Pt 2 of 3 of our Biologic treatment for severe Asthma review - this week - Biologic drug recommendations
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Biologics for severe Asthma
New Asthma treatment Part 2
How long should biologics be used
There are currently no set guidelines on how long a biologic should be used for severe asthma. Guidelines recommend trialling a biologic for a minimum four months to determine if it improves severe asthma symptoms. Consultants are given specific guidelines of how often to review and will decide if the biologic is to continue based on response.
European guidelines on biologic use
Treatment guidelines were produced by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI)
EAACI Biologic Therapies recommendations
Omalizumab
Omalizumab is indicated for adults, adolescents, and children (6 to <12 years of age) and the licence states that Omalizumab should only be considered for patients with severe confirmed IgE mediated asthma (i.e.) allergic asthma.
The EAACI suggest that adults with both allergic and nonallergic severe uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma may benefit from the addition of omalizumab.
Mepolizumab
Mepolizumab is an IL-5 inhibitor licenced as add-on therapy in adults and children over 6 with severe uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma. The EAACI strongly recommended Mepolizumab to limit exacerbations and taper oral corticosteroids in severe asthma but less strongly recommended it for less severe asthma in based on cost/ benefit analysis.
Reslizumab
The EAACI strongly recommended Reslizumab as add-on treatment for adults with severe uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma who are taking controller medications to lower symptom exacerbations.
Benralizumab
Licenced as add on therapy for adults with severe eosinophilic uncontrolled asthma. Benralizumab is an IL-5 inhibitor. The EAACI strongly recommends Benralizumab as add-on therapy to reduce severe exacerbations and taper oral corticosteroids when the blood eosinophil count is >150/µL.
Convenient Flu Vaccination Service at Whelehans
Whelehans offer flu vaccine at our Pearse St and Clonmore store most days for adults and children. You can book online on the Whelehans Pharmacy website or ring either pharmacy. Flu vaccine is €25 (€20 if you book online) or free with medical or doctor visit card. It is free for older people, children and people with long term conditions and healthcare workers.
Covid 19 Vaccine Clinic
Whelehans offer a weekly COVID-19 Walk in clinic at Whelehans Pearse St for Covid-19 boosters. Contact Whelehans Pearse St at 0449334591 or check Whelehans website or social media for more information
To be continued…next week
For comprehensive and free health advice and information call in to Whelehans, log on to www.whelehans.ie or dial 04493 34591 (Pearse St) or 04493 10266 (Clonmore) or info@whelehans.ie.