This medication is used with other medications to
control and prevent symptoms of severe asthma (such as wheezing and
shortness of breath). Controlling symptoms of asthma helps you maintain
your normal activities and decreases time lost from work or school.
Tezepelumab belongs to a class of medications known as monoclonal
antibodies. It helps reduce swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the
lungs to make breathing easier.
This medication must be used regularly to be effective.
It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma
attacks or breathing problems. If an asthma attack occurs, use your
quick-relief inhaler as prescribed.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using
tezepelumab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask
your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor, usually once every 4 weeks. The injection is given in the
upper arm, thigh, or abdomen.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all
preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and
the product package. Take the medication out of the refrigerator at least
60 minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do
not warm up this medication any other way (for example, do not heat it in
the microwave, place it in hot water, or leave it in direct sunlight). Do
not shake the medication. Before using, check this product for particles or
discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before
injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the
injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time
to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is tender,
bruised, red, hard, or damaged. To lessen bruising, do not rub the
injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical
supplies safely.
If you are regularly using a corticosteroid medication,
you should not stop using it unless directed by your doctor. Some
conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may become worse when the drug is
suddenly stopped. If you suddenly stop using the corticosteroid medication,
you may also have withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss,
nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness). To help prevent
withdrawal, your doctor may slowly lower the dose of your corticosteroid
medication after you begin using tezepelumab. Tell your doctor or
pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using tezepelumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- infection due to a parasite (helminth)
Tell your health care professional that you are using
tezepelumab before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact
with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If your dose is given by a health care professional and you miss
a dose, ask your doctor right away for a new dosing schedule. If you are
using this medication at home and miss a dose, use it as soon as you
remember. Use your next dose on the regular day. Do not double the dose to
catch up.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the
medication in the original carton to protect from light. This medication
may also be stored at room temperature if needed. If the medication is
stored at room temperature, do not put it back in the refrigerator and
discard after 30 days. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.