beta blockers and allergen immunotherapy

Posted by motorcarrier @motorcarrier, Nov 16, 2021

Hi everyone,

New member here trying to get some information regarding temporarily stopping my carvedilol for 3-4 weeks in order to take a series of three allergen immunotherapy injections. My allergist advised me to get permission from my cardilogist to stop taking my twice daily carvedilol on the day of each of the three injections, given over a period of one week. My cardiologist said it would be okay to discontinue on those days. However, I'm concerned that beta blocker therapy is contraindicated due to them blocking the effects of epinephrine. The evidence in the medical literature indicates that although anaphylaxis does not appear to be more frequent, beta-blocker exposure is associated with greater risk for severe anaphylaxis, and for anaphylaxis refractory to treatment. I've already picked up my EpiPen but the evidence is that it wouldn't work on those taking beta blockers. So, the question is, is it possible to discontinue the carvedilol for the two weeks it apparently takes to leave the system, and another week for the allergy treatments? Is there an alternative that would be practical during that three week period? Or should I forget attempting to obtain relief from the symptoms that OTC remedies don't seem to help? I've attempted to reach out to my cardiologist but I haven't heard back from him.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Nov 16, 2021

That's a pretty technical question, better addressed to your cardiologist. If you can't get an answer from him, your pharmacist or the clinic's pharmacist/medication advisor should be able to help.
Sue

Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Nov 17, 2021

Hi @motorcarrier and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I do agree with Sue that particular questions about medication really need to be routed through your physician, but it is good that you are advocating for yourself and trying to find answers when you hit road blocks.

Have you heard from your cardiologist yet or do you think you may need to reach out for a second opinion?

motorcarrier | @motorcarrier | Nov 17, 2021

In reply to @amandaa "Hi @motorcarrier and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I do agree with Sue that particular questions..." + (show)

Hi Amanda, I haven't heard back from my cardiologist. He's very difficult o contact, with hold times last 20-30 minutes just to reach the receptionist. I'm trying to make an appointment with someone else who may be easier to contact. I just received an EOB from medicare yesterday and the allegist has already charged them for the injections or I'd consult a different allergist. What upsets me most is that the allregist didn't even mention an interaction with the beta blocker.

Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Nov 17, 2021

In reply to @motorcarrier "Hi Amanda, I haven't heard back from my cardiologist. He's very difficult o contact, with hold..." + (show)

Goodness @motorcarrier, They already charged you with the injections before you have received them?? What if you decide not to get them?

motorcarrier | @motorcarrier | Nov 17, 2021

In reply to @amandaa "Goodness @motorcarrier, They already charged you with the injections before you have received them?? What if..." + (show)

That's what I thought but short of contacting Medicare and my supplement carrier, I don't see an option.

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