Asthma is not an uncommon condition, but there happen to be a number of different treatments available for it. Since asthma is so highly individualized, our specialized team has created a series of advanced biologics for asthma that have been approved for use. These special drugs can assist in the healing process for those dealing with severe or chronic asthma conditions. But how do asthma biologics work?
How Do Asthma Biologics Work?
Below, we will talk about the nature of biologics and whether or not you are a good candidate for this kind of treatment. How do asthma biologics work to make the symptoms of this condition go away? Let’s find out together.
What Are Asthma Biologics?
Biologics are specific medications that are made from living cells. They are typically created from bacteria that can be changed and modified for the human body. Biologics are recommended for patients dealing with severe asthma that worsens over time, even after using an inhaler.
If your asthma condition gets to the point where your inhaler and current medications don’t help at all, you are a front-row candidate for biologic therapy. This is a newer form of treatment from the traditional asthma medication as biologics work to target specific molecules in the body. In this case, biologics get rid of the molecules that give you asthma.
What Biologics Are Available?
Currently, the FDA has approved the use of five different biologics for asthma. At the office of Dr. Mayank Shukla, we offer the following medications to those interested in this kind of treatment:
- Mepolizumab (Nucala)
- Benralizumab (Fasenra)
- Omalizumab (Xolair)
- Dupilumab (Dupixent)
- Reslizumab (Cinqair)
Both adults and children can be valid recipients of biologic therapy treatment. Some medicines are suitable for children under the age of 6, while others should not be taken by patients younger than 12. During the initial appointment, Dr. Shukla will perform a series of screening tests to ensure that the right type of biologic medicine is being prescribed.
The Asthma Biologic Treatment Process
During biologic treatment, you can expect a different process from other types of asthma treatment plans. Biologics are administered through an injection that is given to you when you visit your doctor’s office. There is no need for an inhaler or a take-home medication with this kind of treatment.
The injection takes just a few minutes, but we typically like to keep patients (especially our young ones) in the office for 30 minutes to 2 hours in order to monitor their health and make sure the medicine is running its course. Biologic therapy is recommended for at least four months, although there is no set end point for this kind of treatment. If your asthma proves to be well under control after several months of biologics, you may be able to stop taking them.
Do Biologics Have Side Effects?
For the most part, each of the biologic medicines being offered is completely safe for use. There is a small risk of anaphylaxis with omalizumab, in which case the doctor will have an epinephrine injection at the ready. You will likely be asked questions in order for Dr. Shukla to determine which exact medicine will work best for you, your asthma, and your overall bodily needs.
You can schedule a full consultation with our knowledgeable medical staff to address any of these concerns and answer additional questions you may have about biologic therapy.
Start Your Advanced Asthma Treatment Now
If regular asthma treatments aren’t helping to relieve your symptoms of asthma, it might be time to start on some recommended asthma biologics. Dr. Mayank Shukla, your expert asthma doctor in NYC, offers state-of-the-art treatment for patients experiencing severe symptoms of asthma. Get in touch with us today and schedule a personal consultation to get your next treatment started right away.
