RICHMOND ALLERGY TREATMENT
SPECIALIZED THERAPY FOR YOUR SEVERE ALLERGIES AND HIVES
Pulmonary Associates of Richmond is pleased to offer its patients Biologic Therapy. This treatment plan aims to alleviate and control severe allergy symptoms such as asthma and hives (urticaria). If you suffer from these symptoms and have not found relief through other allergy treatments, Biologic Therapy may be right for you.
HOW DOES BIOLOGIC THERAPY WORK?
A biologic is an injectable drug that helps to control moderate to severe allergy symptoms, and helps you to stay healthy. The injection stimulates the body’s natural immune system response to disease by targeting particular antibodies or cells. Over time, these biologic injections can drastically reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks and hives.
HOW TO GET STARTED:
In order to begin Biologic Therapy at Pulmonary Associates of Richmond, you will first need to complete a series of skin, breathing, and blood tests to determine your eligibility for the treatment. If you qualify, a doctor at PAR will then determine which of our three Biologic Therapy drug offerings are right for you.
BIOLOGIC THERAPY DRUG OPTIONS OFFERED AT OUR CLINIC:
XOLAIR
Xolair helps block allergic antibodies (IgE) in your blood from causing asthma attacks (urticaria)
NUCALA
Nucala reduces the number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in your blood, which causes inflammation in your airways and difficulty breathing
FASENRA
Like Nucala, Fasenra reduces the number of eosinophils in your blood
BEFORE TESTING
Before beginning preliminary testing, your doctor at Pulmonary Associates of Richmond will ask you to stop taking the following medications to ensure tests are as accurate as possible:
– Antihistamines
– Sleep Aids
– Antacid Medications
– Oral Steroids
– Leukotriene Blocking Medications
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH BIOLOGIC THERAPY
Once you have completed these tests, you will have a preliminary appointment with a Biologics Clinic staff member to discuss:
– How often you will need biologic injections
– Our Biologic Clinic hours and locations
– How long appointments will take and what to bring with you
– Consent forms for your insurance company’s prior authorization
While the frequency of injections varies by patient and the type of Biologic Therapy drug, most patients will need injections every 2-8 weeks. Patients who suffer from severe asthma have not only seen an improvement in their allergy symptoms with Biologic Therapy, but also overall improved lung function.
If you are interested in learning more about how Biologic Therapy can control asthma and hives (urticaria), request an appointment on our website or give us a call at (804) 320-4243.