Has anyone taken Biologics?

I took Dupixent, auto-injected at home since 11/2024. I have chronic asthma and ideopathic emphysema. My spouse injects me because when I do it, I bruise myself and sone of the serum leaks out. I took it every 2 weeks for nearly a year and then found the side effects very bothersome (achy joints—arthralgia) so we switched me to Nucala, once every 4 weeks.

They will mail it in its own styrofoam cooler and ice packs to your home or the pharmacy you designate for you to pick up or the specialty pharmacy. You do have to get your md to get it pre-authorized.

Since starting the biologics, I have not had any flareups of ny asthma/emphysema (used to have flare ups 1/6x/year for over 20 years and eosinophils >500 per blood tests). Once I hit the $3k out of pocket max for rx under my private insurance (which serves as my Medicare MediGap plan), I no longer have any copays for any Rx, including Nucala for the rest of this year.

@hopeful33250
For Medicare, typically drugs that are given in a clinic or doctor’s office are covered by Part B (chemotherapy, other infusions). Drugs that the patient administers at home are covered by Part D. Dupixent is delivered on ice to your home by whatever specialty pharmacy your Part D coverage plan uses, and must be kept refrigerated until use. Your doctor must get prior approval, and how much the patient pays depends on the Part D plan (for Original Medicare) or by the Medicare Advantage plan for patients using Medicare Advantage.

I considered Dupixent, but changed my mind after doing research online. There are lawsuits concerning its use. My doctor no longer advises its use. See example:
https://www.medlegal360.com/dupixent-lawsuits-and-legal-updates/

Yes, long history of asthma. I am 71 now. I have had asthma since I was 10, off and on, no matter which state I lived in. I have been on Fasenra for 3 years now. I still have to use my inhaler, singular, nasal rinse, and Claritin, but the biologic changed my life. Go for it if they offer it.

@hopeful33250 @jdwelch2025

It was part B medical of Medicare as was done through my rheumatologist’s infusion clinic.

@hopeful33250 I am on a medicare advantage plan, so I’m not sure. I pay the first $2100, then insurance pays the rest.

To jdwelch2025
I will have to check. I go once a month to an infusion clinic and have three shots. One in each thigh and one in the belly. Not painful at all. Very quick and the nurses are terrific.

@jdwelch2025 @mth13 @ricktweld
I appreciate all of your responses. One question: If you were on Medicare when you were prescribed the biologic, do you recall whether it was billed through your Part D prescription plan or through the medical part of Medicare?

@jdwelch2025 ditto what jd said. Make sure you have good insurance, because there is quite a “sticker shock” with Dupixent. As advertised, i was one of the lucky ones who felt results in 3 days. Might be worth trying yourself. Good luck!

In late onset asthma it is difficult to pinpoint cause, but high eosinophils were my major clue. If your blood work shows high eosinophils, Singulair ( Montelukast) is not appropriate since it raises them. I have been on NUCALA successfully for over two years to reduce my eosinophils. During a sinusitis flare this winter I was taking Allegra, Astepro, sinus rinses, and was prescribed a prednisone taper to reduce heavy, thick, pink tinged sinus discharge along with thick mucus in my lungs, along with reduced hearing from eustachian tube swelling. I stopped taking the Allegra and Astepto and gradually I recovered. I read in this Mayo site about Astepro (OTC generic) not being the same as the prescription azelastine and causing just these symptoms in some people. I know when we are in the middle of a flare we are likely to try whatever we can to get over it, but some of the over the counter drugs are not right for everyone. Read through the comments in this site for good information from others walking in your shoes. Best of luck zeroing in on the correct treatment for your condition. Like me you may never find out what causes it, but you can treat it successfully and get on with life.
MTH13