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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]
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen is a non-standardized allergenic extract used in clinical immunology for the diagnosis and treatment of grass-pollen induced allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis.
Name
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen
Raw Name
PASCOPYRUM SMITHII POLLEN
Category
Non-Standardized Pollen Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Drug Count
15
Variant Count
16
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
About Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen is a non-standardized allergenic extract used in clinical immunology for the diagnosis and treatment of grass-pollen induced allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis.
Detailed information about Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication containing Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen.
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen belongs to a class of drugs called allergenic extracts. These are unique biological products regulated by the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER). Unlike standardized extracts, which are measured in Bioequivalent Allergy Units (BAU), non-standardized extracts like Pascopyrum Smithii are typically quantified by weight/volume (w/v) ratios (e.g., 1:20, 1:10) or Protein Nitrogen Units (PNU) per milliliter. The FDA has licensed these extracts under the Public Health Service Act, recognizing their long-standing utility in clinical practice for desensitizing patients to specific environmental triggers.
When a person with an allergy is exposed to Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen, their immune system incorrectly identifies the pollen proteins as harmful invaders. This triggers the production of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which bind to mast cells and basophils. Upon subsequent exposure, the allergen cross-links these IgE antibodies, causing the cells to release inflammatory mediators like histamine, leukotrienes, and cytokines, leading to the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (sneezing, itching, congestion).
Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) works by gradually introducing increasing amounts of the Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen extract into the patient's body, typically via subcutaneous injection. This process, often called 'desensitization,' aims to alter the immune system's response. At the molecular level, this therapy induces a shift from a Th2-dominated immune response (which promotes allergy) to a Th1-dominated response. It also stimulates the production of 'blocking antibodies' (IgG4), which compete with IgE for allergen binding, and increases the activity of T-regulatory (Treg) cells. These Treg cells secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines like Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β), which suppress the allergic cascade.
Unlike traditional small-molecule drugs, the pharmacokinetics of allergenic extracts are not characterized by typical absorption and distribution curves in the bloodstream. Instead, their activity is localized and immunological.
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen extract is FDA-approved for the following indications:
Off-label, some clinicians may use these extracts as part of a comprehensive management plan for pollen-induced allergic asthma, provided the patient's asthma is stable and well-controlled.
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen is available in several liquid formulations:
> Important: Only your healthcare provider can determine if Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen is right for your specific condition.
Dosage for Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen is highly individualized and must be determined by an allergy specialist based on the patient's sensitivity level and clinical history. There is no 'standard' dose for all patients.
Injections usually begin with a very dilute solution (e.g., 1:100,000 w/v or 1:10,000 w/v). Doses are administered once or twice weekly, with the concentration increasing gradually. A typical build-up might involve increasing the volume from 0.05 mL to 0.5 mL of a specific dilution before moving to the next, more concentrated vial.
Once the 'maintenance dose' is reached (the highest dose tolerated by the patient that provides symptomatic relief), the interval between injections is increased to every 2 to 4 weeks. Maintenance concentrations are often 1:20 w/v or 1:10 w/v, depending on the manufacturer's formulation.
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen extracts are generally considered safe for use in children, though immunotherapy is rarely initiated in children under the age of 5 due to the difficulty of communicating systemic symptoms and the risk of anaphylaxis. Dosing protocols for children are similar to adults but may involve more cautious increments in the build-up phase. Pediatric patients must be monitored even more closely for signs of distress or behavioral changes following an injection.
No specific dosage adjustments are required for patients with kidney disease, as the extract is not cleared in a manner that would lead to toxic accumulation. However, the patient's overall health and ability to tolerate a systemic reaction must be considered.
No dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with liver impairment.
Caution is advised in elderly patients, particularly those with underlying cardiovascular disease. The risk-benefit ratio must be carefully weighed, as older adults may be less able to survive a severe anaphylactic event or may be taking medications (like beta-blockers) that complicate the treatment of such reactions.
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen extract is administered exclusively by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting equipped to handle emergency reactions.
If a dose is missed during the build-up phase, the next dose may need to be reduced or the previous dose repeated, depending on how much time has passed. If a maintenance dose is significantly delayed (e.g., more than 6-8 weeks since the last shot), the physician will likely reduce the dose to ensure safety before building back up.
An 'overdose' in the context of allergenic extracts refers to the administration of too much allergen, leading to an immediate systemic reaction or anaphylaxis.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.
Most patients receiving Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen immunotherapy will experience local reactions at the site of the injection. These are generally not dangerous but can be uncomfortable.
These symptoms usually peak within 30 minutes and resolve within 24 hours. Applying a cold compress or taking an oral antihistamine (as directed by your doctor) can help manage these effects.
Some patients may experience 'large local reactions' or mild systemic symptoms that do not progress to anaphylaxis.
Rarely, patients may experience more significant systemic involvement that requires medical intervention but is not immediately life-threatening.
> Warning: Stop taking Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms of anaphylaxis.
