Ask about biologic medications for severe refractory allergies

What to Do

Discuss omalizumab (Xolair) or dupilumab (Dupixent) with your allergist if you have severe allergic rhinitis (often with nasal polyps and/or asthma) that fails conventional treatments.

Why It Works

Omalizumab binds circulating IgE, preventing the allergic cascade at its source. Dupilumab blocks IL-4 and IL-13, key cytokines driving allergic inflammation. Both are injectable biologic medications that can be transformative for treatment-resistant patients. A biosimilar (Omlyclo) was approved in 2025, potentially reducing cost.

Tips

• Reserved for severe cases due to cost ($1,000-3,000+/month before insurance)
• Insurance typically requires documented failure of conventional therapies
• Most relevant for patients with severe allergic asthma and concurrent rhinitis
• Administered as subcutaneous injections every 2-4 weeks