Tezepelumab-ekko (Subcutaneous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 4, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Tezspire
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Pharmacologic Class: Tezepelumab
Uses for tezepelumab-ekko
Tezepelumab-ekko injection is used together with other medicines to treat severe asthma. Tezepelumab-ekko helps prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and can improve your breathing. Tezepelumab-ekko will not relieve an asthma attack that has already started.
Tezepelumab-ekko is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using tezepelumab-ekko
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For tezepelumab-ekko, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to tezepelumab-ekko or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of tezepelumab-ekko injection to treat asthma in children younger than 12 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of tezepelumab-ekko injection in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of tezepelumab-ekko. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Bronchospasm (breathing problem), acute or
- Status asthmaticus (severe asthma attack)—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
- Parasitic infection—Use with caution. It is not known if tezepelumab-ekko may affect patients with this condition. Treat the infection first before using tezepelumab-ekko.
Proper use of tezepelumab-ekko
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you tezepelumab-ekko. It is given as a shot under your skin, usually in the thigh, stomach area, or upper arm once every 4 weeks.
Tezepelumab-ekko comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose
Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Precautions while using tezepelumab-ekko
It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure tezepelumab-ekko is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.
Tezepelumab-ekko may cause serious allergic reactions, including a rash or allergic conjunctivitis, which can occur within hours or days after receiving the injection. Tell your doctor right away if you have burning, dry, or itching eyes, discharge, excessive tearing, or redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid after using tezepelumab-ekko.
If you are using a steroid medicine for your asthma, do not suddenly stop taking it without first checking with your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
Do not receive any live vaccines (immunizations) while you are being treated with tezepelumab-ekko. Check with your doctor before receiving any vaccines.
Tezepelumab-ekko side effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
- Burning, dry, or itching eyes
- chest tightness
- discharge, excessive tearing
- fast heartbeat
- hives, itching, skin rash
- hoarseness
- irritation
- joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
- redness of the skin
- swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet
- trouble breathing
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- 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
- stuffy or runny nose
- tender, swollen glands in the neck
- trouble swallowing
- voice changes
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More about tezepelumab
- Check interactions
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: selective immunosuppressants
- Breastfeeding
- En español
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