Can Tezepelumab replace my wife’s inhaler for asthma?

Question

Hello doctor,

My wife has had severe asthma for years, but it has been getting worse lately. She uses inhalers daily, but they do not seem to help much anymore. The biggest issue is her nighttime cough, it is so severe that she can not sleep at all. Our doctor mentioned Tezspire as a new treatment, but we do not know much about it. Is it safe for someone who has previously had lung infections like pneumonia? She gets sick easily, so we are concerned about the risks.

Does Tezspire replace inhalers, or will she still need to use them? How long does it take to start working? She is exhausted from the constant coughing, and we just want to find something that helps her breathe properly again.

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concerns.

Regarding the Tezspire (Tezepelumab) subcutaneous injection: Considering the age and the daily struggles your wife is facing with asthma, here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Have there been studies on its effectiveness in patients?

Yes, there have been studies indicating improvement in patients suffering from severe asthma irrespective of their age. Research has been conducted on individuals between 12 and 80 years old, demonstrating its efficacy. You can find published research papers for further study.

2. Will one need to stay on Tezepelumab indefinitely, or is there a chance they could stop treatment if their asthma improves?

Tezepelumab is not necessarily a lifelong treatment. Typically, doctors prescribe it for about a year. If there is substantial improvement, they may adjust the treatment duration, either extending the intervals between doses or shortening the overall course. The usual timeframe ranges from one to two years. It is important to have a thorough discussion with your doctor regarding potential side effects and long-term management before starting Tezspire. Some common side effects include:

Pharyngitis (sore throat).
Arthralgia (joint pain). This may be particularly bothersome at your age.
Back pain.
Injection-site reactions.
Headaches.

Tezepelumab is primarily indicated for patients with severe asthma who continue to experience uncontrolled symptoms despite steroid treatment. Your doctor will determine whether you fall into this category and if these injections are appropriate for you. Like all medications, Tezepelumab has potential side effects beyond those listed above. It’s crucial to consult your healthcare team to fully understand the benefits and risks before beginning treatment.

As a medical professional, I cannot provide false assurances. Every patient’s experience with this treatment is unique, but Tezepelumab has shown advantages in managing asthma symptoms more effectively than conventional medications.

3. Does Tezepelumab replace inhalers, or will they still be needed?

Tezepelumab does not completely replace existing asthma medications; it is an add-on therapy to your current treatment plan. As your condition improves, your doctor will adjust your medication regimen accordingly.

4. How long does it take to start working?

Most patients notice improvement within four to five weeks of starting treatment. While some benefits may be observed earlier, a more stable and pronounced response is typically seen by the end of the first or second month.

I hope this information helps you make a more informed decision about whether Tezepelumab is a suitable addition to your asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) management.

Thank you.