Monoclonal Antibodies for Migraine

Monoclonal Antibodies for Migraine

The FDA has recently approved Aimovig (Erenumab) a once-a-month injection to prevent migraines.  Aimovig is a monoclonal antibody that targets the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor (CGRP).  CGRP is a neurotransmitter that dilates blood vessels and stimulates pain.  It was discovered that levels of CGRP go way up in people experiencing migraines.  By blocking the receptor for CGRP the Aimovig is able to prevent headaches.   Since Aimovig is a preventative agent, it is currently only recommended for patients with frequent…

Read More Read More

Q – Tips: asthma

Q – Tips: asthma

A recent study in Europe was done on people with mild-persistent asthma.  The study compared daily use of a combination inhaler with long lasting bronchodilator and steroid versus just using the inhaler when the asthma started to flare up.  The rate of severe exacerbation of the asthma requiring either an ER visit or treatment with oral steroids was the same in both groups.

Q – Tips: Auvi Q

Q – Tips: Auvi Q

Auvi–Q, a form of adrenaline auto injector has recently come out with a lower dose injector for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in children weighing less than 33 pounds.  It contains .1 mg of epinephrine and has a shorter needle (to avoid hitting the bone when injected).  Previous to this the only other available doses were .15 mg for people 30 to 60 pounds and .30 mg for people over 60 pounds.

Bronchodilators evolve better and safer

Bronchodilators evolve better and safer

Dear Dr. K:  I recently heard that the “black-box” warnings on LABAs (long-lasting bronchodilators) has been removed.  Is that true, and are LABAs safe? These are two great questions.  The answer to both is “yes”.  It’s best, however, that we explain a few things.  The two most common of these bronchodilators are Formoterol and Salmeterol.  They are basically long-acting forms of Albuterol.  When they first became available about 20 years ago they could be used as a single agent to…

Read More Read More

An allergy shot for Alzheimer’s? In the pipeline. . .

An allergy shot for Alzheimer’s? In the pipeline. . .

By:  Sasha Klemawesch, RN, MD Well…sort of.  Alzheimer’s has been and continues to be one of the most frustrating diseases for researchers, patients, and caregivers alike.  But there may be hope on the horizon. A new immune therapy called Aducanumab – an antibody against B-Amyloid – is undergoing human testing right now.  B-Amyloid leads to plaque creation and deposition in the brain, and those plaques, along with neurofibrillary tangles  caused by the Tau protein, are the two key pathologic findings…

Read More Read More

Eczema med Dupixent may also offer major benefits to asthmatics

Eczema med Dupixent may also offer major benefits to asthmatics

In a previous newsletter we discussed the new biologic drug Dupixent (Dupilumab) as a true “Godsend” for severe eczema.  By way of reminder, it is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the interleukin-4 receptor, and thereby prevents the inflammation that causes eczema.  This medicine has proven to be both safe and effective, and the injections can be done at home. Because interleukin-4 also plays a big role in asthmatic inflammation, researchers at Washington University have studied its benefits in severe steroid-dependent…

Read More Read More

Summer means lots of swimming fun, but remember to stay alert and aware

Summer means lots of swimming fun, but remember to stay alert and aware

Bathing in warm sulfur spring water has been touted for its potential health benefits, but some susceptible individuals – especially allergic people who may tend to have dry skin or eczema – may turn up with a severe skin rash from exposure to this water. Typically, the rash appears suddenly about 24 hours after the water exposure.  The rash is red with a look of “punched out” ulcers and pits.  It is caused by the acidic nature of the hydrogen…

Read More Read More

Q – Tips : Summer is here

Q – Tips : Summer is here

Summer is grass pollen season in Florida and throughout the United States.  This summer’s weather pattern has led to higher than usual pollen levels.  One simple measure to reduce grass pollen is to mow the lawn more frequently.  The pollen comes from tall “overgrown” grass stalks that contain the flowering plant heads.  

Q Tips: NAC

Q Tips: NAC

If you’re looking for help with breaking up thick mucus in the sinuses or lungs, try N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC).  NAC is a stable form of the amino acid L-cysteine and has a wonderful benefit of loosening and lessening thick mucus.  Because it is basically an amino acid (a building block for proteins), it is considered a food supplement and is safe to use.

New drug goes after major cause of asthma — eosinophils

New drug goes after major cause of asthma — eosinophils

Maybe you’ve seen the ads on TV lately for Fasenra, also known as Benralizumab, a new monoclonal antibody to help treat asthma. Fasenra blocks the proliferation of asthma-causing bad guys called eosinophils. The decreasing of these white blood cells helps prevent asthmatic inflammation. The new Fasenra antibody is “selective for interleukin-5 (IL-5),” counteracting this chemical mediator that causes the proliferation of eosinophils — the major cause of asthma. It is indicated for severe asthmatics 12 years old or older. Clinical…

Read More Read More