Asthma Injections (Biologics) in NYC

If your asthma stays hard to control even with daily inhalers, a biologic injection may help. Biologics can reduce flare-ups, emergency visits and the need for oral steroids. Dr. Arthur Lubitz, a board-certified allergist and immunologist in Midtown Manhattan, evaluates patients for biologic therapy and manages treatment at his office at 244 West 54th Street.

What are asthma biologics?

Biologics are injectable medicines that block specific parts of the immune response that drive airway inflammation. Options include omalizumab (Xolair), mepolizumab (Nucala), benralizumab (Fasenra), dupilumab (Dupixent) and tezepelumab (Tezspire). Each works on a different pathway, so the best choice depends on your type of asthma.

Who may benefit

Biologics are usually considered for moderate to severe asthma that isn’t controlled with an inhaled steroid plus a second controller medicine, for people who need oral steroids for flare-ups more than once a year, and for allergic asthma or asthma with high eosinophil levels. Some biologics also treat nasal polyps, eczema or chronic hives.

Your first visit

Dr. Lubitz reviews your symptoms, history and current medicines and checks your lung function with spirometry. He may order blood tests, such as an eosinophil count and IgE level, or allergy testing to find the biologic most likely to work for you.

How treatment works

Depending on the medicine, injections are given every two to eight weeks. The first doses are usually given in the office, and many patients can later give them at home. Progress is typically reviewed after about four months.

Insurance

Most insurance plans cover biologics for patients who meet their criteria, usually after prior authorization. The office can help you through that process.

Book a visit

Book online through Zocdoc or call (212) 247-7447. Same-day appointments are available.