However, no evidence of an association between anti-drug antibodies with efficacy or safety was observed. "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. It is given to patients whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines. 1. These are a type of white blood cell that are found mostly in your airways. Avoid exposure to heat. Both Fasenra and Nucala (mepolizumab) are prescribed to treat severe eosinophilic asthma in adults and some children. Long-term side effects werent reported in studies of the drug. Will I take other medications for asthma together with Fasenra? You may have questions about Fasenra and your treatment plan. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. Fasenra is given as an injection under your skin (subcutaneous injection). The drug comes in one strength: 30 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL). Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above. Yes. So you shouldnt use it to treat asthma flare-ups or a severe kind of asthma called status asthmaticus. Fasenra should reduce your risk for asthma flare-ups as long as you keep taking it. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about Fasenra and your other asthma medications. This medicine will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. The condition is caused by the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the joints, allowing the bones to rub against each other. They will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. Once Fasenra is attached, it tells your immune system to destroy the eosinophils. Find out about the newest treatment options available for severe asthma and how they work. The actual price youll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Within 24 hours, Fasenra results in the near-complete elimination of eosinophils in the bloodstream. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/benralizumab-subcutaneous-route/side-effects/drg-20406682, Advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Examples include: People also took other asthma medications besides an ICS/LABA inhaler in these studies. Asthma is called severe when you keep having symptoms despite using multiple asthma treatments. But animal studies dont always predict what may occur in humans. Fasenra also binds to and activates the FcRIIIa receptor on another type of white blood cell called natural killer (NK) cells. The goal of HES treatment . Fasenra isnt meant to treat sudden asthma symptoms, which are called asthma attacks or flare-ups. The dissociation constant of this binding is 11 pM. Youll go to your doctors office or a clinic for the injections. Fasenra is currently approved as an add-on . If you miss a dose of Fasenra, call your doctor right away. Check with your doctor on the best ways to treat asthma attacks and help prevent them. There are no data on the effect of Fasenra during lactation. There arent any known interactions between Fasenra and any drugs, herbs, foods, or supplements. The actual price youll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. A biologic is made from parts of living organisms. a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Below are some of the important considerations to discuss with your doctor before you start receiving Fasenra. Fasenra isnt currently approved to treat nasal polyps. Fasenra (benralizumab)." . It is unknown what effect Fasenra has during pregnancy on the unborn child. Fasenra has a linear pharmacokinetic profile. Medicare chronic care management (CCM) is a way to ensure your healthcare is coordinated if you are on Medicare and have a chronic condition. Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Fasenra thats right for you. Last updated on March 28, 2023. Along with its needed effects, benralizumab (the active ingredient contained in Fasenra) may cause some unwanted effects. Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Fasenra for COPD (not an appropriate use). Basophils are yet another type of white blood cell. Rarely, allergic reactions may occur. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of benralizumab injection in children younger than 12 years of age. In clinical studies, only 3% of people who took Fasenra had a fever. Fasenra can be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days if necessary. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. Weight gain is not reported as a side effect of Fasenra in the product information. Fasenra may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Symbicort may interact with antibiotics, antifungal medications, MAO inhibitors, antidepressants, beta-blockers, and . Such studies help doctors learn more about the safety of certain drugs during pregnancy. There have been no formal interaction studies conducted with Fasenra, according to the product information, and no interactions are documented. These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Xolair, or with Fasenra and Xolair (when taken individually). If you suddenly stop using the corticosteroid medication, you may also have withdrawal symptoms (such. Below are some common questions about taking Fasenra. If youre pregnant and have already taken Fasenra during your pregnancy, you may be able to join the Fasenra & Pregnancy Study. Two clinical studies found that Fasenra was not effective at preventing flare-ups in people with moderate to very severe COPD. These cells are part of your immune system. To avoid missing a dose of Fasenra, try setting a reminder on your phone or calendar. With eosinophilic asthma, you also have high levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell). Its not known whether its safe to take Fasenra while pregnant or breastfeeding. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Fasenra to treat severe eosinophilic asthma in adults as well as children ages 12 years and older. As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Fasenra. If you are at high risk, your doctor may consider vaccination against herpes. Revision date: March 28, 2023. prednisone, Breo Ellipta, Xopenex, Atrovent, Dulera, Nucala. Do not double doses. You may report them to the FDA. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. ECP is a protein found in eosinophils and is used as a measure of eosinophil activation. To find out more about Fasenra and Xolair, see this article. Continue using your rescue inhaler and other asthma medications as directed by your doctor. Be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. If you have serious side effects from Fasenra, call your doctor right away. Continue using your other asthma medications as directed by your doctor. upper respiratory tract infections, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rashes, arthritis, muscle aches and joint pain. The exact mechanism of action of Fasenra has not been completely elucidated. 