Is Tezepelumab effective in managing asthma?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 19-year-old daughter started Tezspire for severe asthma two months ago. After the second shot, she broke out in a strange rash all over her body, and her face swelled up like a balloon. Her pulmonologist says it is not an allergic reaction to Tezspire and wants to continue the treatment. However, she still needs her rescue inhaler four to five times daily and has ended up in the emergency room twice since starting Tezspire. Her eosinophil count is still high at 890, and she wakes up gasping for air most nights. She has already tried Xolair and Dupixent before this, and neither worked. I am worried that Tezspire is causing more harm than good, but I do not know what other options we have left. Is it normal for it to get worse before getting better with Tezspire?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Tezspire (Tezepelumab) is an add-on maintenance treatment for people aged above 12 and older with severe asthma. It is not a rescue medication. Tezepelumab helps prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and can improve your breathing. Its side effects include rash, breathing problems, hives, red, itchy, swollen, or inflamed eyes, swelling of your face, mouth, and tongue, fainting, dizziness, and feeling lightheaded. It takes around two weeks to a few months for Tezepelumab to show its effect on asthma. However, side effects after the first dose are not common.

Since your child already experienced the side effects and landed in an emergency after starting Tezepelumab, I do not think it is advisable to continue it. Kindly consult your pulmonologist in person and ask to change the medication. Do not take or stop any medication by yourself.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.