High dose Xolair may be a treatment option for patients with chronic hives who fail the standard treatment dose of 300mg monthly. Xolair (omalizumab) is a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody for patients who have chronic spontaneous urticaria who fail the 4 fold standard dosing of antihistamines. Stepwise approach to Chronic Urticaria (Chronic Hives) A recent study […]
How does Dupixent work?
How does Dupixent work? Dupixent is currently indicated for patients who have atopic dermatitis, asthma and nasal polyps. Dupixent works by inhibiting IL4 and IL13 and it has improved outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). A recent study published in Allergy studied Dupixent’s local effects on type 2 inflammatory biomarkers. The study […]
Omalizumab for Atopic Dermatitis
Omalizumab for atopic dermatitis has shown promising results. In JAMA Pediatrics, the researchers have demonstrated for the first time that omalizumab, which neutralizes IgE, reduced disease severity and improved quality of life in pediatric patients with severe atopic dermatitis. This was the case even in subjects with very high baseline total plasma IgE levels. Omaizumab […]
Generic Dymista Now Available
Generic Dymista is now available. Dymista consists of 2 ingredients that treat allergic rhinitis, fluticasone and azelastine. Apotex is a Canadian pharmacy who will be manufacturing this product. Dymista is approved for the relief of symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis in patients 6 years of age and older who require treatment with both azelastine hydrochloride and […]
Joe Biden’s Allergies (A summary)
Joe Biden’s allergies are a significant part of his medical history. Vice President Joe Biden has released his medical summary history and in it there are notable findings pertaining to allergies and asthma. Joe Biden Medical History He has a history of atrial fibrillation, hyperlipidemia, acid reflux and seasonal allergies. Under the seasonal allergies category […]
Can you eat tree nuts if you are allergic to peanuts?
Individuals with peanut allergy often avoid tree nuts, yet the rate of tree nut allergy in peanut allergic patients is often cited as low as 7%. Peanut allergy affects 1-2% of individuals in the U.S. and its increasing. The current management is strict avoidance and prompt use of epinephrine for systemic reactions which can occur […]
Future Eosinophilic Esophagitis Treatment Options
Future eosinophilic esophagitis treatments are currently in development. There are currently on FDA approved medications for the treatment of EoE. Commonly used treatments now are proton pump inhibitors, swallowed or topical corticosteroids and food elimination diets. Although each of these options is effective, there are limitations. Swallowed steroids can control inflammation 70-80% of the time, […]
Can you taper your Xolair dosage for hives?
Chronic spontaneous urticaria involves recurrent episodes of hives with or without swelling for 6 weeks or longer from unknown causes. Although chronic hives tends to be self-limited in most patients, it affects quality of life. Most studies show that it affects 0.5% to 1% of the general population. The trigger is unknown and treatment includes […]
Ruxolitinib for Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Ruxolitinib is a new medication being studied for the treat of eczema. Ruxolitinib is a selective inhibitor of Janus kinase 1 and Janus kinase 2, it potently suppresses cytokine signaling involved in atopic dermatitis pathogenesis. We discussed the Janus Kinase pathway in a previous post and how new drugs are being developed for the treatment […]
Asthma biologic agents (Xolair, Cinqair, Nucala, Fasenra, Dupixent)
The last several years have seen an influx of asthma biologic agents to hit the market. Here we will discuss the 5 that are currently FDA approved to treat type 2 inflammatory asthma. Type 2 asthma inflammation is triggered by IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 along with other inflammatory mediators. Half of all patients with asthma […]