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. 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. No, you shouldnt. These are a type of white blood cell that are found mostly in your airways. The starting dose for Fasenra is one injection every 4 weeks for the first 12 weeks. Keep in mind that Xolair isnt a rescue inhaler. No, Fasenra isnt used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If youre using Fasenra pens and you find it hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Last updated on Feb 24, 2023. (A drug class is a group of medications that work in a similar way in your body.). Fasenra and Nucala are both brand-name drugs. Both Fasenra and Dupixent are called biologic drugs because theyre made from living cells rather than from chemicals. In the second study, 40% of people who took Fasenra had asthma flare-ups, compared with 51% of people who took a placebo. In addition to conventional medications for severe asthma, you may want to consider natural strategies to manage your symptoms. There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. This type of drug is a large protein that affects the way certain parts of your body work. See additional information. Available for Android and iOS devices. Keeping Fasenra pens in their packaging helps protect the drug from light. Fasenra should be kept inside its original package and protected from light. In comparison, 2% of people who took a placebo had a fever. It reaches distribution volumes of 3.1 L (central) and 2.5 L (peripheral) in people weighing 154 pounds (which is about 70 kilograms). Safety and efficacy have not been established. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully. Fasenra works by attaching to certain white blood cells called eosinophils. Fasenra also shouldnt be used to treat other eosinophilic conditions. If youre not sure if youll need to get prior authorization for Fasenra, contact your insurance company. Fasenra is a biologic drug, which is created from living cells. The elimination half-life of Fasenra is approximately 15.5 days. (A drug class is a group of medications that work in a similar way in your body.). Muscle weakness. Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. There are currently no biosimilar forms of either drug available. COPD is a progressive disease which can cause obstruction of airflow in the lungs resulting in debilitating bouts of breathlessness . Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines with Fasenra. Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable. But the kinds of asthma theyre used to treat differ. Many women find their joints suddenly become stiff and painful during perimenopause and menopause, and it is also harder to build up and maintain muscle. Below are examples of these side effects. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Fasenra. Theyll recommend whether the drug is a good option for you. Therefore, both medications can cause some similar or some different side effects. However, anecdotally, some people have reported a small amount of weight gain on blog sites, although equally as many people report weight loss as well, usually because they no longer need to take as much prednisone. Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. And theyre both given as an injection under the skin. Its not known whether Fasenra is safe to take while pregnant. During the first 3 months of treatment, youll have one injection (30 mg/mL) once every 4 weeks. What are some frequently asked questions about Fasenra? Learn how stress can impact your asthma and what you can do to help manage it. Asthma advocate Shivaika Sewlal discusses how she stays physically active while managing asthma. Fasenra attaches to eosinophils by binding to this receptor. Fasenra is a liquid solution given as an injection under the skin. Xolair belongs to a different class of drugs called immunoglobin-E monoclonal antibodies. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. After 48 weeks, 35% of people who took Fasenra had asthma flare-ups, compared with 51% of people who took a placebo. 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? It comes as a metered-dose inhaler. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. They can review the benefits and possible risks of breastfeeding while using this drug. This will save you from going to your doctor every two months. Fasenra is a humanized IgG1-kappa monoclonal antibody. All rights reserved. And no long-term side effects have been reported since the drug became available. The drug comes in two forms: Each syringe or pen contains one dose of Fasenra. Fasenra syringes and autoinjector pens cost significantly more than Nucala syringes and autoinjector pens. . In some cases, they may gradually reduce your corticosteroid dosage. So you shouldnt them to treat asthma flare-ups or a severe kind of asthma called status asthmaticus. But alcohol can be dangerous for people with asthma. They were then given Fasenra or a placebo (treatment with no active drug). By Mayo Clinic Staff Causes of joint pain include: Adult Still's disease Ankylosing spondylitis Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) Bone cancer Broken bone Bursitis Complex regional pain syndrome Depression (major depressive disorder) Fibromyalgia Gout Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) Juvenile idiopathic arthritis These drugs havent been directly compared in clinical studies. The FDA website provides several useful tips on medication disposal. Fasenra is a monoclonal antibody (IgG1, kappa) that binds to IL-5R, the alpha subunit of the human interleukin-5 receptor. Follow these tips for storing your Fasenra pens at home: If you have additional questions about storage and disposal of Fasenra pens, ask your doctor or pharmacist. In clinical studies, 8% of people who took Fasenra had headaches. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. View complete list of side effects. So dont be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. Doing so could cause harmful effects. Fasenra removes almost all eosinophils from your blood within 24 hours after taking the drug. One study didnt find that the drug lowered the risk of COPD flare-ups. The phase IV clinical study analyzes which people take Fasenra and have Joint pain. If you have a parasitic infection, it should be treated before you start Fasenra. It may also be called a monoclonal antibody. If you think youve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also ask your doctor if one of these drugs may be right for you. Its not known for sure if Fasenra is safe to use while youre breastfeeding. The IL-5 receptor regulates the growth, multiplication, and function of eosinophils and basophils. In clinical trials, people who took the drug for up to 48 weeks did not experience any long-term side effects. IL-5 is the main cytokine responsible for the growth and differentiation, recruitment, activation, and survival of eosinophils. Fasenra and Nucala are kinds of biologic medications, which means theyre made from living cells rather than chemicals. