As the name suggests, biologic therapy treatments are those derived from the cells of  living organisms that are then modified to target specific molecules in humans. In the case of asthma, for example, the biologic therapy is targeting specific molecules. By targeting these molecules, biologics work to disrupt the pathways that lead to inflammation that causes asthma symptoms. At Allergy & Asthma Specialists, we educate ourselves on the latest advancements in biologics to help our patients achieve their highest quality of life.

We work very closely with our patients to fully evaluate and assess our patients to understand if they truly would benefit from such therapies. Biologic therapies used for moderate to severe asthma patients, for example, are only employed for patients who continue to have symptoms despite use of standard daily controller medications and have failed other typical measures. Our specialists may obtain screening tests such as blood work or environmental allergy skin testing along with your entire medical history to help decide if and which biologic would be best to treat your condition.

The efficacy of biologics can be remarkable. Biologics offer drastic life-changing therapy for patients that have failed traditional medications or have had no other options, especially for those who suffer from allergic and immunologic disease, including moderate to severe allergic asthma, and chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU). There can be a significant decrease in asthma exacerbations, including emergency room visits, hospitalizations, need for oral steroids, reduced controller medications. All in all, it can significantly improve your quality of life.

Most biologic therapy treatments are administered in our office under medical supervision as a subcutaneous injection. While the paperwork and high cost of drugs can be overwhelming, our nursing and administrative staff work closely with our patients, insurance companies, and available patient assistance programs to help our patients get the best coverage possible with the lowest costs. With our help, there is minimal out-of-pocket cost for biologic therapies for many of our patients.

If you’d like to learn more, please call our office at 219-513-8923 today!