Reducing the frequency of asthma events, symptoms, dosage of other controller medication, and overall quality of life improvements are a few reasons for asthma patients to inquire about adding a biologic to their medication regime.
The treatment is a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) or intravenous infusion (into the veins) and usually administered in a doctor’s office, however there is one where the injection can be done at home.
There are five biologics approved for asthma and each treats asthma in a different way. Some have been approved for children, while others are designed specifically for adults.
A series of screening tests would be administered to determine which biologic would be best for treatment. It is important to provide as much feedback as possible to assess for side effects.
Asthma is a condition that disproportionately affects Black Americans. “Black Americans are three times more likely to die from asthma with Black women having the highest mortality rate in the United States.
In order to combat this health inequity, newer, more aggressive treatments must be explored,” says Dr. Lenoir. Biologics may be just what Black Americans need to overcome this disparity as the medical community continues to work towards a cure.