2018
FLOVENT AND PULMICORT – WHAT WE HAVE DISCOVERED:
From Dr. Berish Rubin at the FD Research Lab: “The reduced ability of individuals with FD to produce the enzyme termed monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) has been the focus of much of the research taking place in the FD research lab at Fordham University. It is this reduced production of MAOA that is the cause of the sensitivity to tyramine (a food-based trigger of hypertensive/dysautonomic crisis), certain medications (such as epinephrine), and neurotransmitters that are produced when individuals with FD are excited or upset.
“In 2017, the FD NOW board provided the additional research funding needed to enable the FD research lab to screen over 1,000 pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals for their ability to increase cellular levels of MAOA. The expectation was that an agent that could increase the level of this enzyme would provide greater resistance to the hypertensive crisis-causing effects of the above-mentioned stimuli.
“Several pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals were found to increase the levels of MAOA. At this time, we are pleased to inform the FD community that the inhaled corticosteroids, Flovent (fluticasone propionate) and Pulmicort (budesonide) increase the level of the MAOA. As these agents are commonly used to treat individuals with asthma, the side effects and toxicity profile of these drugs are well-established and they are generally considered to be safe drugs to use.
If you wish to consider introducing either of these drugs into your child’s daily regimen, you are encouraged to discuss the possibility with your child’s treating physician. ”
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*** Pending Publication ***