COVID-19, asthma and biologic therapies
Question:
3/5/2020
Multiple patients being treated for asthma with various biologics (Dupixent, Nucala, Xolair) are asking if they should stop biologics in light of possible COVID-19 infection.
Answer:
Given that respiratory viruses, including rhinoviruses, influenza, and COVID-19, are triggers for asthma exacerbations, all currently prescribed effective anti-asthma therapy, including all FDA approved anti-asthma biologics, should be continued in patients with asthma. Frequent hand washing, keeping the hands out of the face, and social isolation are also essential factors in helping to mitigate COVID-19 spread.
We also just launched a podcast titled: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Update: What Healthcare Professionals and Patients Need to Know. You can find it here.
Eric Macy, MD, MS, FAAAAI