Allergen immunotherapy · London
House dust mite immunotherapy, private in London.
A three-year, disease-modifying course of SLIT tablet Acarizax or SCIT injections, run by a named consultant allergist. The only treatment that changes the natural history of dust-mite allergy, not just controls it.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A named consultant allergist, not a general clinic
A specialist adult or paediatric allergist with a busy immunotherapy caseload, running the three-year course from first dose to discharge.
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The right route for the patient
SLIT tablet at home is not always the answer. If SCIT injections fit better, or if immunotherapy is not indicated at all, we say so before you commit.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What private HDM immunotherapy costs in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner London clinics. Send the allergy history and we quote firm figures for both SLIT and SCIT.
In short
A three-year Acarizax SLIT course in our London network: £2,050–£3,100, run by a named consultant allergist.
| Item | Indicative range | Time or schedule | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialist allergist consultation and workup | £300–£550 | 45–60 min | Same visit |
| Skin prick or specific IgE confirmation to HDM | £180–£380 | 30 min | Same visit or 3–5 days |
| Acarizax SLIT tablet, year 1 (drug + reviews) | £950–£1,400 | Daily at home | 3-year course |
| Acarizax SLIT tablet, years 2 and 3 (per year) | £550–£850 | Daily at home | 3-year course |
| Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), year 1 | £1,800–£2,800 | Weekly then monthly | 3-year course |
| Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), years 2 and 3 | £1,400–£2,200 | Monthly | 3-year course |
Prices vary by clinic and by which consultant you see, and by whether you go with the SLIT tablet or subcutaneous injections. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
What it is
A disease-modifying treatment, not a stronger antihistamine.
Allergen immunotherapy is the only treatment that changes the natural history of allergy. Everything else, however well prescribed, only manages symptoms while you keep taking it.
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Gradual, controlled exposure
Small, standardised doses of purified house dust mite allergen train the immune system to tolerate it, rather than react to it.
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Immune re-education
Over months, the immune response shifts from IgE-driven allergic inflammation towards regulatory T-cell tolerance and protective IgG4.
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A three-year minimum course
Courses shorter than three years do not lock in the long-term benefit. Full three-year courses can give five to seven years of persistent relief afterwards.
The journey
From enquiry to discharge, what happens over three years.
One team from your first message to structured discharge, including every review in between.
Phase 1 · Before starting
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · First dose
A morning in clinic
Phase 3 · The three-year course
Structured follow-up
- 01
Before
You send us the allergy history
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, current inhaler and antihistamine use, prior skin prick or specific IgE results if you have them, and asthma control.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: whether SLIT Acarizax or SCIT injections fit, whether further testing is needed first, and an indicative three-year cost.
- 03
Before
We arrange the specialist consultation
Usually within one to two weeks. Skin prick or specific IgE confirmation, spirometry if asthma is in the picture, and a written plan.
- 04
First dose
First dose in clinic under observation
The first Acarizax tablet, or the initial SCIT injection, is given in clinic with 30 minutes of monitoring and adrenaline immediately available.
- 05
First dose
Home the same day
Written instructions, a rescue plan and 24-hour contact details. Daily tablets continue at home, or SCIT injections continue on the clinic schedule.
- 06
During and after
Reviews at 1, 3 and 6 months
Symptom scores, medication reduction, side-effect check, and confirmation you are on track for the three-year course.
- 07
During and after
Discharge at three years
A structured stop with a written summary. Benefits typically persist five to seven years, and some patients remain in long-term remission.
Typical time to first dose: 1–2 weeks. Course length: 3 years. Persistent benefit: 5–7 years.
Who benefits
Who HDM immunotherapy is for, and who it is not for.
The patients we see most often for Acarizax or SCIT, and the safety criteria that need to be met before we start.
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Moderate to severe perennial rhinitis
Year-round nasal blockage, sneezing and post-nasal drip driven by HDM, persisting despite daily intranasal steroid and antihistamine.
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HDM-driven allergic asthma
Partially controlled asthma with a clear HDM trigger on testing, alongside inhaled steroid and long-acting bronchodilator therapy.
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Concurrent atopic dermatitis
Adults and older children whose eczema flares with dust exposure, where reducing systemic HDM sensitivity may help skin control.
