Chronic hives: Researchers identify most effective, safest treatments

Prior to now, patients and clinicians had to consult a growing list of treatment options without up-to-date evidence.

The research identified the following treatments as most effective:

• Omalizumab, an injectable antibody, and remibrutinib, a new oral medication, are among the most effective treatments for reducing hives, itch, and swelling.
• Dupilumab, another injectable antibody, also showed promise, particularly for reducing hives.
• Cyclosporine may be effective but carries a higher risk of side-effects such as kidney toxicity and high blood pressure.

“This first comprehensive analysis of all advanced treatment options for chronic urticaria provides a clear and evidence-based ‘menu of treatment options’ for patients and their clinicians to choose from,” says Derek Chu, senior author and assistant professor with McMaster’s Department of Medicine.

Chu says the study makes clear which treatment options were the most effective and safe.

Reference:

Chu, Alexandro W.L. et al., Comparative efficacy and safety of biologics and systemic immunomodulatory treatments for chronic urticaria: Systematic review and network meta-analysis, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.