There are no known long-term 'toxic' effects of Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen on organs like the liver or kidneys. The most significant long-term consideration is the potential for the immune system to become sensitized to other components if the extract is not purified, although this is rare with modern manufacturing processes. Some patients may develop a persistent nodule (granuloma) at the injection site if aluminum-adsorbed extracts are used over many years.
While specific 'Black Box' formatting varies by manufacturer, all allergenic extracts like Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen carry a severe warning regarding Anaphylaxis.
Summary of Warning: This product can cause severe, life-threatening systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis. It must only be administered in a setting where emergency equipment and trained personnel are immediately available. Patients with unstable asthma are at a significantly higher risk for fatal reactions. Patients must be observed for at least 30 minutes after administration. Those prescribed this medication should be evaluated for their ability to use an epinephrine auto-injector if a delayed reaction occurs.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen is a potent biological product. Safety is dependent on the expertise of the administering clinician and the patient's adherence to safety protocols. It is not a 'shot' in the traditional sense of a vaccine; it is the controlled administration of a substance to which you are known to be allergic.
No FDA black box warnings for Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen exist in the same format as for psychiatric or cardiovascular drugs, but the Anaphylaxis Warning is the clinical equivalent. It emphasizes that this drug should never be administered at home and that the risk of death, while low, is real if protocols are not followed. According to the AAAAI (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology), the rate of systemic reactions is approximately 0.1% to 1% of injection visits.
There are no standard laboratory tests (like blood counts) required for Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen. Instead, monitoring is clinical:
While the pollen itself does not cause drowsiness, a systemic reaction or the administration of emergency antihistamines/epinephrine certainly will. It is generally safe to drive to and from your appointments, but if you feel unwell or experience any 'fuzzy' feelings after your shot, you should not operate a vehicle.
Patients are advised to avoid alcohol for several hours after an injection. Alcohol causes vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels), which could theoretically speed up the absorption of the allergen into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of a systemic reaction.
If you decide to stop Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen immunotherapy, there is no 'withdrawal' syndrome. However, your allergy symptoms will likely return over time. If you stop for several weeks and then wish to restart, you cannot simply resume at your old dose; you must be re-evaluated for a safe 'restart' dose.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen.
There are no drugs that are strictly 'contraindicated' in the sense of causing a chemical reaction with the pollen, but certain drugs make the use of Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen unacceptably dangerous:
There are no direct food interactions with Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen. However, patients with 'Oral Allergy Syndrome' may find that eating certain raw fruits (like melons or tomatoes) during the Western Wheatgrass season increases their overall 'allergic load,' making them more sensitive to their injections.
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen does not typically interfere with standard blood chemistry or hematology tests. However:
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
Conditions requiring careful risk-benefit analysis include:
Patients allergic to Pascopyrum Smithii (Western Wheatgrass) often show cross-sensitivity to other grasses in the Poaceae family, such as:
This means that if you are allergic to one, you are likely allergic to the others, and your doctor may use a 'grass mix' extract rather than Pascopyrum Smithii alone.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen.
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen is traditionally classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C. This means there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
There is no evidence that the protein components of Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen pass into breast milk in any significant quantity. Immunotherapy is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The benefits of controlling the mother's allergy symptoms usually outweigh any theoretical risks to the infant.
As noted, immunotherapy is approved for children but usually reserved for those 5 years and older. The primary concern is the child's ability to report early symptoms of a reaction. Studies have shown that early intervention with immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis can actually prevent the later development of asthma (the 'Allergic March').
In patients over 65, the decision to use Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen must be made with caution. The elderly are more likely to have underlying cardiovascular disease, which increases the danger of anaphylaxis. Additionally, polypharmacy (taking many medications) increases the risk of drug interactions. Renal and hepatic changes do not affect the extract itself, but they do affect how the patient handles emergency drugs.
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can safely receive Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen. There is no evidence that the proteins in the extract cause nephrotoxicity. However, if a patient is on dialysis, the timing of the injection should be discussed with the nephrologist.
Liver disease does not alter the safety or efficacy of allergenic extracts. No dose adjustments are required for patients with cirrhosis or other hepatic conditions.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen extract works through a complex process of 'immunological desensitization.' The primary goal is to change the body's response to the Western Wheatgrass allergen from an IgE-mediated inflammatory response to an IgG-mediated protective response.
The pharmacodynamic effect is measured by a decrease in the 'late-phase' allergic response and a significant increase in the threshold of allergen required to provoke symptoms. Over a 3-to-5-year course of treatment, the sensitivity of the patient's skin to the pollen (as measured by skin testing) typically decreases by 10-fold to 100-fold.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | N/A (Subcutaneous/Local) |
| Protein Binding | Minimal (Localized to lymph) |
| Half-life (Proteins) | Hours to Days (Local) |
| Tmax (Systemic) | 15-30 minutes (if systemic absorption occurs) |
| Metabolism | Proteolytic degradation |
| Excretion | Renal (as peptides/amino acids) |
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen extract is a complex mixture of proteins, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides. The primary allergens are typically found in the 10-70 kDa molecular weight range.