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Medication burden you want to reduce
Daily antihistamine, nasal steroid and reliever inhaler use that you would rather taper over the coming years.
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Poor response to environmental measures alone
Mattress covers, HEPA vacuuming and humidity control have helped, but symptoms still limit sleep, work or exercise.
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Motivated for a three-year course
Immunotherapy is a commitment. Best results come to patients who can take a daily tablet, or attend regular injection visits, for three years.
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When immunotherapy is not the right step
Uncontrolled or severe asthma, active malignancy, pregnancy at initiation, beta-blocker use and some autoimmune conditions need review first.
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Red flag: recent anaphylaxis or severe asthma
A recent severe asthma attack, hospital admission, or unclear anaphylaxis history needs stabilisation before immunotherapy is considered.
Treatment options
SLIT tablet, SCIT injections, and the allergens beside them.
What each route actually involves, plus how HDM immunotherapy sits alongside the equivalent tablets for grass pollen and other allergens.
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Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablet
Acarizax, a daily tablet placed under the tongue at home. First dose in clinic under observation. Convenient, well tolerated and NICE approved.
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Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT)
Weekly build-up injections for 12 to 16 weeks, then monthly maintenance injections. Each visit includes 30 minutes of clinic observation.
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Acarizax (Dermatophagoides pter + far)
A licensed standardised extract of the two main HDM species. Adults and adolescents aged 12 and over. NHS-approved for severe HDM allergic rhinitis.
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Component-resolved testing first
Where the picture is mixed, molecular allergy testing (ISAC or ALEX) pinpoints the driving allergen so immunotherapy targets the right one.
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Grass pollen SLIT (Grazax) parallel
Same principle, different allergen. Daily seasonal or year-round tablet for hay-fever patients whose picture is grass rather than mite.
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Ragweed and tree pollen SLIT
Species-specific SLIT tablets exist for ragweed and, in some countries, birch and other tree pollens. Not first-line for a UK HDM patient.
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Environmental control alongside
Mattress and pillow encasings, hot-wash bedding, HEPA vacuuming and humidity control continue throughout the three-year course.
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Second-opinion review
A specialist review of your test results, symptom history and current treatment. Sometimes the answer is a medication tune-up, not immunotherapy.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of consultant allergists, we picked them.
Consultant allergists on the GMC Specialist Register, running structured immunotherapy pathways in London clinics with full resuscitation cover.
Selection criteria
How we choose every allergist in our London network.
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Consultant adult or paediatric allergists on the GMC Specialist Register
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Clinics with adrenaline and resuscitation on site for first-dose observation
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Access to component-resolved testing (ISAC, ALEX) and lung-function assessment
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Structured three-year pathway with 1, 3, 6 and 12-month reviews
London clinics we typically arrange
- The Portland Hospital Allergy Service
- HCA The Wellington Hospital
- The London Allergy Clinic
- Guy's and St Thomas' Private Adult Allergy
- Chelsea and Westminster Private Care
- Selected consultant rooms at Harley Street
Safety and side effects
What to expect, honestly.
Immunotherapy is well established and safe when delivered properly. The things worth planning are the first two weeks of mouth symptoms, the observed first dose, and the rare but real systemic risk.
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Mouth itching in the first two weeks
The commonest SLIT side effect. Itching or tingling under the tongue and mild lip swelling, usually settling within 10 to 14 days as the immune system acclimatises.
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First-dose observation, always
The first Acarizax tablet, and every SCIT injection, is given in clinic with 30 minutes of monitoring. Adrenaline is drawn up and immediately available.
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Rare systemic reactions
Anaphylaxis to SLIT is very uncommon. SCIT carries a small systemic risk with each injection, which is why the observation period is mandatory.
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Local reactions with SCIT
Injection-site swelling, redness and itching are common in the build-up phase. Cool compresses and antihistamines usually settle them.
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Asthma must be controlled first
Uncontrolled asthma is the strongest predictor of severe reactions. We optimise inhaled therapy and check peak flow or spirometry before starting.
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An adrenaline auto-injector at home
Most patients on SLIT are prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector for the duration of the course, with training in when and how to use it.
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Pausing during oral surgery or ulcers
SLIT is paused briefly for dental extractions, mouth ulcers or oral thrush, and restarted once the mucosa has healed.
