Busting the Biggest Biologics Myths for Asthma, COPD and Nasal Polyps

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Welcome to the latest episode of the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast. The episode focuses on biologic medications. Biologics treat asthma, COPD and nasal polyps, among other conditions. Starting a biologic can feel scary. You might think it means being on medicine forever. You might wonder if it means you will really never need to have surgery for nasal polyps or use your inhaler again.

Podcast co-hosts Payel Gupta, MD, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, and Kortney, a patient advocate, are joined by Giselle Mosnaim, MD, also an allergist and immunologist. They talk about how the nose and lungs are connected. They explain what it means when a disease is not under control. And they answer the biggest questions patients have about biologics.

Check out the podcast on ItchPodcast.com or download it for listening anytime, anywhere on your preferred podcast player!

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Thank you to AstraZeneca for sponsoring this podcast episode.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Any mention of brands is also informational and not an endorsement. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns.

Key Takeaways About Biologics for Asthma, COPD, and Nasal Polyps

Many patients live with symptoms they think are just normal, like needing extra medicine, missing sleep, or planning life around the next flare-up. But asthma, COPD, and nasal polyps do not have to control your life. There are medicines, like biologics, that can help.

  • The nose and lungs are connected. They share the same kind of lining, so the same medicine can sometimes help both.
  • A biologic works differently than steroid pills or shots. It targets one small part of the immune system instead of the whole body.
  • “Not under control” does not always look severe. Even patients taking their medicine the right way can still have symptoms that need a different plan.
  • Biologics do not replace your other medicine. Most patients still use their inhaler or nasal spray, but may need a lower dose.
  • Biologics can lower the chance of needing surgery again. For some patients with nasal polyps, they may not need repeat surgery at all.

Timestamps from our Podcast About Biologics for Asthma, COPD, and Nasal Polyps

01:14 – Introducing Dr. Giselle Mosnaim

02:17 – Asthma, COPD, and CRSwNP connection

03:01 – What is a biologic?

05:47 – What is uncontrolled disease?

09:50 – Is uncontrolled disease severe disease?

12:12 – The goal of being on a biologic

13:29 – Will a biologic weaken my immune system?

14:06 – Am I on this forever?

20:03 – Is this too new or experimental?

21:15 – Will it replace my inhaler or mean I never need surgery again?

22:11 – Will my inhaler dose stay the same?

24:05 – Will I gain weight or have visible side effects?

25:01 – Will I have a bad reaction, and what about needles or infusions?

29:46 – Is a biologic safe during pregnancy or family planning?

30:45 – Dr. Mosnaim’s final thoughts

More Resources about Biologics for Asthma, COPD, and Nasal Polyps

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