Conventional treatments, like inhalers and pills, work well for many of Allergy & Asthma Specialists’ patients, but for others—with particularly challenging forms of asthma, hives or eczema—they may need more aggressive treatments. Biologic drugs may be the answer that they need.

Biologic drugs are an exciting and promising medical advancement that allow us to create a safe, tailored and effective treatment for patients who haven’t had success with traditional medications.

Biologics are designed to target a specific pathway in each individual patient, and they are personalized—based on that individual’s predicted response or risk of disease. This allows the drugs to be effective when more conventional medications are not. In asthma patients, biologic drugs often reduce the number of asthma incidents a patient experiences. Biologics can improve asthmatics’ lung function, making a patient less likely to need prednisone.

Chronic hives—itchy, red welts that last for more than six weeks—are uncomfortable, embarrassing and can interfere with sleep and daily life. Used for adults and children at least 12 years old, Omalizumab (Xolair) is a treatment we prescribe when antihistamines have not been successful. In clinical studies, Omalizumab decreased patients’ number of hive flares and lessened the severity of itching during flares. Some patients say they’re completely itch and hive-free when taking Omalizumab. 

More than a million adults in the U.S. live with eczema— also known as Atopic Dermatitis or AD—a skin condition characterized by dry, scaly skin and intense itching. Skin can sometimes also be thickened because of long term scratching and rubbing.

Dupilumab (Dupixent) is a biologic drug for adult patients with moderate-to-severe eczema, when other prescription therapies have not been effective. It works by slowing down allergic inflammation. The drug provides a dramatic response in many eczema patients, often completely clearing their skin. It is also currently being studied as a treatment for asthma and chronic nasal polyps.

We believe our patients deserve access to the most cutting-edge, yet safe and proven, treatments available. At Allergy & Asthma Specialists, we are thrilled to be able to use biologic drugs to help our patients achieve the best possible results in the shortest amount of time. Some patients have called the use of biologics in their treatment plan life changing.

Offices are located in Center City Philadelphia, King of Prussia, Blue Bell, Jenkintown, Doylestown, Lansdale, Collegeville and Pottstown. To schedule an appointment at an Allergy & Asthma Specialists location near you, call 1-800-86COUGH, extension 2 or visit their website today.