Loading...
Loading...
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Prunus Spinosa
Brand Name
Prunus Spinosa
Generic Name
Prunus Spinosa
Active Ingredient
Prunus Spinosa Flower BudCategory
Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Variants
8
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1365 |
| 100 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1367 |
| 6 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1364 |
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Prunus Spinosa, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
| 1 [hp_Q]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1371 |
| 500 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1369 |
| 30 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1366 |
| 200 [hp_C]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1368 |
| 1 [hp_M]/1 | PELLET | ORAL | 37662-1370 |
Detailed information about Prunus Spinosa
Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract is a non-standardized allergenic substance used for the diagnosis and treatment of hypersensitivity to Blackthorn pollen. It belongs to the class of Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extracts [EPC].
Dosage for Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract is highly individualized and must be determined by an allergy specialist based on the patient's sensitivity level. There is no 'standard' dose for all patients.
Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract is generally considered safe for use in children, provided they are old enough to cooperate with the testing and treatment.
No dosage adjustments are required for patients with kidney disease, as the extract is not cleared via traditional renal filtration mechanisms.
No dosage adjustments are required for patients with liver disease.
Caution is advised in elderly patients, particularly those with underlying cardiovascular disease. The dose itself does not change, but the risk-benefit ratio must be carefully evaluated because the elderly may be less likely to survive a systemic reaction or may be taking medications (like beta-blockers) that complicate the treatment of anaphylaxis.
Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract is never self-administered by the patient at home. It must be administered by a healthcare professional in a medical office.
If a dose of immunotherapy is missed, do not double the next dose.
An 'overdose' in the context of allergenic extracts usually means a dose that is too high for the patient's current level of tolerance, leading to a systemic reaction.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.
Local reactions are the most frequent side effect of Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract, occurring in the majority of patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract is a potent biological agent. Its use is restricted to clinicians trained in allergy and immunology. Patients must be aware that every injection carries a small but real risk of a systemic reaction. It is vital to inform your doctor if you are feeling unwell, have a fever, or if your asthma symptoms are worse than usual on the day of your appointment, as the injection may need to be postponed.
No FDA black box warnings for Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud. However, the class-wide warning for allergenic extracts emphasizes that these products can cause anaphylaxis and should only be administered by healthcare providers prepared to manage such emergencies. The warning also states that patients with severe or unstable asthma should not receive immunotherapy due to the risk of fatal bronchospasm.
There are few absolute contraindications for drug combinations, but the following are considered highly risky:
Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract must NEVER be used in the following situations:
FDA Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract in pregnant women.
It is generally considered safe to continue Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud immunotherapy while breastfeeding. The large allergenic proteins are unlikely to pass into breast milk in any significant quantity, and if they did, they would be digested by the infant's stomach. There is no evidence of harm to the nursing infant.
Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract acts as an immunomodulator. In the diagnostic phase, it cross-links IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells, leading to the release of histamine. In the therapeutic (immunotherapy) phase, it induces a state of peripheral T-cell tolerance. This is characterized by the induction of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) that produce IL-10 and TGF-beta. These cytokines suppress the Th2 allergic response and signal B-cells to switch production from IgE to IgG4, which acts as a protective 'blocking' antibody.
Common questions about Prunus Spinosa
Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract is primarily used by allergy specialists for two main purposes: diagnosing and treating allergies to Blackthorn pollen. For diagnosis, it is applied during skin prick testing to see if a patient develops a localized allergic reaction. For treatment, it is used in allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) to help the body build up a tolerance to the pollen over time. This can significantly reduce symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion in patients who haven't found relief through other medications. It is specifically intended for those with a confirmed sensitivity to this particular plant species.
The most common side effects are localized to the area where the extract was injected or applied. Patients frequently experience redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site, which usually appears within minutes and fades within a few hours. Some people may develop a larger swelling that lasts for a day or two, often referred to as a 'late-phase local reaction.' While these local effects are common and generally harmless, they are monitored by the doctor to determine the next dose. Systemic side effects like tiredness or a mild increase in hay fever symptoms can also occur but are less frequent.
There is no direct chemical interaction between alcohol and Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract; however, caution is advised. Alcohol can cause your blood vessels to dilate, which might theoretically speed up the absorption of the allergen into your bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk or severity of an allergic reaction. Most allergists recommend avoiding heavy alcohol consumption on the day of your allergy shots to ensure your safety. Furthermore, alcohol could mask the early symptoms of a systemic reaction, making it harder for you to realize you need medical help. Always discuss your lifestyle habits with your healthcare provider during treatment.
The safety of starting Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud immunotherapy during pregnancy has not been established, and it is generally avoided. The main concern is not that the extract will directly harm the baby, but that a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in the mother could cause a dangerous drop in oxygen levels for the fetus. If a woman is already on a stable 'maintenance' dose and becomes pregnant, many doctors will continue the treatment at that same dose but will not increase it. However, starting the initial 'build-up' phase while pregnant is considered too risky. Always inform your allergist immediately if you become pregnant or are planning to conceive.
