(WFSB) – Millions of people have food allergies, but a first-of its kind medication could help prevent a severe reaction.

The Asthma and Allergy foundation says about 20 million people in the U.S. have a food allergy. Some of the common ones are nut, milk, and egg allergies which can be life threatening.

Now a medication that’s been used to treat asthma for 20 years was just approved to help reduce allergic reactions to food.

The FDA approved XOLAIR, the first and only medication to reduce the risk of severe reactions to food.

It binds to the antibody responsible for triggering allergies and prevents it from getting to the allergy cells.

“It’s basically making our body ignore the allergens,” said Dr. Ryan Steele, an allergist and immunologist at Yale medicine.

In the form of an injection, administered at least once a month. This drug could change your life, but you’ll still need to carry an Epi Pen.

“When you get epinephrine, that keeps your blood pressure up and keeps your lungs open by relaxing the muscles around your lungs. The XOLAIR helps to prevent those allergic chemicals from being released in the first place,” said Steele.

It’s not 100% protective and it’s not a cure, but anther layer of safety. Dr. Steele suggests if you have a severe allergy, talk to your doctor about this new medication.

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