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Heres a comparison of how Fasenra and Xolair are alike and different. When Fasenra binds to eosinophils, it sends signals to other cells in your body to destroy eosinophils. A review of studies supports using medications that are in the same class as Fasenra to treat nasal polyps. Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs they have approved. Keep Fasenra inside its original package and protect the autoinjector pens from light. Asthma is called severe when you keep having symptoms despite using multiple asthma treatments. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Fasenra to treat certain conditions. This makes it easier for you to breathe. However, you shouldnt suddenly stop or change your use of corticosteroids on your own. There are no meaningful differences when the drug is administered in the arm, thigh, or abdomen. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication. Copyright: Merative US L.P. 1973, 2023. Biosimilars and generics also usually cost less than brand-name drugs. Dupixent (dupilumab) is a prescription drug that comes as an injection. No, Fasenra isnt known to cause long-term side effects. Fasenra may influence a person's response to parasitic infections because eosinophils may be involved in the immunological response to these infections. Do not rub your injection site. Keep each Fasenra pen in its original carton until its time to give yourself a dose. Try to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Fasenra belongs to a class of drugs called interleukin-5 monoclonal antibodies. But if you think youre having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number. In comparison, 3% of people who took a placebo (treatment with no active drug) had an allergic reaction. unusual tiredness or weakness. Its not known if Fasenra is safe to take during pregnancy. You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug, or whether certain side effects pertain to it. More common side effects in people receiving Xolair for asthma include: pain, including joint. If you think you are gaining weight on Fasenra, keep a diary that documents your daily diet, amount of exercise, and daily weight gain. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? These medications may interact and cause very harmful effects. Asthma is a condition in which your airways become swollen, making it hard to breathe. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have asthma, your airways are swollen. Do not use this medicine if it is cloudy or if there are particles in it. In certain people, Nucala is also approved to treat: Each syringe or pen contains one dose of Fasenra. Your asthma symptoms can change over time, causing some medications to stop working effectively. But if you think youre having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. . This reduces the number of eosinophils in your airways. If needed, you can keep Fasenra pens at a room temperature of up to 77F (25C) for as long as 14 days. Ask your doctor what other COPD treatment options are right for you. Fasenra and Dupixent (dupilumab) are both biologic medications prescribed to treat severe eosinophilic asthma in adults and some children. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. But unlike generics, which are made for non-biologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologic drugs.). But in studies of the drug, this side effect wasn't common. But allergic reactions to Fasenra are rare. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include: A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Fasenra. Your injection may take up to 15 seconds to complete. Its approved to treat severe eosinophilic asthma in adults as well as children ages 12 years and older. In clinical studies, sore throat occurred in 5% of people taking Fasenra compared with 3% of people who took a placebo. These are prefilled with Fasenra, and each pen contains a single dose of the drug. There arent known interactions between Fasenra and other medications, foods, or herbal supplements. If I have side effects from Fasenra, is there a lower dose I can try? To learn more, see the What is the Fasenra injection used for? section below. Eosinophilic asthma results from a high level of white blood cells called eosinophils. What is Fasenra used for and how does it work? Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think youre having a medical emergency. Do not take more Fasenra than your doctor prescribes. Fasenra (benralizumab) [Package insert]. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. These include: Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Fasenra, see the Fasenra side effects section above. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Fasenra. Fasenra targets and removes eosinophils from your body. 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. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. (Conditions or factors that could prevent your doctor from prescribing a medication are called contraindications.) You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. But with this condition, the cells mistakenly attack your bodys airways. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Fasenra undergoes degradation by proteolytic enzymes throughout the body. Eosinophils contain a protein called interleukin-5 receptor. Additionally, Fasenra isnt meant to replace any of your drugs, including corticosteroids. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while being administered Fasenra and enroll in the Pregnancy Exposure Registry by calling 1-877-311-8972 or by visiting mothertobaby.org/Fasenra. Do not use this medicine if it is cloudy or if there are particles in it. However, its not known if the drug would have any effect on a child who is breastfed. Fasenra is not indicated for the treatment of other eosinophilic conditions such as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome) or hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). Throw away used syringes in a hard, closed container where the needles cannot poke through. For injection dosage forms (prefilled syringe or prefilled autoinjector): Adults and children 12 years of age and older30 milligrams (mg) injected under your skin once every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, then once every 8 weeks. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only.