This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When you get Fasenra from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. They can also discuss with you the best treatment for your condition. If youre pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of Fasenra treatment during this time. Fasenra should not be shaken, frozen, or exposed to heat. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. If you use a corticosteroid medicine (inhaled or taken by mouth) to control your asthma, keep using it unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Fasenra is a biologic that works by blocking the action of IL-5 which is the main cytokine responsible for the survival and production of eosinophils. Both the syringe and vial contain one dose of Xolair. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment. Mona. New Treatments for Severe Asthma: Whats on the Horizon? But if your fever lasts more than 3 days or is higher than 103F (about 39.4C), tell your doctor. Learn about how biologics treat severe asthma. Fasenra (benralizumab)." hoarseness; irritation; joint pain, stiffness, or swelling . For example, Dupixent is also prescribed for treating certain conditions other than eosinophilic asthma. So you shouldnt use it to treat asthma flare-ups or a severe kind of asthma called status asthmaticus. If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. So you shouldnt use it to treat asthma flare-ups or a severe kind of asthma called status asthmaticus. Given via subcutaneous injection (under the skin). Fasenra should be refrigerated at temperatures between 36F to 46F (2C to 8C). View complete list of side effects. The most common symptoms of asthma include: With severe eosinophilic asthma, you have high levels of eosinophils in your body. High blood sugar (glucose) levels can cause cartilage to harden more quickly, while diabetes can trigger inflammation that leads to cartilage loss. Eye problems. People with asthma are more likely to experience sinusitis, and sinusitis can trigger asthma. Also remember to tell your doctor about any other side effects that you may be experiencing, such as headache or back pain. If you have a certain kind of asthma, your doctor may prescribe Fasenra. Do not save an open autoinjector. They were then given Fasenra or a placebo (treatment with no active drug). Do not shake. Do not use more Fasenra than your doctor recommends. After an initial loading dose where Fasenra is injected once every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, it only needs to be given once every 8 weeks. Fasenra is a brand-name prescription medication. These effects are called interactions. Therefore, both medications can cause some similar side effects. For details, see the How is Fasenra used? section below. Do not warm it in any other way. Below are some common questions about taking Fasenra. Fasenra is also a monoclonal antibody. Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs they have approved. Serious side effects from Fasenra can occur, but they arent common. Doing so could cause harmful effects. Fasenra (Benralizumab Prefilled Syringes). There are no data on the effect of Fasenra during lactation. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. Side effects of Xolair that are different from Fasenra include tired feeling, joint or muscle pain, dizziness, ear pain, hair loss, cold symptoms, itching or skin rash, and leg or arm pain. People can be taught how to self-administer Fasenra. Throw away used syringes in a hard, closed container where the needles cannot poke through. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. Available for Android and iOS devices. The following information is provided for clinicians and other healthcare professionals. Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Results from a phase III trial also showed that Fasenra works quickly, improving lung function in as little as 4 weeks. In animal studies, Fasenra didnt cause harm to the offspring of animals given the drug. Yes. The IL-5 receptor regulates the growth, multiplication, and function of eosinophils and basophils. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. They also express IL-5R like eosinophils do and play a role in the airway inflammation associated with asthma. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. Before leaving the office or clinic, make sure that you have an appointment for your next Fasenra injection scheduled. The dissociation constant of this binding is 11 pM. IL-5 is the main cytokine responsible for the growth and differentiation, recruitment, activation, and survival of eosinophils. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Apr 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 17 Apr 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. Widespread body pain. Rarely, allergic reactions may occur. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects. Therefore, both medications can cause some similar or some different side effects. The dosage of Fasenra for children ages 12 years and older is the same as for adults. With eosinophilic asthma, you also have high levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell). Fasenra is a brand (trade) name for benralizumab which is a biologic that may be used to treat severe eosinophilic asthma. A health professional should always administer the first dose of Fasenra and patients should be advised to seek urgent emergency help if they experience an allergic-type reaction and Fasenra has needed to be discontinued. Common side effects of Fasenra include: headache, sore throat, fever, hypersensitivity reactions, and injection site reactions (pain, redness, itching, or a small lump) Dosage for Fasenra? Use each Fasenra Pen only one time. joint pain, stiffness, or swelling redness of the skin swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet tightness in the chest troubled breathing or swallowing Incidence not known Cough dizziness puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue