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Fasenra Coupon - Fasenra 30mg/ml autoinjector

Fasenra

benralizumab
Used for Asthma
Used for Asthma

Fasenra (benralizumab) is an injectable biologic medication that's used to treat severe eosinophilic asthma in people 6 years and older. It belongs to a class of medications called interleukin antagonists. Fasenra (benralizumab) is available as a pen that you can inject at home, either by yourself or with the help of a caregiver. The usual dosing is to inject under the skin every month for the first 3 months, and then every 2 months after that. Common side effects include headache and sore throat.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 1, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Fasenra (benralizumab)?

What is Fasenra (benralizumab) used for?

  • Add-on treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma in people 6 years and older

How Fasenra (benralizumab) works

Fasenra (benralizumab) is an interleukin antagonist. It blocks interleukin-5 (IL-5), a protein that normally makes white blood cells called eosinophils. Having high levels of eosinophils in the body can lead to inflammation, which plays a role in asthma.

While the exact way Fasenra (benralizumab) works to treat asthma isn't fully understood, it's known that the medication reduces the level of eosinophils in the body. This is thought to lessen inflammation in the lungs, which helps to ease symptoms of severe asthma.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsFasenra
Drug ClassInterleukin antagonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Fasenra (benralizumab)?

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

  • Headache (8%)
  • Sore throat (5%)
  • Fever (3%)

Other Side Effects

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing; rash; fever; swelling in your face, lips, or tongue; fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Fasenra (benralizumab)

thumbs-up

Pros

Maintenance dose is injected every 2 months

Shown to lower the rate of asthma attacks

Available as a pre-filled pen so you can inject conveniently at home

thumbs-down

Cons

Can't treat asthma attacks

Needs to be injected, which can be inconvenient compared to pills or an inhaler

Not approved for children under 6 years old

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Fasenra (benralizumab)

pharmacist

  • Don't give yourself or your child Fasenra (benralizumab) injections until you understand how to prepare and inject a dose. Your provider will also show you how to do your first injection.

    • If you're taking corticosteroids or other asthma medications, continue to take them while taking Fasenra (benralizumab) according to your provider's treatment plan. Suddenly stopping or changing how you take these medications can cause serious steroid withdrawal symptoms.

      • Speak with your provider right away if you become pregnant while receiving Fasenra (benralizumab). It's not clear whether this medication is safe for people who are pregnant. Your provider can discuss the risks and benefits of taking Fasenra (benralizumab) and other safe treatment for you.

        • Throw away your used syringes and pens in a sharps disposal container after each use. Check out the FDA page for more information about disposing your sharps.

          • Store Fasenra (benralizumab) in the refrigerator in its original container. When it's time for your dose, take the medication out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature (30 minutes) before you inject it. If you accidentally left the medication out of the refrigerator, you must use it within 14 days.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Fasenra (benralizumab)

            Can Fasenra (benralizumab) cause cancer?
            In clinical studies, cancer wasn't reported as a side effect of Fasenra (benralizumab). Discuss with your healthcare provider if you have questions about this medication and any potential cancer risks.
            How long do Fasenra (benralizumab) side effects last?
            The most common side effects of Fasenra (benralizumab) are headache and sore throat. If they don't go away on their own, let your provider know. In rare cases, you can develop life-threatening allergic reactions to Fasenra (benralizumab). These reactions can happen right after your injection or several days later. Make sure to get medical attention right away if you develop rash, trouble breathing, swelling in your face, itching, redness, dizziness, and joint pain.
            Does Fasenra (benralizumab) cause weight gain?
            In clinical studies, people who used Fasenra (benralizumab) didn't report any changes in body weight. If you find yourself gaining weight while using Fasenra (benralizumab), let your provider know.
            How is Fasenra (benralizumab) administered?
            Fasenra (benralizumab) can be injected under the skin on the lower stomach and thighs. Make sure to avoid the area 2 inches from the belly button. If you're giving the injection to someone else, you can also inject under the skin on the underside of the upper arms. In general, you want to change the site often to prevent skin irritation. Don't inject the medication into skin that's bruised, red, tender, or hard.
            How long does Fasenra (benralizumab) stay in your system?
            It typically takes about 2 to 3 months for most of Fasenra (benralizumab) to leave your body after a single injection. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of Fasenra (benralizumab). Because it can also be affected by your health conditions and genetics, it can be different for each individual person.
            Is Fasenra (benralizumab) a biologic?
            Yes, Fasenra (benralizumab) is considered a biologic medication, meaning it's made from living sources. Specifically, it's a type of monoclonal antibody that's made in a lab to work similarly to antibodies in your body.
            Can Fasenra (benralizumab) be used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
            Fasenra (benralizumab) is currently only FDA-approved to treat severe eosinophilic asthma. It's not approved to treat any other inflammatory conditions, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). There have been some clinical studies that looked at how well Fasenra (benralizumab) works for moderate-to-severe COPD, but so far the results are mixed. Ask your provider if you have questions about using this medication for COPD.
            Is Fasenra (benralizumab) a steroid?
            No, Fasenra (benralizumab) isn't a steroid. Instead it's a biologic medication. But like corticosteroids, Fasenra (benralizumab) can help lower inflammation in the lungs. Your provider might prescribe Fasenra (benralizumab) along with oral or inhaled steroids to treat your severe asthma. This helps to better control your symptoms and lower your risk of asthma attacks.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Fasenra (benralizumab)?

