BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – In the past, a common approach to treating asthma involved prescribing inhalers. However, in recent years, the range of treatment options has broadened to include injectable asthma medications.
Carrie Varner, who used to experience three to four asthma attacks weekly, lived in constant fear of triggering another episode. The anxiety of not knowing what could set off an attack made her hesitant to go outdoors or engage in activities.
Having battled allergies throughout her life, Varner initially attributed her worsening symptoms to allergies. However, after a diagnosis of Job’s Syndrome, an immunodeficiency disorder associated with an increased risk of lung issues, she found relief in Xolair, prescribed by her doctor last April.
For Varner, the transformation has been significant. She can now participate in activities, socialize without apprehension, and truly enjoy life again.
Despite the documented effectiveness of Xolair, with studies indicating a success rate of over 90% in asthma treatment, access to this medication and similar options remains a challenge for many patients.
Dr. Alfredo Iardino, a pulmonologist at CHI St. Alexius and Varner’s physician, highlighted the limited number of patients receiving such treatments in their practice, emphasizing the hurdles in obtaining these medications.
Varner expressed gratitude for not incurring any costs for her medication, noting that without insurance coverage, the monthly expense for Xolair injections would amount to a staggering $60,000.
Sharing her family’s experience, Varner mentioned her sister’s struggle with Job’s Syndrome and the arduous process of appealing insurance decisions to secure coverage for Xolair, which required 12 appeals before approval was granted.
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