How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Tezepelumab belongs to a group of medications known as monoclonal antibodies.It works by preventing the action of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). TSLP is a protein that contributes to causing symptoms of asthma.
Tezepelumab is used in addition to other asthma medications to decrease the number of asthma attacks and reduce the symptoms associated with severe asthma, when other medications have not been effective enough.
It will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started. People with asthma should always have their fast-acting asthma relief medication on hand to deal with attacks.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Each mL of sterile, clear-to-opalescent, colourless-to-light-yellow solution, contains 110 mg of tezepelumab. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glacial acetic acid, L-proline, polysorbate 80, sodium hydroxide, and water for injection.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose of tezepelumab is 210 mg injected subcutaneously (under the skin), every 4 weeks. It is usually injected in the front of the thigh or abdomen. If you are not injecting yourself, it may also be injected into the upper arm. It is important to use a different site for each injection. Avoid injecting into skin that is red, tender, bruised or hardened.
Tezepelumab is used with the guidance and supervision of a doctor. Your doctor or nurse will help you with preparing and injecting your first dose (or first few doses). Do not attempt to prepare or inject this medication on your own until you completely understand how to inject a dose. If you are having difficulty giving yourself injections, talk to your health care provider.
Remove the prefilled syringe or pen from the refrigerator approximately 60 minutes before you plan to inject it. This allows the medication to warm to room temperature. Do not shake the syringe or pen.
Tezepelumab is typically used in addition to the other medications you are taking for asthma. Do not stop taking any asthma medications without speaking with your doctor. If you feel your asthma symptoms are not improving or are getting worse while taking this medication, contact your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication in the refrigerator in its original carton until you are ready to use it to protect it from light. Do not allow it to freeze.
This medication may be stored at room temperature for a maximum of 30 days. Do not return the medication to the refrigerator once it has reached room temperature and discard any medication that has been stored at room temperature for 30 days.
Keep this medication out of sight and reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
The recommended dose of tezepelumab is 210 mg injected subcutaneously (under the skin), every 4 weeks. It is usually injected in the front of the thigh or abdomen. If you are not injecting yourself, it may also be injected into the upper arm. It is important to use a different site for each injection. Avoid injecting into skin that is red, tender, bruised or hardened.
Tezepelumab is used with the guidance and supervision of a doctor. Your doctor or nurse will help you with preparing and injecting your first dose (or first few doses). Do not attempt to prepare or inject this medication on your own until you completely understand how to inject a dose. If you are having difficulty giving yourself injections, talk to your health care provider.
Remove the prefilled syringe or pen from the refrigerator approximately 60 minutes before you plan to inject it. This allows the medication to warm to room temperature. Do not shake the syringe or pen.
Tezepelumab is typically used in addition to the other medications you are taking for asthma. Do not stop taking any asthma medications without speaking with your doctor. If you feel your asthma symptoms are not improving or are getting worse while taking this medication, contact your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication in the refrigerator in its original carton until you are ready to use it to protect it from light. Do not allow it to freeze.
This medication may be stored at room temperature for a maximum of 30 days. Do not return the medication to the refrigerator once it has reached room temperature and discard any medication that has been stored at room temperature for 30 days.
Keep this medication out of sight and reach of children.
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary, or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- joint pain
- rash
- redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site
- sore throat
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- symptoms of heart failure (e.g., shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in legs, ankles, feet)
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
- signs of a heart attack (e.g., chest pain or pressure, pain extending through shoulder and arm, nausea and vomiting, sweating)
- signs of heart failure (e.g., shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in legs, ankles, feet)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Heart problems: During clinical trials, more people using this medication had symptoms of heart problems than people who were not given this medication. People with heart conditions were more likely to experience a serious heart problem, such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure, or heart attack. Although the connection between using tezepelumab and severe heart problems is not clear, if you have a heart condition, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of heart problems, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or feeling lightheaded, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Parasitic infections: Tezepelumab can interfere with the body’s defenses against certain parasitic infections. If you live in an area or have travelled to an area where parasitic worm infections are common, talk to your doctor about using this medication.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if tezepelumab passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
There may be an interaction between tezepelumab and any of the following:
- vaccines
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Tezspire
