medications

Genentech and Novartis are developing an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody for asthma and allergic rhinitis. In December 1999 they announced positive study results. This is evidence that reducing IgE results in a reduction of symptoms associated with IgE-mediated allergic disease.13 For people who find they cannot adequately avoid the allergens, the symptoms often can be controlled with medications. Effective medications that can be prescribed by a physician include antihistamines, topical nasal steroids, and cromolyn sodium - any of which can be used alone or in combination. Many effective antihistamines and decongestants also are available without a prescription. Click here for allergy medication online.

In 1990 study in San Diego, CA the 5 active subjects with allergic rhinitis had a lowered total serum IgE from Day 0 to Day 90 while 4 placebo subjects, (2 with allergic rhinitis, 1 with asthma and 1 with both), had flat or increased IgE levels.4 In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study of symptoms and serum IgE levels in San Diego, CA in mid-1991, subjects had allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. Serum was drawn at Day 0 and Day 30. Seven of the 10 active treated subjects had a reduction in total serum IgE levels. In 10 placebo treated subjects, 5 had levels of total serum IgE that stayed the same (plus or minus 5%), 3 decreased and 2 increased.5 Statistical analysis of the open-label study as well as the double-blind randomized placebo controlled study have shown a significant effect of vitamin B12 in lowering serum IgE concentrations.

All of the active B12 group reporting showed reduction in severity of symptoms ranging from 31% to 70%, while the placebo controls reported either no change or a worsening of symptoms. Wilcoxon-Rank of .002 for the end-points of sneezing, nasal congestion and runny nose; and p = .005 for IgE reductions. In 1992, the above mentioned data from 1988 on were presented by Dr. O''Connor to the FDA. The FDA panel acknowledged the safety of the treatment. The panel seemed to be in agreement that the statistics indicated a significant reduction in IgE and that a quantitative drop in symptoms was demonstrated. In 1992, Belen Anibarro, MD, studied five children with asthma with metabisulfite intolerance confirmed by oral challenge testing. The test was repeated after premedication with 1.5 mg of oral cyanocobalamin. In four of the five patients treated, bronchospasm did not develop in the second metabisulfite challenge.6