unusual tiredness or weakness Other side effects of Fasenra Some drugs may be better suited for you than others. Controlling your blood sugar. Any woman that does become pregnant while being administered Fasenra should enroll in the pregnancy exposure registry by calling 1-877-311-8972 or visiting mothertobaby.org/Fasenra. Basophils are yet another type of white blood cell. Available as a 30 mg/mL single-dose prefilled syringe designed for health professionals and a 30 mg/mL single-dose autoinjector pen (an automatic injection). Fasenra may also be used off-label for other conditions. However, these should not be discontinued abruptly. Fasenra is available only as a brand-name medication. What should I know about Fasenra vs. Nucala? Here's why, plus tips to help you identify and avoid common triggers. Throw the autoinjector away in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container or another suitable sharps container. However, clinical trials of similar medications suggest that if Fasenra is used during the third trimester of pregnancy (week 28 through the birth of your baby), the drug will pass to the growing fetus. Seek urgent medical attention if you experience shortness of breath, or facial or throat tightness after administering Fasenra. In the first study, 35% of people who took Fasenra had asthma flare-ups, compared with 51% of people who took a placebo. These side effects can vary depending on which condition you're receiving the drug to treat. But if your throat pain is severe or lasts more than a few days, tell your doctor. Its important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor. Its target is the interleukin-5 receptor (IL-5 receptor), to which it binds via the alpha subunit of the receptor. It is also used in patients whose asthma has an eosinophilic phenotype. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. If you need financial support to pay for Fasenra, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. If youre pregnant and have already taken Fasenra during your pregnancy, you may be able to join the Fasenra & Pregnancy Study. Fasenra does not replace your rescue inhaler, which is used to treat sudden asthma symptoms. Fasenra contains the active drug benralizumab, while Nucala contains the active drug mepolizumab. Eosinophils are one of multiple types of cells and mediators that are involved in inflammation, and inflammation is an important component in the pathogenesis of asthma and some other conditions. Side effects of Fasenra that are different from Xolair include fever and hypersensitivity reactions. In clinical trials, people who took the drug for up to 48 weeks did not experience any long-term side effects. Biosimilars are based on biologic medications, which are made from living sources such as proteins or DNA. No, you shouldnt. This enhances apoptosis, or programmed cell death, of eosinophils via a process called antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Ask your doctor what other COPD treatment options are right for you. Fasenra targets and removes eosinophils from your body. Fasenra works by attaching to certain white blood cells called eosinophils. The condition is caused by the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the joints, allowing the bones to rub against each other. The early-morning news program offers the latest news, business, weather, and sports reports of the day, along with trending stories and new viral videos. Seek medical advice if your asthma worsens while on Fasenra. If you do have an asthma attack, Fasenra wont help treat your symptoms. Both drugs are known as monoclonal antibodies. Fasenra may increase your risk of herpes infection. In addition to conventional medications for severe asthma, you may want to consider natural strategies to manage your symptoms. All rights reserved. . With eosinophilic asthma, you also have high levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell). And it should not be used to treat an asthma attack (sudden worsening of asthma symptoms). As a result, air cant move properly into and out of your lungs. If you have nasal polyps and youre interested in taking Fasenra, talk with your doctor. Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on: Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Fasenra. If you miss a dose of Fasenra, call your doctor right away. They can review the benefits and possible risks of breastfeeding while using this drug. The elimination half-life of Fasenra is approximately 15.5 days. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. This is a subtype of asthma that is characterized by high numbers of eosinophils in the blood. If youre breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before taking Fasenra. Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above. Both Fasenra and Nucala (mepolizumab) are prescribed to treat severe eosinophilic asthma in adults and some children. If youre not sure if youll need to get prior authorization for Fasenra, contact your insurance company. The most common joints affected include the knees, ankles, wrists, hands and fingers. