely due to other factors or medications you may be taking. Always discuss any unexpected physical changes with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.
Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen can be taken alongside most common medications, but there are important exceptions. You must tell your doctor if you are taking beta-blockers, which are often used for heart conditions or migraines, as they can make an allergic reaction much harder to treat. ACE inhibitors for blood pressure may also increase the risk of a reaction. Most standard allergy medications, like antihistamines and nasal sprays, are fine to continue and are often encouraged to manage symptoms during the build-up phase. However, you should avoid taking any new medications or supplements without checking with your allergist first, as they need to ensure nothing will interfere with your safety during the injections.
The concept of 'generic' drugs does not apply to allergenic extracts in the same way it does to pills. Because these are biological products derived from natural sources, each manufacturer's extract is unique. While several different laboratories may produce an 'Ambrosia Confertiflora Pollen Extract,' they are not considered interchangeable. This is why it is called a 'non-standardized' extract. If you switch from one manufacturer's product to another, your doctor will usually need to reduce your dose and gradually build it back up to ensure you can tolerate the new extract safely. Always ensure your injections are being sourced from a reputable laboratory and that your doctor is aware of any changes in the supply.