Is Tezspire effective in managing severe asthma?

Question

Hello doctor,

My severe asthma has become completely unmanageable despite maximum treatment. I am 28 years old and currently taking Breo, Spiriva, and Montelukast, and still using my rescue inhaler multiple times daily. I have been hospitalized four times this year, including one terrifying ICU admission where I needed intubation briefly. The frequent Prednisone bursts are causing weight gain, insomnia, and mood swings that are affecting my relationships. My pulmonologist wants to start Tezspire, but my insurance is refusing coverage until I try both Nucala and Fasenra first, despite my blood eosinophil counts not being particularly elevated. Is Tezspire fundamentally different from those other biologics? Would it potentially work when others might not? I had to take medical leave from my job as a preschool teacher because respiratory infections from the kids triggered severe flares. What kind of results could I realistically expect with Tezspire? Are there any serious side effects I should be concerned about? Is there any way to appeal the insurance company's step therapy requirements? I am desperate for something that actually works.

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Although Tezspire begins working shortly after your first dose, it is likely to take several weeks or even months before you notice your symptoms begin to ease. However, some people receiving Tezspire in studies saw a reduction in their asthma symptoms as soon as two weeks after the first dose. Tezepelumab-ekko (Tezspire) is a recently FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved biologic for people with severe asthma. This medication can be used to treat eosinophilic asthma or allergic asthma by reducing certain kinds of cytokines that cause inflammation. The omalizumab mechanism of action is designed to target IgE (immunoglobulin E), an antibody produced by the immune system. It works by inhibiting the binding of the IgE antibody to IgE receptors on cells which can lead to inflammation and worsened allergic symptoms. The common side effects of Tezspire are 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 and it is treated by taking Tezspire.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.