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Apr 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 17 Apr 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. It's used to treat the following conditions: Moderate to severe eczema (atopic dermatitis). The actual price youll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it. Theyll recommend whether the drug is a good option for you. Fasenra is meant to be used with the other medications youre taking for asthma treatment. But alcohol can be dangerous for people with asthma. In the second study, 40% of people who took Fasenra had asthma flare-ups, compared with 51% of people who took a placebo. (A drug class is a group of medications that work in a similar way in your body.). Fasenra will not treat an asthma attack or exacerbations of asthma (acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus). During the first 3 months of treatment, youll have one injection once every 4 weeks. How a drug works is referred to as its mechanism of action., Fasenra is used to treat severe eosinophilic asthma in adults and some children. Some conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Cytokines are small secreted proteins that are involved in cell signaling and interactions. However, you shouldnt suddenly stop or change your use of corticosteroids on your own. These kinds of drugs are typically found together in inhalers. If you dont understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you. If youd like to learn about treatments for COPD, see this article, or talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Allow 30 minutes for the prefilled autoinjector (Fasenra Pen) to warm up to room temperature. Instead, you should use a rescue inhaler, such as an albuterol inhaler, according to your doctors instructions. ECP is a protein found in eosinophils and is used as a measure of eosinophil activation. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell and this type of asthma affects 5% of all asthmatics. For more information and to find out if youre eligible for support, call 833-360-HELP (833-360-4357) or visit the program website. Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Try to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Heres how to turn your home into an. In certain people, Xolair is also approved to treat: Youll use Xolair with your other asthma medications rather than by itself. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Do not rub your injection site. Your asthma symptoms can change over time, causing some medications to stop working effectively. The pain this condition causes can be debilitating, causing severe pain in the lower back and buttocks. Steroids reduce inflammation and decrease the amount of mucus in your airways. Asthma is a condition that affects your airways, making them swollen. Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps. Fasenra may be injected in different parts of your body such as your upper arms, thighs, or belly. Within 24 hours, Fasenra results in the near-complete elimination of eosinophils in the bloodstream. If needed, you can keep Fasenra pens at a room temperature of up to 77F (25C) for as long as 14 days. Patients with a baseline blood eosinophil count 300 cells/L showed a numerically greater response than those with counts < 300 cells/L. And they want you to get the best care possible. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. What type of asthma is Fasenra used to treat? Fasenra isnt currently approved to treat nasal polyps. Two clinical studies looked at 2,510 people with severe eosinophilic asthma. Seek medical advice if your asthma remains uncontrolled or worsens after initiation of treatment with Fasenra. Continue using your other asthma medications as directed by your doctor. By doing this, Fasenra blocks some of the actions of the proteins that cause symptoms of asthma. Off-label drug use is when a drug thats approved for one condition is used for a different one thats not approved. * Xolair has a boxed warning for a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. What are some frequently asked questions about Fasenra? But it should be discarded if not used within this time and should not be put back into the refrigerator. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. (An active drug is an ingredient that makes a medication work.) Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Fasenra. Consult your healthcare professional (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) for more in formation. Both Fasenra and Nucala should be used in addition to your other asthma medications rather than by themselves. What should I know about Fasenra vs. Xolair? https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benralizumab-subcutaneous-route/side-effects/drg-20406682, Advertising and sponsorship opportunities. If not used within that time frame, the product must be discarded. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. The actual price youll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. Will I take other medications for asthma together with Fasenra? There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. You might. Heres a comparison of how Fasenra and Xolair are alike and different. They may recommend treatments to help reduce your fever and check to see what may be causing it. It comes as a metered-dose inhaler. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. If you have asthma, your airways are swollen. Asthma is a condition in which your airways become swollen, making it hard to breathe. Our phase IV clinical studies alone cannot establish cause-effect relationship. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Fasenra. You may have questions about Fasenra and your treatment plan. If needed, your doctor can recommend treatments to help you feel better. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. So you shouldnt them to treat asthma flare-ups or a severe kind of asthma called status asthmaticus. After that, youll have one injection once every 8 weeks. But if a headache doesnt go away, let your doctor know. (Conditions or factors that could prevent your doctor from prescribing a medication are called contraindications.) What should I know about treatments for my asthma besides Fasenra? Fasenra hasnt been studied in children younger than 12 years of age. There arent any known interactions between Fasenra and any drugs, herbs, foods, or supplements. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine for you to use in case of an asthma attack. Fasenra also shouldnt be used to treat other eosinophilic conditions. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. See the Side effect details section above to learn more. inflammation of the gums pain with menstruation arthritis joint pain muscle pain nerve pain a sleep disorder chills cough abdominal bloating pelvic pain nervousness a sensation of. Like Nucala (above), the drug Xolair has uses similar to those of Fasenra. Both drugs are also known as monoclonal antibodies. