[Safety of rush immunotherapy with Hymenoptera venom]

To determine the incidence and nature of adverse events associated with the induction of rush Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy.

Between 1998 and 2003, we administered venom immunotherapy to 48 patients allergic to bee or wasp venom, by means of a rush immunotherapy protocol (3 days).

We observed no severe adverse reactions in any patients. 12 patients developed only local reactions at the site of injections that did not required any pharmacological treatment. Two patients experienced mild systemic reactions consisting of diffuse urticaria on day 3. Both adverse reactions were treated with intravenous antihistamines.

Our experience confirms that rapid venom immunotherapy is safe and should be considered in every case especially for patients during the stinging insect season when a rapid protection is required.