Palforzia – The First FDA Approved Treatment for Children with Peanut Allergy

In 2020, the FDA approved the first treatment for peanut allergy in children.  AllergySA was the first clinic in San Antonio to introduce Palforzia. We were the second clinic in the nation to have a patient reach the maintenance phase in the program. Learn more about Palforzia:

What is Palforzia? 

Palforzia is an oral treatment for children ages 4-17 with peanut allergies. Palforzia can reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to peanuts. It is a defatted peanut protein powder that is carefully measured in capsules or a sachet, depending on the dosage.

PALFORZIA is not a cure for peanut allergy and is used in conjunction with a peanut avoidance diet. However, when taken according to instructions, it can reduce the likelihood of a severe reaction upon accidental exposure to peanuts.

PALFORZIA cannot be used for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, and those who take it should continue to carry their injectable epinephrine devices.

How does Palforzia work? 

There are three (3) phases of the PALFORZIA process: the initial dose escalation phase, up-dosing phase, and the maintenance phase. PALFORZIA is intended to gradually decrease your child’s sensitivity to small amounts of peanuts that may be hidden in foods.

How is Palforzia taken? 

Palforzia is a powder product that is mixed in soft, room-temperature food such as pudding, applesauce, or yogurt. You open the capsule or sachet according to the schedule and put in your chosen food. Always wash your hands after handling PALFORZIA.

How effective is 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. After two years of taking Palforzia, more than 80% of children demonstrated desensitization to 2000 mg of peanut protein (which is equivalent to 6 peanut kernels).

What are the side effects?

Most side effects are mild and resolve within 40 minutes of taking Palforzia. The most commonly reported side effects are stomach pain/cramping and itching of the mouth or throat. These symptoms are usually mild and typically do not require intervention. More severe reactions include the risk of anaphylaxis and developing Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). Speak with your ASA allergist about these risks.

Side effects may include:

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

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 Palforzia is prescribed by your allergist for your child, they will send the prescription to a specialty pharmacy. If insurance eligible, the pharmacy will reach out to you to confirm the shipment details.

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 want to learn more about Palforzia and whether it is appropriate for your child, schedule an appointment with one of our food allergy experts at 210 616-0882.