7 Biologics for Asthma: What to Know About Breathing Easier With Xolair, Nucala, and More
Biologics for asthma may be considered for people with moderate to severe symptoms. Examples of asthma biologics include Xolair, Dupixent, and Nucala.
Exdensur
Used for Asthma
Used for Asthma
Exdensur (depemokimab or depemokimab-ulaa) is an injectable medication for severe eosinophilic asthma in people 12 years and up. It works as an interleukin antagonist to help manage severe asthma. Exdensur (depemokimab) is injected under the skin once every 6 months. It's given by a healthcare professional so you'll need to go to the medical office for each injection. Side effects can include upper respiratory tract infections, seasonal allergies, and the flu.
What is Exdensur (depemokimab)?
What is Exdensur (depemokimab) used for?
- Severe eosinophilic asthma in people 12 years and older - as an add-on treatment
How Exdensur (depemokimab) works
Exdensur (depemokimab) is an interleukin‑5 (IL-5) antagonist. It blocks a protein called interleukin-5. This protein helps certain white blood cells called eosinophils grow.
Eosinophils can cause inflammation in the body. And inflammation plays a role in causing eosinophilic asthma.
By blocking IL-5, Exdensur (depemokimab) helps lower the amount of eosinophils in the body. This is thought to help lessen inflammation.
When does Exdensur (depemokimab) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Exdensur |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Interleukin‑5 (IL-5) antagonist |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Exdensur (depemokimab)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Upper respiratory tract infection (9%)
- Seasonal allergies (6%)
- Flu (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Joint pain
- Sore throat
- Injection site reactions (e.g., redness, swelling, itching)
Exdensur (depemokimab) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing; swelling in your face, lips, or tongue; rash; itchiness; fast heartbeat; dizziness
The following Exdensur (depemokimab) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Joint pain
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
Pros and cons of Exdensur (depemokimab)
Pros
- Only need injections twice a year
- Approved for children 12 years and older
- Relatively few side effects
Cons
- Must be injected by a healthcare professional
- Might not be the best option for people who are uncomfortable with needles
- Not for treating asthma attacks as they're happening
Pharmacist tips for Exdensur (depemokimab)
- You get an Exdensur (depemokimab) injection twice a year. Mark your appointments on your calendar to help you remember when it's time to get your injection. If you miss an appointment, call your care team right away to reschedule.
- Exdensur (depemokimab) isn't used for treating sudden asthma attacks. Always keep a rescue inhaler with you to quickly relieve any asthma attacks. Call your prescriber or get medical help if your asthma gets worse while taking this medication.
- After your Exdensur (depemokimab) injection, the spot where you got it might get red, swollen, or itchy. You can put an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the area to help. These reactions will usually go away in a couple days. But call your care team if the reaction gets worse or doesn't go away.
- If you take steroids or other asthma medications, keep taking them the way your prescriber told you while you're taking Exdensur (depemokimab). Don't stop them or lower your dose on your own. If you do, it can make you have uncomfortable steroid withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your prescriber before making any changes to your medications.
- If you become pregnant while taking Exdensur (depemokimab), tell your prescriber right away. You can also contact the manufacturer at 1‑888‑852‑5249. There isn't enough information to know if this medication is safe to use during pregnancy.
Risks and warnings for Exdensur (depemokimab)
Exdensur (depemokimab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Allergic reactions
Exdensur (depemokimab) can cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. These reactions can be life-threatening. Watch for signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, itching, dizziness, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face. If any of these happen after your injection, get medical help right away.
Not for asthma attacks
Exdensur (depemokimab) isn't for treating asthma attacks or any sudden breathing problems. Use a rescue inhaler, like albuterol (Ventolin), to quickly help with asthma attacks. If your rescue inhaler isn't working well, get medical help right away. You might need other medications to help you breathe better.
If your asthma or breathing gets worse while taking Exdensur (depemokimab), talk to your prescriber.
Avoid stopping your steroid medications suddenly
If you're taking steroid medications for your asthma, it's important to keep taking them as prescribed when you start Exdensur (depemokimab). This includes steroid pills or steroid inhalers. Don't stop your steroid medication or lower your steroid dose all of a sudden. If you do, you might have withdrawal symptoms that can be uncomfortable.
Talk to your prescriber if you want to take a lower dose of your steroids or if you want to stop them. They'll lower your steroid dose slowly before you can stop completely. This helps lower the risk of withdrawal.
Get parasitic worm infections treated
Exdensur (depemokimab) might make it harder for your body to fight parasitic worm infections. The medication lowers the levels of certain white blood cells that help protect you from germs.
To be safe, get any parasitic worm infections treated before starting Exdensur (depemokimab). And if you get one while taking this medication, tell your prescriber. They can get you medications to treat it. Your prescriber might also ask you to stop Exdensur (depemokimab) until your infection goes away.
Exdensur (depemokimab) dosage
Typical dosage for Exdensur (depemokimab)
Exdensur (depemokimab) is given as an injection under the skin by a healthcare professional. It's injected into the upper arm, thigh, or stomach.
The typical dose is 100 mg injected under the skin once every 6 months.
What are alternatives to Exdensur (depemokimab)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Exdensur (depemokimab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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Exdensur (depemokimab) images
