Reviews (33)Overview: Fasenra is used for certain health conditions that involve high levels of a certain immune cell known as an eosinophil. Common side effects can include headaches, a sore throat, or feeling like you have the flu. Allergic reactions are possible, even days after using Fasenra. Stop using Fasenra and seek medical attention right away if you have trouble swallowing, throat tightness, an itchy rash, or trouble breathing. Fasenra is a medicine that is injected under your skin. It is sometimes given by a health care provider and sometimes you or a caregiver can be trained to use the injections at home. Before using Fasenra at home, make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use it.
Uses
What is Fasenra used for?
Fasenra (benralizumab) is commonly used to treat the following conditions.
- A certain type of severe asthma, called eosinophilic asthma
- A rare immune system disorder, called eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA)
- A rare immune system disorder, called hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), where large numbers of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) can accumulate in organs and cause damage
Learn more about How Fasenra Works for Asthma.
Learn more about Fasenra for Hypereosinophilic Syndrome (HES).
Fasenra may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does Fasenra work (mechanism of action)?
In some conditions, swelling (inflammation) is caused by having too many of a certain type of immune cell, called an eosinophil. Fasenra binds to eosinophils, reducing the number of these cells in the body and reducing the amount of swelling in people with these conditions.
How is Fasenra supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Fasenra
Dosage forms and strengths
- 10 mg/0.5 mL injection, prefilled syringe
- 30 mg/mL injection, prefilled syringe and autoinjector (Fasenra Pen)
How should I store Fasenra?
Fasenra should be kept in its original carton to protect it from light. It must be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Do not shake or freeze the medicine.
Fasenra can be stored at room temperature up to 77 F (25 C) for up to 14 days, if needed. Once it has been stored at room temperature, it cannot be placed back into the refrigerator. If it is not used within 14 days of being stored at room temperature, it should be thrown away.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Fasenra?
The most common side effects of Fasenra are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Flu-like illness
- Allergic reactions (see below)
There may be other side effects of Fasenra that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Fasenra?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Fasenra are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Fasenra may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. These reactions can happen within hours or days after using Fasenra. Stop using Fasenra and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Fasenra?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Fasenra.
- Benralizumab
- Fasenra
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Fasenra.
What should I know about Fasenra before using it?
Do not use Fasenra unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Fasenra with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Fasenra out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
Fasenra is a medicine that is used on a regular schedule to prevent symptoms. Do not use it when a quick response to breathing problems is needed. Certain inhaled medicines, sometimes called rescue inhalers, should be used to treat sudden symptoms. Get medical help right away if your breathing does not get better after using a rescue inhaler.
This medicine is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Fasenra. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.
If you are already using other medicines to treat your condition, do not stop those medicines after you start Fasenra. Tell your health care provider which medicines you are using. They will work with you on a plan to either continue, stop, or change the dose of your other medicines.
What should I tell my health care provider before using Fasenra?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Fasenra is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Current use of oral or inhaled corticosteroids, or any other medicines for asthma
- Current or recent parasitic worm (helminth) infection
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Fasenra could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Fasenra while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. Fasenra passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Fasenra while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Fasenra?
For more information about Fasenra, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.fasenra.com or call them at 800-236-9933.
Interactions
Does Fasenra interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Fasenra and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Fasenra.
Does Fasenra interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Fasenra and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Fasenra?
If you or someone else has used too much Fasenra, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Fasenra?
If you miss a dose of Fasenra, call your health care provider to find out when you should use your next dose.
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