bee venom at a glance
Medicine class
Allergen-specific venom immunotherapy
Licensed use
Confirmed generalised or systemic IgE-mediated allergy to honey-bee venom
How it is given
An injection under the skin in a specialist clinical setting
After each injection
Clinical observation is required because immediate systemic allergic reactions can occur
What is bee venom used for?
It is licensed for people with a documented generalised or systemic IgE-mediated reaction to honey-bee venom. Sensitisation must be confirmed by an appropriate skin or specific-IgE test.
Reducing the likelihood and severity of systemic allergic reactions after future honey-bee stings
How does bee venom work?
Controlled exposure gradually changes the immune response. It promotes regulatory immune pathways and blocking antibodies while reducing allergy-cell activation and the release of histamine and other allergic mediators after a sting.
How to take bee venom
A clinician experienced in specific immunotherapy must administer it under the skin, with resuscitation treatment immediately available.
Remain for the required observation after every injection.
Tell the clinic about illness, fever, worsening asthma or eczema, recent allergic symptoms, vaccinations, previous injection reactions and medicine changes.
Avoid physical exercise, hot baths and alcohol on the day of an injection because these may amplify an allergic reaction.
Do not inject or handle the product yourself.
bee venom side effects
Common or expected effects
- Redness, itching, pain or swelling at the injection site
- A persistent small lump at the injection site
- Headache
- Tiredness
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis, including breathing difficulty, wheezing, throat tightness, facial or tongue swelling, low blood pressure or collapse
- A widespread allergic reaction such as hives or angioedema
- Sudden worsening of asthma
bee venom in pregnancy
Bee venom up-dosing should not be started during pregnancy because a systemic reaction could endanger both mother and baby. Established maintenance treatment may sometimes continue after specialist review of general health and previous injection reactions.
bee venom while breastfeeding
Clinical breastfeeding data are unavailable, but effects on a breastfed infant are not anticipated. Discuss starting or continuing treatment with the allergy specialist.
bee venom interactions
Give the allergy team a complete list of prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary treatments.
ACE inhibitors
They may increase the severity of anaphylaxis and might reduce the immunotherapy response, so individual review and closer monitoring may be needed.
Beta-blockers
They can reduce the response to adrenaline used for anaphylaxis and require careful risk assessment.
Tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and COMT inhibitors
They may dangerously intensify the cardiovascular effects of adrenaline used during an emergency.
Common questions about bee venom
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is bee venom immunotherapy the same as an adrenaline auto-injector?
No. Immunotherapy aims to reduce future sting sensitivity; an adrenaline auto-injector is emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. Follow the allergy team's advice about carrying an emergency kit.
Does it completely prevent reactions to future stings?
It substantially reduces the risk for many people but cannot guarantee complete protection. Sting avoidance and any advised emergency plan remain important.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.