Living with severe asthma can feel unpredictable and limiting, making it difficult to fully enjoy daily life. When traditional asthma medications like inhaled corticosteroids and oral corticosteroids fail to provide adequate relief, biologic therapies like Tezspire and Fasenra can offer new hope.
At Smart Infusion, we specialize in administering advanced biologic infusion treatments, including Tezspire and Fasenra, designed to address severe asthma symptoms effectively. Our comfortable, patient-focused environment ensures personalized care and comprehensive support as you pursue better asthma control.
In this blog, we'll compare Tezspire and Fasenra, exploring how each works, their effectiveness, side effects, key differences, and important considerations to help determine which treatment is best suited for you.
Understanding Tezspire for Severe Asthma
Tezspire (tezepelumab) is a biologic drug designed to treat severe asthma by targeting thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a protein involved in triggering airway inflammation.
By blocking TSLP, Tezspire helps prevent asthma attacks, reduces airway inflammation, and improves lung function, providing relief for patients with both allergic and non-eosinophilic asthma.
Effectiveness and Patient Outcomes
Clinical trials have demonstrated that Tezspire significantly reduces asthma symptoms, improves lung function, and lowers the frequency of severe asthma attacks. It is especially effective for adults whose asthma remains uncontrolled despite high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and other biologics.
Possible Tezspire side effects include sore throat, joint pain, and in rare cases, allergic reactions. However, studies indicate it has a favorable safety profile with fewer adverse events compared to some other biologics.
Understanding Fasenra for Severe Asthma
Fasenra (benralizumab) is a biologic therapy designed specifically to treat severe eosinophilic asthma. It works by directly targeting and reducing eosinophils, a type of white blood cell responsible for inflammation and severe allergic reactions in the airways.
This action helps reduce asthma symptoms and prevent severe asthma attacks triggered by eosinophils.
Effectiveness and Patient Outcomes
Various studies and clinical trials show that Fasenra significantly reduces eosinophil counts, leading to improved lung function, fewer asthma attacks, and better overall asthma control. It also helps patients reduce their reliance on oral corticosteroids, minimizing side effects associated with steroid use.
Fasenra is administered as an injection every 8 weeks after initial doses, typically in your doctor's office. Common side effects include headache, sore throat, and, rarely, allergic reactions.
Key Differences Between Tezspire and Fasenra
While both Tezspire and Fasenra effectively treat severe asthma, they differ significantly in how they target inflammation:
- Targeted Patient Groups: Tezspire can be effective for both allergic and non-eosinophilic asthma patients, making it suitable for a broader range of asthma types. Fasenra specifically targets severe eosinophilic asthma and works best for patients with elevated eosinophil counts.
- Mechanism of Action: Tezspire targets the broader inflammatory response by blocking TSLP, whereas Fasenra specifically reduces eosinophil counts to address inflammation.
- Administration Method: Tezspire is administered via subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks, while Fasenra is also given by injection but less frequently, every 8 weeks following initial doses.
Considerations When Choosing a Treatment
Choosing between Tezspire and Fasenra involves several important considerations:
- Type of Asthma: If your severe asthma involves high eosinophil counts, Fasenra may offer targeted effectiveness. If your asthma is broader in type, including allergic or non-eosinophilic inflammation, Tezspire might be more beneficial.
- Previous Treatment Response: Discuss previous biologic treatments (such as Tezspire vs. Dupixent or other biologics) with your asthma specialist to evaluate effectiveness and side effects.
- Side Effect Profile: Consider your tolerance for potential side effects such as joint pain or sore throat (Tezspire) versus headache or injection-site reactions (Fasenra).
- Convenience and Lifestyle: Evaluate injection frequency and administration settings that fit best with your lifestyle and comfort level.
Which Severe Asthma Treatment Is Right for You?
The best severe asthma treatment for you depends on your individual symptoms, asthma type, medical history, and lifestyle preferences. Both Tezspire and Fasenra offer effective biologic options to manage severe asthma symptoms and improve quality of life, but selecting the right one requires a detailed discussion with your healthcare provider.
How Smart Infusion Therapy Services Can Support Your Asthma Journey
At Smart Infusion Therapy Services in Eau Claire, WI, we offer both Tezspire and Fasenra under the guidance of your prescribing provider. Our infusion nurses and staff specialize in creating a safe, personalized experience for every patient.
Whether you are starting biologics for asthma for the first time or transitioning from other asthma medications, we are here to support you with:
- Comfortable, private infusion rooms
- Expert infusion care by experienced staff
- Support navigating insurance approvals and prior authorizations
- Affordable, patient-centered services in Eau Claire, WI
Find Relief from Severe Asthma at Smart Infusion Therapy Services
Both Tezspire and Fasenra provide highly effective pathways to better asthma control, improved lung function, and fewer severe asthma attacks. At Smart Infusion Therapy Services, we’re here to help you determine which biologic infusion treatment best aligns with your health goals and lifestyle.
To discuss your severe asthma treatment options or schedule an infusion appointment, call us today at 608-690-7210 or request your appointment online.
