For some, asthma is a normal thing. But for others, it can be a very serious condition. Do you suffer from severe asthma that is difficult to control despite regular use of inhalers and other medications? If so, this new drug, Tezepelumab, may be important for you. Let's talk about it simply, in language you understand.
What is Tezepelumab?
Simply put, Tezepelumab is a vaccine that is given to prevent severe asthma symptoms. You may have heard of it under the brand name Tezspire. It is not a pill that you swallow, but an injection that is given under the skin.
How does this work? It's very simple. A person with asthma always has a little inflammation in their airways (the tubes that carry air). What this medicine does is reduce that inflammation. Then the airways become less swollen and narrow, making it easier to breathe.
However, it is important to remember that this is not a medicine to use when you have an acute asthma attack. It is used to control and prevent asthma attacks. Your doctor may have given you a separate, short-acting inhaler for an asthma attack.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this vaccine, it is very important to talk openly with your doctor. Be sure to mention the following in particular:
| Information you need to provide | Why is that? |
|---|---|
| If you have a parasitic/helminth infection. | Because this medication affects the immune system, treatment of existing worm infections may be necessary. |
| If you have allergies to anything. | This is especially important if you have allergies to tezepelumab itself, other medications, foods, dyes, or hamster proteins (a substance used in the manufacture of some medications). |
| If you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant. | It is essential to seek medical advice before taking any medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a nursing mother. | Your doctor will advise you on whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk. |
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine that you can take home. This vaccine is given by a trained doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic . It is a simple injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). So there is nothing to worry about.
This medicine can also be prescribed to children over 12 years of age in some special cases, but special precautions must be followed.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have somehow received too much of this medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a day to take the medicine?
This is a medication that needs to be taken on a regular schedule. Therefore, it is very important not to miss your doctor's appointments. If for some reason you are unable to go on your scheduled date, call your medical team immediately and let them know.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
There are several things you should pay attention to when using this medicine.
- See your doctor regularly: Don't forget to go to the clinic on the scheduled days to check your progress. Tell your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or get worse.
- Keep your rescue inhaler with you: This is the most important thing. Keep your rescue inhaler (short-acting inhaler) with you at all times, no matter where you go. Tezepelumab is not an emergency medicine.
- Know your asthma action plan: You and your doctor should work together to create a specific 'asthma action plan' for yourself. This means you should know exactly what to do when your asthma is mildly worsening (yellow zone), and what to do if your asthma is severe enough to cause an emergency (red zone).
If your breathing difficulty does not improve after using your rescue inhaler, or if it gets worse, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. |
| Difficulty breathing | Worsening of asthma or other breathing difficulties. |
| Eye discomfort | Itching, redness, or burning of the eyes. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Joint pain | Joint pain. |
| Back pain | Pain in the back area. |
| Sore throat | Soreness or discomfort in the throat. |
This list is not all-inclusive. If you experience any other side effects, talk to your doctor about them.
Take-Home Message
- Tezepelumab is a medicine used to prevent severe asthma attacks, not to treat an asthma attack.
- Before starting this treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and allergies.
- This vaccine is given at a hospital or clinic and is not available for home storage.
- Always keep your emergency inhaler with you.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic symptoms such as facial swelling, skin rash, or difficulty breathing.
- If you have any concerns or questions about this medication, never be afraid to discuss it with your doctor.
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