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Both Fasenra and Xolair (omalizumab) are biologic medications, which means theyre made from living cells rather than chemicals. Fasenra currently isnt approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating nasal polyps. Continue to hold it down until you hear a second click and the inspection window is filled with the green indicator. Side effects of Symbicort that are different from Fasenra include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, back pain, stuffy nose, muscle or joint pain, and changes in your voice. Staying active. Dosage means the amount of drug you take for each dose and how often you take a dose. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. In clinical studies, only 3% of people who took Fasenra had an allergic reactions. Examples include: People also took other asthma medications besides an ICS/LABA inhaler in these studies. Tell other health professionals that you are being administered Fasenra. All rights reserved. This reduces the number of eosinophils in your airways. Fasenra is used together with other asthma medications to treat severe eosinophilic asthma. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include: skin rash. Store Fasenra pens in their original cartons in a refrigerator, at a temperature between 36F to 46F (2C to 8C). The most common side effects of Fasenra include: This medicine comes in two forms: a prefilled syringe (to be given by the doctor or other healthcare professional) and prefilled autoinjector or Fasenra Pen (to be used by the patient or caregiver). For more information on the possible side effects of Fasenra, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Fasenra is currently approved as an add-on . Your doctor will likely have you continue to use inhaled or oral corticosteroids. In some cases, your doctor may gradually reduce your corticosteroid dosage during Fasenra treatment. 1. Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion: Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. Fasenra is approved to treat severe eosinophilic asthma in children ages 12 years and older. This medicine will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. To avoid missing a dose of Fasenra, try setting a reminder on your phone or calendar. Allergic reaction, which is discussed in detail below, was the only serious side effect reported during clinical studies. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think youre having a medical emergency. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. If you have questions about steroids or Fasenra, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Check the liquid in the Fasenra Pen. Medicare chronic care management (CCM) is a way to ensure your healthcare is coordinated if you are on Medicare and have a chronic condition. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Before using, take one Fasenra autoinjector out of the refrigerator, and leave it to warm up to room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes. The actual price youll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. COPD is a progressive disease which can cause obstruction of airflow in the lungs resulting in debilitating bouts of breathlessness . Youll use Fasenra with your other asthma medications rather than by itself. If you think youve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. The exact way Fasenra works in asthma has not been definitively established. In comparison, 3% of people who took a placebo (treatment with no active drug) had an allergic reaction. Fasenra and Xolair are both brand-name drugs. Initially, your doctor will administer it, but during your appointment, they will discuss teaching you how to administer the Fasenra autoinjector pen so that you can administer it at home. Asthma is called severe when you keep having symptoms despite using multiple asthma treatments. Serious side effects from Fasenra arent common, but they can occur. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Fasenra can include: swelling of your face, including your mouth and tongue trouble breathing fainting dizziness low blood pressure or feeling lightheaded. Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of benralizumab injection in the elderly. Youll use Fasenra with the other drugs youre taking, which may include steroids (also called corticosteroids). Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 7,517 people who have side effects when taking Fasenra from the FDA, and is updated regularly. But these drugs do have some differences as well. Keep Fasenra in the refrigerator at 36F to 46F (2C to 8C) before use. The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Updated 01/2023. Find out about the newest treatment options available for severe asthma and how they work. Fasenra comes in two forms: a prefilled syringe and a prefilled autoinjector pen. It contains the active drug benralizumab. They will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. Fasenra and Dupixent (dupilumab) are both biologic medications prescribed to treat severe eosinophilic asthma in adults and some children. Fasenra and Nucala are both brand-name drugs. These include your medical history and any medications you may take. Safety and efficacy have not been established. But one study found Fasenra effective for treating nasal polyps when used with corticosteroid nasal sprays. A healthcare professional can give you doses of Fasenra at a doctors office, or you may give yourself doses at home. Drugs often used to treat asthma that may be used with Fasenra include: Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about which medications youll need to take with Fasenra. But they can also cause some different side effects. For this medicine, the following should be considered: Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines.