Steroids for asthma exacerbations is commonly used by doctors. Asthma is characterized by many patients with recurrent exacerbations. Asthma exacerbations fill emergency rooms and are a major cause of hospitalizations. In the ER the treatment consists primarily of albuterol and systemic steroids. Albuterol is readily given at home, but oral steroids such as prednisone or […]
Fasenra (Benralizumab) for Severe Asthma
Fasenra (benralizumab) is a new 30 mg subcutaneous injection being developed by AstraZeneca. Fasenra has been shown to help patients with severe asthma cut back on oral steroids. Fasenra is the trade/brand name of the monoclonal antibody, Benralizumab. Benralizumab (Fasenra) binds to the alpha chain of the IL-5 receptor present on both eosinophils and basophils, […]
Odactra Sublingual House Dust Mite Allergen Approved by FDA
Odactra the first sublingual house dust mite allergen, has been approved by the FDA. Odactra will be administered under the tongue and it is used to treat house dust mite induced perennial allergic rhinitis and/or allergic conjunctivitis for adults 18-65 years of age. House dust mite is one of the most common perennial aeroallergens affecting […]
Does Xolair Work for Eczema?
Does Xolair work for eczema? Is a question that has been asked by many atopic dermatitis sufferers since the drug came out. Omalizumab targets IgE and many patients with eczema have extremely high levels of IgE. The only problem is that it approved for patients who have asthma whose IgE go up to 700 IU/ml, […]
Omalizumab (Xolair) for treating Angioedema and Chronic Hives
Omalizumab (Xolair) is being used to treat chronic hives (urticaria). Chronic idiopathic/spontaneous urticaria (CIU/CSU) is characterized by the spontaneous appearance of hives, angioedema or both that recur without specific external stimuli for at least 6 weeks. Angioedema, which is the acute deeper swelling of the lower skin or subcutaneous tissue has been reported to occur […]
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) or medication for allergies?
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is being used more and more in the United States for allergic rhinitis symptoms. Allergic rhinitis is a common condition affecting up to 500 million persons worldwide. Allergic rhinitis is often under treated and perceived as a mild disease by physicians. However allergies can have a a substantial adverse effect on quality […]
Ligelizumab (QGE031) vs. Omalizumab (Xolair)
Ligelizumab (QGE031) is currently being developed by Novartis for the treatment of allergic diseases mainly asthma and chronic spontaneous urticaria. Allergic diseases are dependent on the development of increased IgE levels. Allergen-specific IgE plays a role in the inflammatory cascade of allergic responses. Allergic individuals with elevated IgE levels have increased allergic mediators (e.g. histamine, […]
Flonase Sensimist to be available OTC
Update: Flonase Sensimist will be available February 2017. It has the same active ingredient as Veramyst (fluticasone furoate and in the same strength). Flonase Sensimist is the latest nasal steroid to get approval to be sold over the counter (OTC). Previously available as prescription only, Flonase Sensimist is for the treatment of seasonal and perennial […]
Dupixent (Dupilumab) for Atopic Dermatitis/Eczema
Dupixent (generic name Dupilumab) has showed great promise in a recently published study in the New England Journal of Medicine. In a previous post, we have discussed extensively Dupilumab. Click on the link below to read further about Dupixent (dupilumab). Dupilumab For background, atopic dermatitis or eczema, is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease that […]
Hillary Clinton’s Allergies
Hillary Clinton’s allergies has been in the news a lot lately. Most recently, this past Monday in Ohio she struggled to get through a campaign event where she had a 2 minute coughing fit. She had difficulty speaking during the rally and she was having a hard time due to the cough. The next day, […]