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.
Tezspire
Used for Asthma
Used for Asthma
Tezspire (tezepelumab or tezepelumab-ekko) is a biologic medication. It's used to treat severe asthma. It can also treat chronic rhinosinusitis (sinus inflammation) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Tezspire (tezepelumab) is for people ages 12 years and older and is added to treatment when other medications aren't enough. The dosage is given as an injection under the skin once a month. A trained healthcare professional can give the injection with the vials or prefilled syringes. There are also prefilled pens that you can use at home for your injections. Side effects aren't common but can include joint pain and a higher risk of infections.
What is Tezspire (tezepelumab)?
What is Tezspire (tezepelumab) used for?
- Severe asthma - add-on for people 12 years and older
- Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) - add-on for people 12 years and older
How Tezspire (tezepelumab) works
Tezspire (tezepelumab) is a biologic medication called a monoclonal antibody. More specifically it's a thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) blocker.
The medication works by blocking a protein called TSLP. This protein plays a role in causing inflammation in the body.
By blocking TSLP, Tezspire (tezepelumab) helps lessen inflammation in your airways to control asthma. It can also lower swelling in your sinuses to help with chronic rhinosinusitis.
When does Tezspire (tezepelumab) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Tezspire |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | TSLP blocker |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Tezspire (tezepelumab)
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
Asthma:
- Sore throat (4%)
- Joint pain (4%)
- Back pain (4%)
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps:
- Common cold (18%)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (12%)
- Nosebleed (6%)
- Sore throat (5%)
- Back pain (5%)
- Flu-like symptoms
Less Common Side Effects
- Injection site reactions (e.g., skin redness, swelling, pain)
Tezspire (tezepelumab) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, swelling of the lips or tongue, trouble breathing
When do Tezspire (tezepelumab) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Injection site reactions
The following Tezspire (tezepelumab) 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):
- Back pain
- Cough
- Joint pain
- Nosebleed
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
- Sore throat
Get your GoodRx coupon
$6833.52
GoodRx discount
$4718.83
Pros and cons of Tezspire (tezepelumab)
Pros
- Might work better to control severe asthma than other asthma biologics
- Works well to lessen symptoms from chronic rhinosinusitis from nasal polyps
- Only given once per month
- Okay for children as young as 12 years old
Cons
- Given as an injection under the skin
- Might be hard for some people to inject properly
- Only used as add-on therapy to other medications
- Can raise the risk of infections
Pharmacist tips for Tezspire (tezepelumab)
- Mark your calendar for your monthly Tezspire (tezepelumab) injections. This can help you remember when it’s time for your dose, whether you get it at a clinic or give it to yourself at home.
- If you miss a dose of Tezspire (tezepelumab): For injections given at a clinic, call them to reschedule. For injections given at home, inject it as soon as you remember. Then, you can continue with your normal schedule. If it's already time for your next dose, inject the medication as usual.
- It's a good idea to keep track your symptoms in a journal while using Tezspire (tezepelumab). Bring it to your appointments so you can talk to your prescriber about how treatment is going.
- For severe asthma: Don't use Tezspire (tezepelumab) to treat sudden asthma attacks. This medication isn't helpful for quickly relieving asthma attacks. Make sure to keep a rescue inhaler with you for these situations.
- Before you get any vaccines, tell the healthcare professional that you're taking Tezspire (tezepelumab). They can check that it's safe for you. You can still get most vaccines during treatment. But you shouldn't get live vaccines because we don't know if they're safe or will work well with Tezspire (tezepelumab). Some live vaccines are the FluMist nasal flu vaccine and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella).
- If you take any steroid medications, including steroid inhalers, keep taking them as prescribed. Don't stop or change your steroid dose while taking Tezspire (tezepelumab) without talking to your prescriber first. Stopping or lowering steroid medications too fast can make your symptoms get worse. It might also cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your prescriber before making any changes. They can see if it's right for you and help you make them safely.
- If you're pregnant, thinking of getting pregnant, or breastfeeding: Talk to your prescriber about the risks and benefits of taking Tezspire (tezepelumab). We don't know if it's safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your prescriber, obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), or a lactation expert about safe options for you.