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Pregnancy
Immunotherapy is not started in pregnancy, but an established maintenance course can usually be continued after discussion with your obstetrician.
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Red flags after a dose
Widespread hives, throat tightness, wheeze, faintness or vomiting: use the adrenaline auto-injector and call 999. Report every reaction to the clinic.
Outcomes and your written plan
Your plan in four parts. Read the last one first.
Around 60 to 70 per cent of patients see a significant reduction in rhinitis and asthma symptoms and cut back on daily medication. Benefits typically persist five to seven years after a full three-year course, with long-term remission in a subset.
A quiet reminder
Immunotherapy is a three-year commitment, but the return is long-term.
If you would like us to talk you through the plan before you sign, just ask.
- 01 Header
Diagnosis and confirmed sensitisation
The clinical diagnosis, the positive skin prick or specific IgE result to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae, and any component-resolved detail.
- 02 Plan
SLIT or SCIT, dose and schedule
Which route, the licensed product, the observation period for the first dose, and the daily or clinic schedule for the next three years.
- 03 Safety
Rescue plan and auto-injector
Your adrenaline auto-injector prescription, when to use it, and the 24-hour contact number for the clinic during the course.
- 04 Follow-up
Reviews at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months
Read this first: when your next review is booked, what to bring (symptom diary, medication log) and the criteria for continuing to year 2 and year 3.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for allergen immunotherapy varies by insurer. Consultation, testing and asthma review are more commonly funded than the three-year drug cost. We confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about HDM immunotherapy.
Quick answers on duration, cure, insurance, children, travel and side effects.
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How long does house dust mite immunotherapy take?
The full course is three years. Acarizax SLIT is a daily tablet at home, with the first dose given under observation in clinic. SCIT is weekly injections for 12 to 16 weeks of build-up, then monthly maintenance injections. Stopping earlier than three years significantly reduces the long-term benefit.
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Is it a cure for my dust mite allergy?
It is the only treatment that changes the natural history of HDM allergy. Around 60 to 70 per cent of patients see a significant reduction in rhinitis and asthma symptoms and can reduce their medications. Benefits typically persist five to seven years after the three-year course, and some patients enter long-term remission, but not everyone is fully cured.
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Will my private insurance cover it?
Cover for allergen immunotherapy varies by insurer and by policy. Consultation, testing and asthma review are more commonly covered than the three-year drug cost. We confirm cover in writing with your insurer before you commit, and quote the self-pay figures alongside so you can compare.
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Can my child have Acarizax?
Acarizax is licensed for adults and adolescents aged 12 and over with a clinical diagnosis of moderate-to-severe HDM allergic rhinitis. Younger children with HDM allergy are usually managed with environmental measures and medication, and reviewed by a paediatric allergist for immunotherapy planning at the right age.
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What happens if I travel or forget a dose?
Missing a single daily Acarizax tablet is not a problem: restart at the next dose. If you miss more than seven consecutive days, contact the clinic before restarting so the next dose can be taken under observation if needed. SCIT schedules are adjusted around planned travel with the clinic team.
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What if I have a side effect I am worried about?
Mild mouth itching or lip tingling in the first two weeks is expected and usually settles. Widespread hives, wheeze, throat tightness, faintness or vomiting after a dose is a systemic reaction: use your adrenaline auto-injector, call 999, and then let the clinic know. Every reaction is reviewed before the next dose.
Related
Looking for something else?
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Pollen food syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome and how to test and manage it.
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Insect venom immunotherapy
Three-year course for bee and wasp venom allergy.
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Component-resolved allergy testing
ISAC and ALEX molecular allergy panels.
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Skin prick allergy testing (paediatric)
Confirm sensitisation in children before immunotherapy planning.
Learn more -
Asthma
Guide to diagnosis, control and specialist review.
Learn more -
Anaphylaxis management and EpiPen training
Auto-injector prescription, technique and rescue plan.
Learn more
Ready when you are
Three years of Acarizax, one consultant, a firm quote in a working day.
Send us your allergy history and we come back within one working day with a named consultant allergist, indicative pricing for SLIT and SCIT, and an honest read on whether immunotherapy is right for you.