Immunology is the study of the immune system. Brigent Specialty formulates medication designed to treat a range of conditions affecting the immune system.
What Is The Immune System?
The immune system protects the body from infection through various lines of defense. If the immune system is not functioning properly, it can lead to disease, such as autoimmunity, allergy and cancer.
Immune responses also contribute to the development of many common disorders not traditionally viewed as immunologic, including metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
Categories of Immune System Disorders
An overactive immune system may react to substances in the environment that are considered otherwise harmless. These substances are called allergens. An allergic reaction is the most common symptom of an overactive immune system. Allergens may include dust, mold, pollen, and certain foods.
An autoimmune disease attacks normal, healthy tissues and causes a range of symptoms. The cause is unknown, but may be a combination of the patient’s genes and environmental triggers.
Patients with an immune system disorder may have:
- Primary immune deficiency, or born with a weak immune system.
- Acquired immune deficiency, or get a disease that weakens the immune system.
- An overactive immune system; this may happen with an allergic reaction.
- An autoimmune disease; when an immune system attacks the body
Common Disorders Affecting The Immune System
The following conditions may require immunology medication:
- Chronic sinusitis
- Allergic rhinitis
- Nasal polyps
- Allergies
- Chronic sinus infections
- Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
- Temporary acquired immune deficiencies
- AIDS
- Asthma
- Eczema
- Type 1 diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
These conditions can cause a range of symptoms that require treatment.
Symptoms of Immune System Illness
Patients with an autoimmune disease may experience:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain and swelling
- Skin problems
- Abdominal pain or digestive issues
- Recurring fever
- Swollen glands
Symptoms of an overactive immune system include:
- Joint inflammation
- Shoulder joint arthritis
Risk Factors For Autoimmune Disease
Though the cause of autoimmune disease is unknown, patients may be at increased risk if they:
- Have a family history of certain disorders, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis
- Are overweight or obese
- Smoke
- Take certain blood pressure medications or antibiotics
Our Immunology Medication
Brigent Specialty Pharmacy formulates commercially available specialty products as well as customized Topical Sinus Therapy to treat conditions and symptoms affecting the immune system.
Topical Sinus Therapy includes medications such as antibiotics, antifungals, steroids, and other types of medication directly to the inflamed and/or infected sinus membranes.
Patients who are allergic to a particular ingredient in a standard commercial product or prefer other ingredients may receive custom compounds.
The following customized options are available through our compounding services:
- Betahistine capsules
- Free from allergens: gluten, wheat, corn, lactose, dye, soy, and/or sugar
- Allergy, decongestant, and drying agent combination capsule or suspension
- Anesthetic solutions, sprays, and lollipops
- Pre- and post-procedural pain relief
- Nasal sinus rinses & sprays
- Steroid and/or anti-infective ear drops
- Oral rinses or mouthwashes for infectious and inflammatory conditions of the mouth
- Otic powder puffers for ear infections