Tips on how to use the Tezspire (tezepelumab) pen at home:
- Before you use Tezspire (tezepelumab) at home, your care team will teach you how to properly and safely inject the medication. They'll make sure you can do it on your own first. Review the instructions for use on how to use and inject Tezspire (tezepelumab). Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- How to store Tezspire (tezepelumab): Store unused prefilled pens in the refrigerator, but don't let them freeze. You can also keep them at room temperature (68ºF to 77ºF) for up to 30 days. Once the pen reaches room temperature, don't back it back in the fridge and use within 30 days. Store the pens in their original package to protect them from light.
- When it's time for your Tezspire (tezepelumab) dose: Take a prefilled pen out of the refrigerator and place it on a flat surface. Let it sit for about 1 hour to warm up to room temperature. Don't warm it up any other way. like with a microwave or under hot water, because it might damage the medication. Check that the liquid in the pen is clear and colorless to light yellow.
- Where to inject Tezspire (tezepelumab): Inject the medication under your skin in the front of your thigh or the lower part of your stomach (2 inches from your belly button). You can also have someone help inject it into the back of your upper arm. Choose a different spot each time, at least 1 inch away from your last injection. Don't inject into tender, bruised, scaly, hard, scarred, or damaged skin. This helps prevent skin irritation. Also don't inject through clothing.
- How to inject Tezspire (tezepelumab): Wash your hands and clean the injection area with an alcohol wipe. When you're ready, take off the pen cap. Place the orange end flat against your skin. Press down until you can't see the orange tip and hold it in place for about 15 seconds. You'll hear a click when the injection starts and the viewing window will start to turn orange. When it's done, you'll hear another click and the window will be all orange. Then, lift the pen straight up.
- Throw away Tezspire (tezepelumab) after each injection: Throw away the used pen in a sharps container. You can also use something heavy duty like an empty milk carton or laundry detergent bottle. This helps make sure that you and the people around you don't get hurt from needle sticks. Don't throw away the pen in your regular trash.
Risks and warnings for Tezspire (tezepelumab)
Tezspire (tezepelumab) 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.
Severe allergic reaction
Allergic reactions to Tezspire (tezepelumab) can happen. These can include rash or life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). They can happen within hours or days after injecting the medication.
Get medical help right away if you think you're having an allergic reaction. Watch for any dizziness, a choking sensation, or trouble breathing. Also be aware of any swelling around your eyes or swelling of your face, lips, or tongue.
Unknown effect on your immune response to parasitic worm infections
Tezspire (tezepelumab) works by blocking a protein called TSLP. This protein might play a role in helping your immune system fight against parasitic worm infections. We don't know exactly how the medication affects that process.
To be safe, get any parasitic worm infections treated before starting Tezspire (tezepelumab). If you get one while taking it, tell your primary care provider. They can give you medication to treat the infection. If it doesn't get better, you might need to stop Tezspire (tezepelumab) until the infection goes away.
Avoid live vaccines
Avoid getting any live vaccines while taking Tezspire (tezepelumab). This medication might affect how well your immune system works. This could make you more likely to get sick from the live vaccine itself. Some live vaccines include Varivax (chickenpox vaccine) and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine).
Before getting any vaccines, let the healthcare professional or pharmacist know you're taking Tezspire (tezepelumab). They can help make sure the vaccine is safe for you.
Tezspire (tezepelumab) dosage
The average cost for 1 pen of 210mg of 210mg/1.91ml of Tezspire (tezepelumab) is $4,718.83 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 30.95% off the average retail price of $6,833.52. 
Pen
Pen| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 210mg of 210mg/1.91ml | 1 pen | $4,718.83 | $4,718.83 |
Typical dosage for Tezspire (tezepelumab)
The typical dose is 210 mg injected under the skin once every 4 weeks (once a month). It's injected into the thigh or stomach (at least 2 inches away from the belly button). Injecting into the back of the upper arm is also possible if a caregiver is helping you.
How much does Tezspire (tezepelumab) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Tezspire (brand)
$4,718.83
What are alternatives to Tezspire (tezepelumab)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Tezspire (tezepelumab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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