Choosing Between Chronic Hives Treatment Options

In the latest episode of the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast, we explore what happens when antihistamines are not enough to treat chronic hives (also called chronic urticaria).

Apart from antihistamines, there are three other treatments that you and your healthcare provider can choose from. This podcast looks at each of those treatments and what you should think about when using them.

Podcast hosts Payel Gupta, MD, a board-certified allergist and immunologist, and Kortney, a patient advocate, talk with David M. Lang, MD, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Allergy and Immunology at the Cleveland Clinic. Drs. Gupta and Lang reflect on their conversations with patients about hives treatments, from side effects to the overall cost and how much time commitment is needed.

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

Listen to Chronic Hives Treatment Options

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Thank you to Genentech and Novartis 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 Chronic Hives Treatment

Chronic hives are defined as hives that last more than six weeks. Most people start treatment with an antihistamine. But for many people, that is not enough. The good news is there are more choices now than ever before. The hard part is picking one.

  • What you need to think about when choosing a medication. How much a medicine can help you, what it might do to you, and how it fits into your schedule.
  • Three other treatments for chronic hives. If antihistamines do not work, there are two biologic shots (omalizumab and dupilumab) and one pill (remibrutinib) to choose from. 
  • Some side effects sound scarier than they are. The risks of taking these medicines are real but rare, and this episode explains how rare.
  • Blood tests may help you choose your medication. Tests will not tell you why you have hives. But they may hint at which treatment could work best for you.
  • Your insurance may decide where you start. All three treatments work well. If your plan covers one first, that is okay. You can still ask about the others later.

Timestamps From our Podcast about Choosing Chronic Hives Treatment

01:57 — What is chronic urticaria

04:49 — Shared decision-making

08:35 — When antihistamines aren’t working

10:38 — A look at omalizumab

18:44 — A look at dupilumab

22:07 — A look at remibrutinib

27:47 — Antihistamines plus advanced treatment

29:06 — Testing to find the right treatment

34:46 — Insurance and cost

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