People aged between 12 and 65 could be prescribed the new medicine (Image: Getty)
Thousands of people suffering from severe dust mite are set to be offered a first-of-its kind daily pill.
The “life-changing” drug, Acarizax, works by delivering a fixed amount of house dust mite allergy extract every day to help the patient build resilience.
It costs around £80 for a pack of 30 tablets, although the health service may have negotiated a confidential discount.
Amena Warner, head of clinical services at Allergy UK, said the drug’s approval for use was “a landmark step” for those with uncontrolled allergies.
She added: “Many endure years of misery; of nasal congestion, loss of smell and sneezing, impacting their sleep and daily living with little respite from symptoms.
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“This can also affect mental wellbeing. With this treatment there is now hope for people who fit the criteria to be able to access this through the NHS.
“Although initial access to a specialist allergy service will mainly be required to commence treatment, importantly it can be continued as a home treatment, without the need for frequent visits which incur travel and time costs.“
Common symptoms of dust mite allergy include sneezing, an itchy nose, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy red and watery eyes.
Acarizax is the first treatment for persistent moderate to severe allergic rhinitis to be recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Up to 13,000 people are thought to meet the criteria, which includes being aged between 12-65.
Patients will be eligible for the new pill after medics have looked at their medical history and if they test positive for house dust mite allergy through the allergy skin prick test or specific immunoglobulin E [IgE]) test.
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The treatment is intended to be used for three years. It will particularly help sufferers whose symptoms are not eased by nasal sprays and antihistamines.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: “For people with house dust mite allergic rhinitis that is not controlled by standard treatments, this new cost-effective drug will have a significant positive impact on their quality of life.
“This is a chronic, debilitating condition which can prevent people from going to their workplace or school. This medicine has been found to improve symptoms, helping people to live their lives and has potential to be truly life-changing.”
Allergy sufferer and GP Dr Helen Evans-Howells added: “This drug could be life-changing for those affected by severe symptoms which include significant fatigue, congestion, and facial swelling.
“The evidence clearly shows it offers an effective solution for those who have struggled with standard treatments.”