Is Tezepelumab a safe drug for children in asthma?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Regarding Tezspire (Tezepelumab) subcutaneous injection, keep in mind your son's age and the daily struggle he is going through.

Firstly, the injection is not a tedious process; it is given through the subcutaneous path, just like insulin injections are given in diabetic patients. So, this will not be a hassle, so do not worry about it.

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 (but as currently noted, studies have been done in the age group between 12 and 80 years; hence, medicine is approved for this category). Research papers are available for you to study as well; you can look them up.

2. Will one need to stay on Tezspire indefinitely, or can they stop treatment if their asthma improves?

It is not an indefinite treatment course. Usually, you can expect your treating doctor to prescribe it for one year, if they feel there is better improvement than they expected. They might want to give longer gaps or shorter courses. One to two years is enough for what they might aim at.

On the other hand, as you embark on this journey, also be informed about what to expect by discussing with the doctor in charge regarding the side effects. Some basics regarding what to expect for your awareness are: that is once they start on Tezspire:

1. Pharyngitis (sore throat).

2. Arthralgia (sore joints).

3. Back pain.

4. Injection-site reactions.

5. Headaches.

6. Regarding affecting his growth and the process of puberty, though it is not entirely a yes, to a certain extent, it will have its effect.

Tezspire is indicated mainly in severe asthma patients with uncontrolled symptoms even on steroids. Hence, your treating doctor is the one who can decide whether you are in that category and need to receive these weekly injections. It is weekly or monthly, and it is decided by the treating pulmonologist.

All these do come with side effects other than those mentioned above; hence, consult your treating doctor's team and be well informed before embarking on the journey.

I, as a medical professional, cannot give you false assurance regarding this. Each patient has a difficult journey when started on this medicine, though it comes with a plus point of better management of asthma symptoms, better than the conventional medicines that have been used for ages.

3. Does Tezspire replace inhalers, or does she still need to use them?

It will not completely replace his current medication. It is an addition to his current treatment schedule. As he improves, his treating doctor will modify the dose and the pattern of his regular medicine.

4. How long does it take to start working?

As observed, once this weekly injection course is started by the fourth to fifth week, noticeable stable improvement is recorded. Even earlier, we can see a stable response, much more pronounced by the end of the first month and the second month.

I hope this helps you understand to some extent whether it is worth trying this new addition to your son's Asthma management.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.