What are the side effects of Tezspire used for asthma?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 15-year-old son has severe, uncontrolled asthma that is progressively worsening despite multiple medication adjustments. He is currently on the highest-dose Advair, Spiriva, and Montelukast, and still uses his rescue inhaler four to five times daily. He has been hospitalized three times this year, including one terrifying episode where he needed BiPAP in the ER. The frequent Prednisone bursts are affecting his growth and mood, and causing significant weight gain. His pulmonologist wants to start Tezspire, but our insurance is demanding. We tried Fasenra and Nucala first, even though his blood tests did not show significantly elevated eosinophils.

Is Tezspire fundamentally different from those other biologics? Would it potentially work when others might not? He was a promising basketball player but had to quit the team entirely, which has been devastating for him. What kind of results could we realistically expect with Tezspire? Are there any serious side effects we should worry about? Is there any way to appeal the insurance company's decision?

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Tezspire (Tezepelumab) is a prescription medicine used with other asthma medicines for the maintenance treatment of severe asthma in people twelve years of age and older whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicine.
Tezepelumab helps prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and can improve your breathing.
Nucala (Mepolizumab), Fasenra (Benralizumab), and Cinqair (Reslizumab) only treat severe eosinophilic asthma. Tezspire (Tezepelumab) is unique in that it can treat any type of severe asthma.
Tezepelumab has the best rating on websites and then comes Benralizumab. Mepolizumab is the least rated compared to the other two drugs.

Common side effects of Tezepelumab:

Back pain.
Body aches or pain.
Cough.
Difficulty in moving.
Dryness or soreness of the throat.
Fever.
Muscle pain or stiffness.
Redness, pain, or itching at the injection site.

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The probable cause is severe bronchial asthma.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach out to me again if you have further queries.

Thank you.