What is Tezspire®:
Biologic Asthma Treatment
Tezspire® is a biologic medication. Its generic name is tezepelumab-ekko. It belongs to a drug class known as monoclonal antibodies.
Tezspire is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat severe, uncontrolled asthma. It is given as an injection into the skin. Patients have the option of taking Tezspire in a doctor’s office or clinic, or self-administering it at home using an injectable pen.
Tezspire stops inflammation in the airways before it can start. The medication helps control asthma symptoms, prevent severe asthma attacks, and improve asthma management.
What is Tezspire used for?
Tezspire medication is indicated for use in adults and children 12 years and older who have severe, uncontrolled asthma. It can be used to treat any type of severe asthma, with no limitations on phenotype or biomarkers. This includes allergic asthma and eosinophilic asthma.
Tezspire does not treat sudden breathing problems. It is prescribed as a maintenance treatment, usually for people who have relied on oral corticosteroids for treatment of severe asthma.
How does Tezspire work?
Tezspire works by blocking thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a signaling protein, from binding with a TSLP receptor involved in immune and allergic responses. It reduces the number of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) proteins, as well as levels of eosinophils and immunoglobulin E (IgE). This prevents the start of inflammation in the airways.
By blocking these proteins and biomarkers, the drug reduces airway inflammation. It also helps reduce mucus, which helps you breathe easier. It can help prevent asthma attacks, reduce asthma symptoms and improve lung function.
Since Tezspire helps reduce proteins, eosinophils and IgE, Tezspire represents a significant advancement in the field of asthma treatments, particularly for people with severe asthma that is poorly controlled with other asthma medicines.
Tezspire is an add-on maintenance treatment. It should be taken along with other prescribed asthma medications. People who use Tezspire should continue to take daily inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) or long-acting beta agonists (LABA) as prescribed by their doctor. Any reduction in corticosteroid treatment should be gradual and done under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
If you’re prescribed Tezspire, work together with your doctor on a treatment plan. Follow it closely, as the specific combination of medications you’re prescribed may vary based on the severity of your condition. Regular appointments and communication with your doctor can ensure your treatment plan is effective.
Is Tezspire a biologic?
Yes, Tezspire is a biologic medication known as a monoclonal antibody. Biologic drugs are derived from living organisms such as human tissue or viruses. They are designed to target specific cells, proteins and pathways of the immune system that lead to asthma symptoms.
Tezspire differs from other biologics in that it is the only one that can reduce levels of proteins, eosinophils and IgE. Tezspire represents a significant advancement in asthma treatments, particularly for people with severe asthma that is poorly controlled with traditional asthma medicines.
If Tezspire is taken at home, you may have to obtain it at a specialty pharmacy. A specialty pharmacy handles prescriptions for drugs that demand specialized storage, handling, and transportation.
Is Tezspire an immunosuppressant?
Tezspire is not an immunosuppressant. It does interact with the immune system, but only to inhibit the proteins that cause inflammation. Immunosuppressants are typically used to inhibit the immune system more broadly. They are commonly used for conditions where the immune system is overactive, such as in autoimmune disorders or after an organ transplant. Tezspire does not have these broad immunosuppressive affects.
Tezspire dosing
Tezspire is given once every four weeks. The dosage is 210 mg for all age groups.
Tezspire injection
The Tezspire injection is typically administered beneath the skin, either in the upper arm, thigh, or stomach. This helps ensure the medication is delivered to the tissue layer between the skin and the muscle.
Avoid injecting the biologic into the same site each time. This can cause sensitivity, pain and scarring.
You can choose to receive the medication at your doctor’s office or self-administer at home with the Tezspire pen. A healthcare professional can provide training on how to administer the Tezspire pen.
Tezspire pen
The Tezspire pen is a pre-filled auto-injector device that you can self-administer at home. It has the same dosage as the injection in the doctor’s office. Many people taking Tezspire at home feel this option offers greater convenience and a sense of empowerment. They can take the injection when they want, on their own schedule.
If you choose to self-administer with the Tezspire pen, it’s important to follow the dosing regimen and specific instructions for taking the medication.
Ask your doctor for training on how to correctly administer the Tezspire pen. Make sure you know the injection site and proper technique. Talk with your doctor regularly to ensure you are injecting it safely and effectively.
Tezspire ingredients
Active ingredient: tezepelumab-ekko
Inactive ingredients: glacial acetic acid, L-proline, polysorbate 80, sodium hydroxide, and water for injection.
Side effects of Tezspire
Tezspire can cause side effects ranging from mild to serious. The most common side effects of Tezspire are:
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Sore throat
- Irritation at the injection site
Some people may experience an allergic reaction soon after the Tezspire injection. Most allergic reactions are mild. If symptoms are severe, tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away. This is anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:
- hives on the skin
- swelling of your face, mouth and/or tongue
- breathing problems
- nausea, abdominal cramps or vomiting
- low blood pressure
- fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded
If you take Tezspire at home, you will need a prescription for epinephrine. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Take it at the first sign of symptoms.
Before using Tezspire, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions. Provide a list of any other medications you’re taking that could cause drug interactions. Do not stop taking other asthma medicines unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.
How much does Tezspire cost?
Biologics are expensive medications due to their complex production process. The list price for Tezspire is $4,160.91 per 210 mg without insurance. Most patients do not pay the list price. The actual cost will vary based on your insurance coverage.
Many options are available to help eligible people pay for Tezspire. Check your health insurance plan to see if the medication is covered. Most cover Tezspire but they may require prior authorization.
The Tezspire Together Co-pay Program can help eligible, commercially insured people get doses for as little as $0 or up to $100 off. Tezspire also has a patient assistance program where uninsured patients may receive their prescription for $0.
Medicare Part B may cover the Tezspire injection if it is given in a doctor’s office. Medicaid may also cover Tezspire, but the coverage may vary depending on the state.
Charitable organizations such as The Assistance Fund, Inc., Patient Advocate Foundation and The HealthWell Foundation are dedicated to offering financial support to patients with specific medical conditions, irrespective of their chosen treatment. People with commercial or public insurance, including those under Medicare and Medicaid, can reach out directly to these foundations for financial assistance.