            Fasenra (benralizumab) 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.

            risk-warning

            Serious allergic reactions

            People who received Fasenra (benralizumab) have sometimes experienced life-threatening allergic reactions. These reactions can happen within hours to days after your injection. Watch out for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, such as rash, trouble breathing, swelling in your face, itching, redness, dizziness, and joint pain. Stop Fasenra (benralizumab) and get medical attention right away if an allergic reaction occurs.

            risk-warning

            Not for asthma attacks

            Fasenra (benralizumab) shouldn't be used to treat asthma attacks or any severe episodes of asthma. You should only use a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol (ProAir), to treat asthma attacks. If your rescue inhaler isn't working well to control your symptoms of wheezing or shortness of breath, get medical attention right away. You might need additional medications, such as steroid pills to help with your symptoms.

            risk-warning

            Suddenly stopping corticosteroids

            It's very important that you continue taking your steroid therapy according to your provider's treatment plan even if you're using Fasenra (benralizumab). Missing doses or stopping corticosteroids suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms that can be dangerous.

            risk-warning

            Parasitic worm infection care

            Because Fasenra (benralizumab) works to reduce your white blood cell levels, it might lower your ability to fight infections. If you happen to have a parasitic worm infection, your provider might treat the infection first before starting this medication. If you get an infection while taking Fasenra (benralizumab), your provider might pause the medication until your infection gets better.

            dosage

            Fasenra (benralizumab) dosage forms

            Typical dosing for Fasenra (benralizumab)

            • Adults and children 12 years of age and older: The typical starting dose is 30 mg injected under the skin every month for the first 3 months. After that, the typical maintenance dose is 30 mg injected under the skin every 2 months.

            • Children 6 to 11 years of age

              • Weigh 77 lbs or more: The typical starting dose is 30 mg injected under the skin every month for the first 3 months. After that, the typical maintenance dose is 30 mg injected under the skin every 2 months.

              • Weigh less than 77 lbs: The typical starting dose is 10 mg injected under the skin every month for the first 3 months. After that, the typical maintenance dose is 10 mg injected under the skin every 2 months.

            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Fasenra (benralizumab)?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Fasenra (benralizumab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            Fasenra (benralizumab)
            Used for:

            • Add-on treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma in people 6 years and older

            View Prices
            Cinqair (reslizumab)
            Used for:

            • Severe asthma

            View Prices
            Dupixent (dupilumab)
            Used for:
            $3674.03 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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            Fasenra (benralizumab) images

            yellow - Fasenra Pen 30mg / mL Prefilled Autoinjector Solution for Injection
            This medicine is Yellow Autoinjector.yellow - Fasenra Pen 30mg / mL Prefilled Autoinjector Solution for Injection

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            References

            Best studies we found

            Al Amin, A. S. M., et al. (2023). Helminthiasis. StatPearls.

            Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. (2024). Understanding eosinophilic asthma.

            AstraZeneca. (2024). Instructions for Use - Fasenra Pen™ (fas-en-rah) (benralizumab), for subcutaneous injection; single-dose autoinjector.

            View All References (5)

            AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. (2024). Fasenra- benralizumab injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

            Criner, G J., et al. (2019). Benralizumab for the prevention of COPD exacerbations. New England Journal of Medicine.

            Pelaia, C., et al. (2019). Interleukin-5 in the pathophysiology of severe asthma. Frontiers in Physiology.

            Singh, D., et al. (2023). Benralizumab prevents recurrent exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A post hoc analysis. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

            U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Safely using sharps (needles and syringes) at home, at work and on travel.

            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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