AllergySA is the first clinic in San Antonio to introduce Palforzia. We have, since, been named second in the nation to have a patient reach maintenance phase. 

Since Palforzia has been successful, many parents are interested in this treatment and might have several questions about it. Let’s explore the need-to-know information to understand what Palforzia really is. 

 

What is Palforzia? 

Palforzia is an oral immunotherapy treatment for children of ages 4-17, with peanut allergy to help reduce the severity of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. It is a defatted peanut protein powder that is carefully measured in capsules or a sachet, depending on how large the dosage is. It is the first FDA approved oral immunotherapy for a food allergy. 

Your child can face a severe reaction to exposure to peanuts, and this treatment can help reduce the likeliness of a reaction. 

 

How effective is Palforzia? 

Effectiveness is proven as long as your child is on Palforzia. Recent studies have shown that children with long-term daily dosing treatments have had the greatest strides in reaching maintenance in desensitization to their peanut allergy. 

Just after 2 years of taking Palforzia, more than 80% of children demonstrated desensitization to 2000 mg of peanut protein (which is equivalent to 6 peanut kernels). 

 

How is Palforzia taken? 

Palforzia is a powder to be mixed in soft, room temperature food such as pudding, applesauce, or anything else that is tolerated by the child. 

• Open capsule or sachet and mix in food
• Wash hands after mixing 
• Medication can be refrigerated between 2-8⁰C

 

What are the side effects?

Side effects include: 

• Stomach pain 
• Vomiting 
• Feeling sick 
• Itching or burning in the mouth 
• Throat irritation 
• Cough
• Runny rose 
• Sneezing 
• Itchy skin
• Hives 

Most side effects are mild and resolve within 40 minutes of taking Palforzia. More severe reactions include the risk of anaphylaxis and developing Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE).  

 

How do I start my child on Palforzia?

All children must first be enrolled in the Palforzia Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy program (REMS). This is a safety program that manages the risk of anaphylaxis associated with Palforzia and is required by the FDA to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks. 

If your doctor prescribes your child to Palforzia, they will send the prescription to a specialty pharmacy. If your insurance is eligible the pharmacy will reach out to you to confirm the shipment details of Palforzia. 

Patients with no insurance or with commercial insurance who have been denied coverage can be put in the Palforzia Pathway Patient Assistance Program and are eligible to receive Palforzia at no cost. 

 

If you think that Palforzia is something that your child may need, schedule an appointment with us at 210-616-0882 today to learn more.