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As allergists, we are advising all of our patients, especially those with asthma, to remain on their medications. Specifically, asthma patients taking inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) should be advised to continue these medications as they have been shown to prevent or reduce asthma exacerbations. To date 80% of cases are mild and self-limited, manifesting as fever, cough and shortness of breath. 

For now, we remain calm and prudent on how we advise our patients. For patients with severe asthma currently on a biologic therapy, there is no information at this time that these treatments should be stopped. Optimal control of this chronic condition is of the utmost importance.

We are implementing intensive phone prescreening of acute visits to determine if patients have had fever for the past several weeks, potential exposure to COVID-19, or new onset cough. This way, patients can be effectively triaged before arriving at our office or even referred to an acute care clinic, emergency room or your local facility set up to handle potential COVID-19 exposed patients as we feel that our office is not prepared to safely treat COVID patients; while protecting other patients and staff in the office from the virus.

Reasonable health care recommendations for our asthma patients are:

1. Avoid close contact (6 feet) with people who are sick.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
3. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
4. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
5. Use tissues to cover coughs and sneezes, then discard tissue in the trash.
6. Clean/disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
7. Continue your regular controller/maintenance therapies
8. IF YOU ARE SICK, STAY AT HOME! 

This is an excerpt from https://acaai.org/news/important-information-about-covid-19-those-asthma

Our office is not equipped to test or treat patients with COVID-19.

For the safety of our staff and other patients, many of whom have compromised immune systems or severe respiratory problems, we ask that you call us before coming to the office if you are experiencing symptoms of the flu or other respiratory infection including: fever, cough, runny nose, etc. or if you suspect you have been exposed to the coronavirus through close personal contact with a confirmed case or travel.

For information on the virus and how to protect yourself, we recommend the CDC website, which can be found by clicking here.

We recommend using standard flu precautions: hand-washing for at least 20 seconds with water, avoid sick people, stay home if sick, and clean frequently touched surfaces often.

For information specific to Colorado, the Denver Post is doing a good job tracking coronavirus in Denver and around the state.

What is it? 

Palforzia is the first of its kind treatment for patients age 4 to 17 who have a history of confirmed allergy to peanuts.  Palforzia comes as a powder that is made from peanuts.  It will come in a capsule form.  The capsule is emptied and mixed with a small amount of applesauce, yogurt, or pudding that is swallowed.

What does it do?

Though there is no “cure” for food allergies, Palforzia can be prescribed to help reduce the likelihood of a severe allergic reaction to peanuts with accidental exposure, including anaphylaxis.  It is NOT an emergency treatment for anaphylaxis.

How does it work?

The exact mechanism of how Palforzia works is not known.  However, just like other types of oral immunotherapy, exposing peanut allergic patients to small amounts of peanut protein over time can potentially reduce the likelihood of a severe reaction.  The amount of peanut protein from Palforzia is increased gradually over the course of several months.

When will I see benefits?

Scientific studies showed a reduction in allergic symptoms after patients were on a maintenance dose of Palforzia for 6 months when challenged with a dose of 600 mg of peanut protein (about 2 peanuts).

What are the side effects?

The most common side effects reported included abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, itching, cough, runny nose, throat irritation, hives, asthma symptoms, and anaphylaxis.  No fatal reactions occurred in the clinical trials.

How much does it cost?

The annual cost of Palforzia falls in the middle of the $3,000 to $20,000 range.  It is not known at this time whether insurance companies will cover a part or all of this cost.

What do I do?

Palforzia is a very new treatment option.  It is not appropriate for all patients.  Please talk to your doctor at BVAAC/DAA to get more information.  Remember, Palforzia is not a cure for peanut allergy.  Peanut avoidance and having injectable epinephrine available for treatment of an allergic reaction remains the mainstay of management.

The Physicians and Staff of BVAAC/DAA

For the full FDA Press Release, click here.

Dear Patients,

We care about your health and want to make sure you are aware of a recent drug recall.

 The FDA has recently announced a voluntary recall of ranitidine (Zantac) products due to possible contamination with NDMA, a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer). For more information, please visit the FDA’s website https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/questions-and-answers-ndma-impurities-ranitidine-commonly-known-zantac.

If you are currently taking ranitidine (Zantac) and have questions, please contact your physician.

Sincerely,

Denver Allergy and Asthma
Boulder Valley Asthma and Allergy Clinics

Effective December 1st – our office days and hours are changing at the Denver Central location

Denver Central will be open three full days.

Tuesday: 8am-11:40am and 1pm-5:40pm
Wednesday: 8am-11:40am and 1pm-4:40pm
Friday: 8am – 11:40am and 1pm-4:40pm

Central will be closed on Monday and Thursday

Other office schedules will not be impacted.

If you have questions, please call 303-234-1067 to discuss.