Fasenra: Uses, Side effects and Precautions

Overview

About Fasenra

The drug Fasenra is a member of the monoclonal antibody drug class. They are proteins synthetically altered to target particular components in the body. Studies have shown that persons with severe eosinophilic asthma experience a significant decrease in asthma attacks, increased lung function, and improved quality of life.

This article will examine this medication’s numerous uses, side effects, and potential interactions.

Uses

Uses of Fasenra

• Severe eosinophilic asthma treatment
• As an Add-on therapy
• In Conjunction with other asthma therapies

Severe eosinophilic asthma

• Advised explicitly for those with elevated blood and airway eosinophil counts
• Targeted treatment to deal with the root of eosinophilic asthma

As an Add-on therapy

• Add-on therapy is for those whose asthma has not been controlled by other medications
• It relieves asthma symptoms and reduces airway inflammation
• It is administered once every four weeks on average
• Intended for those beyond the age of 12

With other Asthma therapies

• It is used as part of a thorough management strategy and other asthma therapies

Routine monitoring and follow-up visits are crucial for minimizing side effects and gauging treatment effectiveness.¹Uses| Researched based study from Fda.gov ,²Uses| Researched based study from Astrazeneca.com

Side effects

Side effects of Fasenra

• Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, swelling, itching)
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Flu-like symptoms (such as a fever, chills, and body pains) Hypersensitive reactions (such as a rash, itching, hives, swelling, and breathing difficulties)
• Elevated levels of eosinophils and immunoglobulin E, two blood indicators
• Wheezing or shortness of breath as a result of asthma symptoms getting worse ¹Side effects| Researched based study from Fda.gov

It is significant to remember that not everyone will suffer these side effects, and some individuals may experience adverse effects not included in this list.

It is essential to speak with your healthcare practitioner for advice and additional testing if you have questions regarding the side effects of Fasenra or encounter any unexpected symptoms after receiving a prescription for it.

Based on your medical history and particular circumstances, they can provide detailed information and advice.

Administration

How is Fasenra administered?

The standard procedure for giving Fasenra is outlined in the following steps:

Preparation

• Ensure you have the injection kit, which usually contains auto injectors or pre-filled syringes.
• Check the product’s expiration date and keep an eye out for any symptoms of deterioration or damage.

Site selection for injection

• Pick a suitable injection location, usually the thigh or abdomen. Do not touch regions with scars, moles, or broken or inflamed skin. To avoid adverse responses, switching up the injection locations is advised.

Hand hygiene

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or hand sanitizer to maintain healthy hygiene.

Cleansing at the injection site

• Swab the area with alcohol to clean it.

Prepare the site

• Remove the cap from a pre-filled syringe before using it, and avoid touching the needle. Remove the auto injector from its box if you plan to use one.

The injection administration

• If using a syringe, squeeze the skin at the injection site, place the needle at a 45- to 90-degree angle, and then push the plunger to provide the medication.
• Observe the instructions that came with the equipment.

Finish the injection

• Remove the auto injector or withdraw the needle from the skin. If required, gently press the area with sterile gauze or a clean cotton ball.

Disposal

• Use an adequate sharps container to properly dispose of used syringes or auto injectors by local requirements.¹Administration| Researched based study from Fda.gov

Dosage

Dosage of Fasenra

Depending on the patient’s particular condition and reaction to treatment, the dosage may alter. The following dosage is suggested for people with severe eosinophilic asthma:

Adults and children 12 years of age and older:

• The first three dosages are 30 mg each, given every four weeks.
• The maintenance dosage is after that 30 mg, given every eight weeks.

The dose frequency could change depending on the patient’s characteristics and the healthcare provider’s assessment.¹Dosage| Researched based study from Fda.gov

What if I missed a dose?

• For advice on what to do if you miss a dose of Fasenra (benralizumab), speak with your healthcare practitioner.
• You might be told that the missed dose should be scheduled soon. They could advise sticking to the typical dosing schedule in some instances and altering subsequent doses accordingly.
• Avoid taking two to make up for a missing dose, which could cause difficulties.¹Dosage| Researched based study from Fda.gov

Overdose

Fasenra Overdose

• An overdose of Fasenra is unlikely to present a severe risk. It is given at a specified dosage through subcutaneous injections.
• It has generally been tolerated well in clinical trials at the suggested dosage.
• Seek emergency medical assistance or call a poison control center if a more significant dose or multiple doses were unintentionally delivered.
• It’s important to follow the dosage recommendations.¹Overdose| Researched based study from Fda.gov

Precautions

Precautions and warnings

Allergic reactions

• It could result in hypersensitive reactions such as hives, swelling, rash, itching, and breathing problems. If you suffer any symptoms, get medical help right once.

Parasitic diseases

• Your immune system’s capacity to combat parasitic illnesses like helminth (worm) infections may be diminished. Before beginning treatment, your doctor may check you for specific conditions and treat them if necessary.

Exacerbations of asthma

• It might worsen wheezing or shortness of breath, which are indications of asthma. For additional assessment, speak with your healthcare professional if you experience these.

Visiting the hospital due to asthma

• For some patients, it can raise their risk of hospitalization due to asthma. When your symptoms change or you have any questions, let your doctor know.

Corticosteroid reduction

• It could be possible to use oral or inhaled corticosteroids less frequently. Corticosteroid medication shouldn’t be changed or stopped abruptly without consulting a doctor because it may cause side effects.

Vaccinations

• Before beginning the medication, discuss your immunization history and potential vaccine needs with your doctor. Stay away from live vaccines while using Fasenra.

Breastfeeding and becoming pregnant

• We don’t fully understand the consequences of breastfeeding and pregnancy. If you are planning to get pregnant, are currently breastfeeding, or are pregnant, speak with your doctor to determine the risks and side effects.¹Precautions| Researched based study from Fda.gov

Interactions

Medicine interactions

Live vaccination

• It may affect how effectively live immunizations function. It is typically advised to forgo certain vaccinations when taking Fasenra.

Other Asthma medications

• As a different therapy, it is frequently employed. All asthma medications you take, such as long-acting beta-agonists, corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, etc., must be disclosed to your doctor. Your physician will evaluate the entire treatment strategy and any possible interactions.

It’s essential to go through your entire drug schedule with your doctor. Depending on your scenario, they can assess potential interactions and offer suitable recommendations. You are able to take prescription medications, OTC medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products.¹Interactions| Researched based study from Fda.gov

Bottom Line

The Bottom line

A significant development in managing severe asthma is Fasenra (benralizumab). Typically, it is used as an additional therapy for patients whose current medicines have not provided sufficient control.

While it is often well tolerated and has positive benefits, your healthcare professional may assess your stability, provide tailored dosing advice, and track your response to treatment.

Overall, it offers them a new therapeutic option to help them better manage their medical condition and enhance their quality of life.