Biologic Injections For Asthma in St. Louis

What is Biologic Therapy?

A newer class of medications called ‘biologic therapies’ have been developed to target unique pathways responsible for inflammation in moderate-to-severe asthma when standard therapies are ineffective. Biologic therapies are unique in that they target a specific antibody, inflammatory molecule, or cell receptor.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Approved Biologic Injections For Asthma

There are currently five different approved biologic therapies for asthma treatment in the United States, three of which are also indicated for related conditions including eczema, hives, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Because of the targeted nature of biologics, an asthma patient may respond more favorably to one type of biologic therapy over another.

Dupixent (Dupilumab)

Xolair (Omalizumab)

Nucala (Mepolizumab)

Fasenra (Benralizumab)

Cinqaero (Reslizumab)

Why Biologic Therapy For Asthma?

Most cases of asthma are managed effectively with standard therapies. Standard therapies usually consist of identifying and avoiding triggers, taking controller medication, and using a quick-relief inhaler when symptoms develop. Some individuals, however, experience frequent symptoms even when taking standard therapies. In such individuals, biologic injections for asthma have been shown to decrease the frequency of asthma attacks, requiring fewer interventions with oral steroids, less emergency room visits, and less hospitalizations.

Additional benefits of biologics include reduced asthma symptoms, improved lung function, reduced dosage of other controller medication, and less missed school and work days. Patients on biologics have told us that they are much less stressed about flare ups, are more confident in going out and meeting people, and are much less restricted in their day-to-day lives.

If biologic therapy sounds like the right solution for your asthma, you should start by discussing your situation with Dr. Cajigal.

in St. Louis, Missouri

What to Expect with Biologic Therapy

If you’re a good candidate for biologics and decide to proceed with treatment, you will still need to take your usual medicines, including your inhalers, even if you are on a biologic therapy. It’s also important that you’ve been following your standard treatment plans, and taking your prescribed medicines properly even if you feel they’re not very effective.

Unlike other medications for asthma, most biologics are administered in Dr. Cajigal’s office either as a subcutaneous injection or as an intravenous infusion. Biologic injection visits are usually required every two to eight weeks depending on your regimen.

With some biologics, Dr. Cajigal may want to observe you in the office for 30 minutes up to two hours after administration to minimize any unforeseen side effects. Dupixent (Dupilumab) is the one biologic that can be self-administered at home.

If your asthma does not improve after receiving 4 to 12 months of a biologic treatment, or you have been unable to reduce your daily steroid use, Dr. Cajigal will reassess your asthma and you may be offered another biologic treatment. If you have a successful trial, Dr. Cajigal will develop a personalized plan for you to continue long-term treatment.

Potential Biologic Therapy Side Effects

Some biologics carry a small risk of anaphylaxis, so your allergist will typically prescribe an epi pen in case of severe reaction. Biologics can also interact adversely with certain types of parasitic infections or with herpes zoster (the virus responsible for chickenpox in children and shingles in adults), but instances of this are also rare.

Our Biologic Injections Schedule

We are currently providing biologic injections for asthma by appointment throughout our regular business hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 4:00pm.

We hope you’ve found this information helpful. Get in touch with us at St. Louis Family Allergy to learn more about biologic therapy. We’re looking forward to your visit!

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