What should you know about severe asthma biologic treatment?

Biologics are targeted medicines given by injection or infusion under a prescribed schedule. They block or reduce immune signals involved in particular asthma patterns. They are considered after a clinician confirms the diagnosis, reviews inhaler technique and regular treatment, and assesses symptoms, lung function, flare history, allergies, and blood or other markers when relevant.

A biologic is an add-on to an asthma plan rather than a replacement for prescribed preventer treatment. The suitable medicine depends on the inflammatory pattern, age, other conditions, and local specialist guidance.

Attend specialist assessments and bring a list of medicines, recent symptoms, flare treatments, allergies, and inhalers. Keep appointments for doses and monitoring, and report new symptoms after treatment. Do not stop inhaled medicine or oral steroids suddenly unless your clinician gives a tapering plan. Continue trigger reduction, vaccination advice, and the written action plan alongside biologic treatment.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, difficulty speaking, blue or grey lips, confusion, or rescue medicine that is not helping. After an injection or infusion, emergency symptoms such as facial or throat swelling, faintness, or sudden breathing difficulty need immediate attention. Your specialist should explain which reactions to report and where to obtain urgent help.

Ask why a biologic is being considered, which asthma pattern it targets, how it will be given, what monitoring is planned, how long an assessment period lasts, and what to do if a dose is missed or symptoms flare.