questions for Dr Andy

[eleanordigby]

Does anyone know the answers to my two very short questions, which he didn’t get time for? -

Xolair doesn’t seem to help with abpa, is there another biologic which does, and for which you don’t have to have high eosinophils? (Maybe the new one?)

are antivirals for covid now limited to people with immune deficiencies?

many thanks

[Claire_ALUK Partner ALUK Asthma Nurse]

Sorry we didn't get to your Q's last night. Dr Andy will look at the unanswered next week. However as far as I am aware the usual treatment for Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is steroids and antifungals, blf.org.uk/support-for-you/.... Sometimes biologics are used but their effectiveness is not fully known and so it could be trials to see what helps. So my advice would be to speak to your specialist team regarding both your questions, - you feel Xolair is not helping -are there any other options, and am I eligible for antivirals should I get covid? nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...

[eleanordigby in reply to Claire_ALUK]

Thanks, Claire - will do

[Poobah]

Prof Pavrod, who heads up the Oxford JR Respiratory Clinic, is running a study into the safety and efficacy of a biologic in the treatment of ABPA. Not sure if the study has finished. Maybe worth mentioning this when you chat with your specialist. The Oxford team are always looking for suitable candidates to take part in their various research studies, but participants may end up taking a placebo rather than the biologics/meds. More details here, hra.nhs.uk/planning-and-imp...

[eleanordigby in reply to Poobah]

Thanks, Poobah. Right now I’m only eligible for Xolair (eosinophils are normal) and although it was great for first 18months, ABPA has flared up & now it’s not helping as much. But I don’t want it stopped with no replacement, as I’m still loads better than pre-Xolair! Also I’m under two different teams (asthma and bronchiectasis) and they don’t always agree 🤷‍♀️