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen is a Non-Standardized Pollen Allergenic Extract. It is related to other grass pollen extracts like Timothy Grass (Phleum pratense) and Orchard Grass (Dactylis glomerata), though those are often available in standardized (BAU) forms.
Common questions about Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen extract is primarily used for the diagnosis and treatment of seasonal allergies caused by Western Wheatgrass. In diagnostic settings, it is applied to the skin to see if a patient develops a 'wheal and flare' reaction, confirming an allergy. In therapeutic settings, it is used in allergen immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots. This involves giving the patient gradually increasing doses of the pollen to desensitize their immune system. The goal is to reduce symptoms of hay fever, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, when the patient is naturally exposed to the grass during the growing season.
The most common side effects are local reactions at the site of the injection, occurring in nearly all patients at some point during therapy. These include redness, swelling, itching, and warmth where the needle entered the skin. These reactions usually appear within minutes and fade within a few hours. Some patients may also experience 'large local reactions' that spread several inches across the arm. While uncomfortable, these are generally not dangerous. However, they must be reported to the doctor, as they may indicate that the next dose needs to be adjusted to prevent a more serious systemic reaction.
It is generally advised to avoid alcohol for at least several hours after receiving an injection of Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen. Alcohol is a vasodilator, meaning it widens the blood vessels and increases blood flow throughout the body. This increased circulation can cause the allergen in the injection to be absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly than intended, which significantly increases the risk of a systemic allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Furthermore, alcohol can mask the early symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as lightheadedness or flushing, making it harder for you or your doctor to recognize an emergency. Always follow the specific 'post-shot' instructions provided by your allergy clinic.
The safety of Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen during pregnancy is a matter of careful risk-benefit balance. Most allergists will not start a new course of immunotherapy during pregnancy because the risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) could deprive the developing fetus of oxygen. However, if a woman is already on a stable maintenance dose and is tolerating the shots well, many doctors will continue the treatment to keep her allergy symptoms under control. The dose is usually kept the same and not increased until after delivery. If you are planning to become pregnant or find out you are pregnant while on allergy shots, you must inform your allergist immediately to discuss a safe plan.
Allergen immunotherapy with Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen is a long-term commitment and does not provide immediate relief like an antihistamine pill. Most patients begin to notice an improvement in their symptoms during the first grass pollen season after they have reached their 'maintenance dose,' which usually takes 3 to 6 months of weekly build-up injections. For the best results and long-lasting immunity, the treatment typically continues for 3 to 5 years. Studies show that patients who complete a full course of therapy often enjoy several years of reduced allergy symptoms even after they stop taking the injections.
Yes, you can stop taking Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen injections at any time without experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms, as it is not an addictive substance. However, stopping the treatment before the recommended 3-to-5-year mark usually means that your allergy symptoms will eventually return to their original severity. If you stop for a short period (like a few weeks) and want to restart, you cannot simply take your last dose; your doctor will need to lower the dose to ensure your safety. It is always best to discuss your reasons for wanting to stop with your allergist, as they may be able to adjust the schedule to better suit your needs.
If you miss a dose of Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen, you should contact your allergy clinic as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not attempt to 'double up' on your next dose or take an extra shot. The safety of immunotherapy depends on the timing of the doses. If you miss only one week during the build-up phase, your doctor might repeat the last dose. If you miss several weeks, they will likely need to reduce the dose and build back up slowly to prevent a reaction. For maintenance doses, a delay of a week or two is usually manageable, but longer delays will require a temporary dose reduction.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen extracts cause weight gain. 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 are proteins that work locally on the immune system. They do not affect your metabolism, appetite, or fat distribution. If you experience weight changes while on immunotherapy, it is likely due to other factors, such as other medications you may be taking or changes in your activity level, and you should discuss this with your primary care physician.
Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen can be taken with most medications, but there are critical exceptions. You must tell your allergist if you are taking beta-blockers (for heart conditions or migraines), ACE inhibitors, or MAO inhibitors, as these can make an allergic reaction much more dangerous and difficult to treat. Antihistamines and other allergy medications are often continued during immunotherapy to help manage symptoms, but they must be stopped several days before any skin testing is performed. Always provide your allergist with a complete and updated list of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements you are using.
The concept of 'generic' drugs does not apply to allergenic extracts in the same way it does to pills like ibuprofen. Pascopyrum Smithii Pollen is a biological product, and different manufacturers (such as Greer, ALK, or HollisterStier) produce their own versions of the extract. While these extracts are all derived from the same grass species, they are not considered 'interchangeable' by the FDA. If your doctor switches you from one manufacturer's extract to another, they will often restart the build-up process or significantly reduce the dose to ensure safety, as the potency can vary between different biological preparations.