symptoms of severe hayfever by changing how the body responds to allergens

Health

New Hay Fever Tablet Promises Life Changing Relief After Years of Sniffles and Sneezing

Published on July 22, 2025

Hay fever sufferers who’ve tried everything and still find themselves stuck indoors during spring and summer may finally have some proper relief on the way. A brand new daily tablet is being rolled out on the NHS, and experts say it could be a game changer for thousands across England.

The tablet, known by the rather scientific name Betula verrucosa and sold under the brand Itulazax 12 SQ-Bet, has just been given the green light by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Unlike antihistamines and nasal sprays that only manage the symptoms, this one actually tackles the allergy at its source.

This treatment works in a clever way by training the immune system to tolerate tree pollen over time. It’s taken daily under the tongue for three years, and it’s designed for people whose hay fever doesn’t ease up even with all the usual over-the-counter remedies, reported the Manchester Evening News.

Helen Knight from NICE said, “This treatment will help improve people’s quality of life. Severe tree pollen allergies trap people indoors during beautiful weather and disrupt their work, education and family life. The daily tablet offers genuine long-term relief rather than just managing symptoms.”

According to Allergy UK, around a quarter of people with hay fever react to birch tree pollen – and it can be brutal. We’re talking tiredness, breathing issues, blocked sinuses, itchy eyes, even blurry vision. It’s not just a bit of sneezing and sniffing for these folks.

Many usually rely on antihistamines and nasal sprays to try and keep symptoms in check. But for some, those just don’t cut it. This new treatment has gone through trials showing it can actually change how the body reacts to pollen, reducing those miserable symptoms significantly.

Amena Warner from Allergy UK knows all too well how hard life can be for hay fever sufferers. “Many people don’t realise how awful it is having an itchy, runny nose, sneezing episodes or itchy, irritated eyes in the pollen season,” she said. “We frequently hear from people who avoid time outdoors, keep doors and windows shut, check pollen counts and try and minimise any exposure, which takes a significant toll on their physical and emotional wellbeing.”

She added that NICE’s decision “provides a genuine opportunity for people to manage the root cause of their pollen allergy, offering the chance to break free from this burden and enjoy a better quality of life.”

The NHS is expected to make the tablet available within three months of the final guidance being published. Before getting the tablets, patients will need to take either a skin prick or blood test to confirm an allergy to birch tree pollen.

For those who’ve been dreading the pollen count each year and hiding away behind closed windows, this new option could mean no more missing out on warm weather, long walks or simply opening a window without a sneeze attack.

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