Allergen immunotherapy is a long-term commitment and does not provide immediate relief like an antihistamine pill. Most patients begin to notice a reduction in their allergy symptoms within 3 to 6 months of starting treatment, usually as they reach the 'maintenance' phase. However, the full benefits are typically not realized until the patient has been on the maintenance dose for a year or more. A complete course of treatment usually lasts between 3 and 5 years to ensure the immune system changes are permanent. If no improvement is seen after one year of maintenance, the doctor may re-evaluate the treatment plan.
Yes, you can stop taking Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract injections at any time without experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms. Unlike some medications that affect the nervous system, allergenic extracts are biological proteins that do not cause dependency. However, if you stop the treatment before completing the recommended 3-to-5-year course, your allergy symptoms are likely to return over time. The 'tolerance' built up by the immune system requires consistent exposure to remain effective. If you need to stop treatment due to side effects or lifestyle changes, discuss the best exit strategy with your allergist.
If you miss an appointment for your Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud injection, you should contact your allergy clinic as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not attempt to 'make up' the dose by taking more later. The safety of the next injection depends on the time elapsed since your last one; if too much time passes, your sensitivity may increase, and your doctor will likely need to reduce the dose for your safety. For example, if you miss several weeks, you may need to go back a few steps in your build-up schedule. Consistency is key to both the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract causes weight gain. The extract consists of small amounts of proteins and glycerin, which do not have metabolic or hormonal effects that would lead to an increase in body fat or appetite. If you experience weight changes while undergoing immunotherapy, it is likely due to other factors such as lifestyle, diet, or other medications you may be taking (like oral corticosteroids for asthma). If you have concerns about your weight, you should discuss them with your primary care physician to identify the underlying cause.
Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract can be taken alongside most common medications, but there are critical exceptions. You must tell your doctor if you are taking beta-blockers (used for heart conditions, migraines, or glaucoma), as these can make an allergic reaction much harder to treat. Other medications like ACE inhibitors or MAOIs may also increase the risks associated with immunotherapy. Antihistamines won't interfere with the treatment's effectiveness, but they must be stopped before diagnostic skin testing because they will block the test results. Always provide your allergist with a complete list of your current medications.
The concept of 'generic' vs. 'brand name' works differently for allergenic extracts than for standard pills. Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract is a biological product produced by several different specialized laboratories (such as Greer or ALK-Abello). While the extracts from different companies are similar, they are not considered 'interchangeable' in the same way generic ibuprofen is for Advil. Once you start treatment with an extract from one manufacturer, your doctor will typically try to keep you on that same brand to ensure the dosage remains consistent and safe throughout your therapy.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud)
> Warning: Stop taking Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.
There are no known long-term 'toxic' effects of Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract, as it is a biological protein that does not accumulate in organs. The primary long-term effect is a desired change in the immune system. However, in rare cases, prolonged immunotherapy has been theoretically linked to the development of other autoimmune markers, though clinical evidence for this is sparse and generally not considered a reason to avoid treatment.
While non-standardized extracts may not always carry a formal 'Black Box' in the same way as high-risk pharmaceuticals, the FDA-approved labeling for all allergenic extracts contains a highlighted warning regarding anaphylaxis:
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract does not typically cause drowsiness. However, if a patient experiences a systemic reaction or receives epinephrine, they should not drive. Most patients can safely drive themselves to and from their appointments provided they have waited the required 30 minutes and feel well.
There is no direct chemical interaction between alcohol and the extract. However, alcohol can cause vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which may theoretically increase the speed of allergen absorption and the severity of a reaction. It is generally advised to avoid heavy alcohol consumption on the day of an injection.
Immunotherapy is typically discontinued after 3 to 5 years of successful maintenance. There is no 'withdrawal syndrome' associated with stopping Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract. However, stopping too early (e.g., after only 1 year) often results in the return of allergic symptoms.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud.
There are no specific food interactions with Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract. However, patients with 'Oral Allergy Syndrome' (OAS) may find that eating certain fruits (like peaches or cherries, which are in the same Rosaceae family as Blackthorn) causes an itchy mouth. This is due to cross-reactivity between the pollen proteins and the fruit proteins.
There are no well-documented interactions with herbal supplements. However, patients should avoid starting new, potent herbal supplements during the build-up phase of immunotherapy to avoid confusing a supplement side effect with an allergen reaction.
Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud extract will directly affect the results of:
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
These conditions require a careful risk-benefit analysis by the physician:
Patients allergic to Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud may also react to other members of the Rosaceae family, including:
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud.
Renal impairment does not affect the clearance of allergenic proteins. No dose adjustment is required for patients with chronic kidney disease or those on dialysis.
Liver function does not play a role in the processing of allergenic extracts. No dose adjustments are necessary for patients with cirrhosis or other liver conditions.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | N/A (Subcutaneous/Local) |
| Protein Binding | Minimal (Interacts with IgE) |
| Half-life | Minutes to Hours (Proteins) |
| Tmax | 15-30 minutes (Local) |
| Metabolism | Proteolysis by immune cells |
| Excretion | Lymphatic clearance |
Prunus Spinosa Flower Bud is a Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract. It is part of the broader category of Antigens used in the field of Allergy and Immunology. It is closely related to other Prunus extracts, such as Cherry or Peach pollen extracts.