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Asthma Biologic Therapy Treatment in New Orleans

Asthma biologic therapy treatment can provide relief when your asthma doesn’t respond to standard therapies. Learn more about biologic therapy treatment for asthma from board-certified Allergist Dr. Reena Mehta in New Orleans. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!

“I was traveling in New Orleans and was experiencing a significant allergic reaction. I have had allergies since I was a child, but I wasn’t experiencing many symptoms until just before I went away. I developed a rash, but more importantly I was having difficulty breathing because of my asthma. Dr. Mehta was very knowledgeable and kind. She quickly reviewed my medical history, as well as my known allergies. She addressed my acute asthmatic episode at the office. Within minutes, my episode ended. She prescribed external and internal medication to ensure that my allergic reactions continued to subside…Within a day or two, I experienced no further allergy symptoms. My trip was saved thanks to Dr. Mehta. I highly recommend her for her knowledge as well as for the compassion she shows towards her patients.“

– Joe Iallonardo, 2020

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Biologic therapy provider Dr. Reena Mehta in New Orleans, LA

What is Biologic Therapy?

Benefits of Biologics

Starting Biologic Therapy

Approved Biologics

Side Effects

Most cases of asthma are well-managed 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, do not respond to standard therapies.

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, so an asthma patient may respond more favorably to one type of biologic over another.

Woman having an asthma attack reaching for inhaler in need of biologic therapy

Where patients with moderate-to-severe asthma would otherwise experience frequent symptoms, biologics have been shown to decrease the frequency of asthma exacerbations, requiring less emergency room visits, less hospitalizations, and fewer interventions with oral steroids.

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 more mobile.

Starting Asthma Biologic Therapy Treatment

If you’re having a difficult time keeping your asthma under control, you should start by discussing your situation with Dr. Mehta. If you’re a good candidate for biologic therapy 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.

Biologics are made from the cells of a living organism that is then modified to target specific molecules in humans. Unlike other medications for asthma, most biologics are administered in Dr. Mehta’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.

Biologic therapy injection provided by a female doctor in New Orleans, LA

With some biologics, Dr. Mehta 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. Mehta will reassess your asthma and you may be offered another biologic treatment. If you have a successful trial, Dr. Mehta will develop a personalized plan for you to continue long-term treatment.

Approved Biologic Treatments for Asthma

A handful of biologic therapy treatments have been FDA approved for asthma, including:

Xolair (Omalizumab)

Indicated for severe allergic asthma, hives, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Omalizumab works by reducing the amount of IgE in the body. IgE is produced when a person has an allergic reaction, too much of which can cause inflammation in the lungs. Omalizumab is given as an injection every 2 to 4 weeks.

Dupixent (Dupilumab)

Indicated for eosinophilic asthma, eczema, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Dupixent works by blocking interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), two proteins that are responsible for allergic inflammation in asthma. Dupixent is given as an injection every 2 weeks. Unlike other biologics, Dupixent can be self-administered by adults or administered by parents when prescribed to children 12 and older.

Cinqaero (Reslizumab)

Also indicated for eosinophilic asthma. Reslizumab works by reducing the number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the body, lowering the inflammation that can cause asthma symptoms and attacks. Reslizumab is usually injected every 4 weeks.

Fasenra (Benralizumab)

Also indicated for eosinophilic asthma. Benralizumab also works by reducing the number of eosinophils. Benralizumab is injected every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses and then every 8 weeks afterwards.

Nucala (Mepolizumab)

Indicated for eosinophilic asthma, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Mepolizumab also works by reducing the number of eosinophils. Mepolizumab is usually injected every 4 weeks.

Biologic Therapy Side Effects

A very small percentage of patients experience side effects from biologic injections. 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). More common but much less significant side effects include minor irritation at the injection site, headaches, tiredness, sore throat, and other cold-like symptoms. Overall, studies have shown biologics to be very safe.

Asthma biologic treatment in Uptown New Orleans

Biologic treatment for asthma can provide you relief when your asthma doesn’t respond to standard therapies. Dr. Mehta has a reputation for developing strong relationships with her patients and being exceptionally attentive to their needs and concerns.