Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko) is a brand-name injectable solution prescribed for severe asthma in adults and certain children. It is also used as an add-on maintenance treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in adults and children 12 years and older. As with other drugs, Tezspire can cause side effects, such as sore throat and joint pain.
Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko) is a thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) blocker. Tezspire works by blocking a natural chemical in your body, called thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), that is involved in airway inflammation. This helps prevent severe asthma attacks and can improve your breathing.
This article provides an overview of the side effects associated with Tezspire, how to manage them, and other important information to consider before starting treatment.
Common and Mild Side Effects of Tezspire
Tezspire can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Examples of Tezspire’s commonly reported side effects include:
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- Sore throat
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Injection site reactions
Mild side effects that have been reported with Tezspire include:
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Sore throat
- Injection site reaction
- Mild allergic reaction
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects of Tezspire
While less common, the most serious side effects of Tezspire are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
- Severe Allergic Reactions: Tezspire may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. These reactions can occur within hours to days after a dose.
Stop using Tezspire 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, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Side Effects Explained
Here's a closer look at some of the side effects you might experience while taking Tezspire:
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Injection Site Reactions
Since Tezspire is given as an injection, it can cause reactions at and near the injection site. These reactions may include redness, swelling, pain, and itching. Symptoms of injection site reactions with Tezspire include:
- Skin redness or discoloration
- Pain
- Swelling
You will receive an injection of Tezspire once every 4 weeks. You may receive your injection in your upper arm, abdomen, or thigh. To reduce the risk of a reaction, the injection site should be rotated with each injection. Any area of your skin that’s tender, bruised, or discolored should be avoided for the injection.
Call your prescriber if you experience severe symptoms around your injection site, or if your symptoms aren’t getting better within a few days. Injection site reactions will typically go away on their own, though there are some steps you can take to help relieve bothersome symptoms. To help reduce swelling and pain, apply a cold compress over the site. Your doctor may also recommend an over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). This can help reduce pain and inflammation. Talk with your doctor if you experience injection site reactions that get worse over time instead of better.
Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)
Sore throat (pharyngitis) was one of the most common side effects reported by people taking Tezspire during 52-week clinical studies. It was reported by 4% of people with severe asthma taking Tezspire, and 3% of people taking a placebo. Additionally, 5% of patients with CRSwNP reported sore throat as a side effect compared to 1% in the placebo group of a separate study.
Swelling or soreness in your throat may make it feel raw, scratchy, and painful. It may be uncomfortable to swallow or talk. Typically, a sore throat caused by Tezspire therapy will be temporary and ease within a couple of days. But if your sore throat is from an infection, it may last longer. You may also have other symptoms of infection, such as fever or swollen lymph nodes in your neck.
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Pharyngitis may be caused by a bacterial infection, viral infection, or different reason. Contact your prescriber if your sore throat isn’t getting better after a few days, or if you come down with a fever or other symptoms.
To help relieve a sore throat, it may help to suck a throat lozenge or a piece of hard candy. Drinking warm tea or broth can also help soothe symptoms of a sore throat. In some cases, using a humidifier to add moisture to the air can be helpful. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend additional ways to help manage a sore throat. They may suggest having a test to check whether your symptoms are due to strep throat. If you have strep throat, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection.
Joint Pain
Joint pain occurs in up to 4% of people taking Tezspire. The role Tezspire plays in causing joint pain isn’t clear. Some research has linked having asthma with a higher risk for conditions that cause joint pain, like osteoarthritis. Discomfort, soreness, aches, and pain may occur in joints such as the shoulders, knees, elbows, wrists, and hips.
Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about joint pain from Tezspire. They may recommend that you apply heat or ice to the area to help ease your pain, or to wrap the joint with a brace. There are some OTC medications that treat joint pain. Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend a specific medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
Back Pain
Up to 5% of people taking Tezspire experience back pain. Having back pain can affect your quality of life and get in the way of performing normal daily activities. To prevent back pain, maintain good posture by avoiding slouching or hunching over. It’s also important to use proper lifting techniques. When lifting heavy objects, bend your knees and use your leg muscles. Also, maintain a healthy weight. If you have unexplained back pain, let your prescriber know.
Allergic Reaction
Although rare, severe allergic reactions from Tezspire are possible. Symptoms can range from a rash to closing of the throat (e.g., anaphylaxis). If you notice swelling in your face, trouble breathing, or a rash, get medical attention right away. Make sure to notify your prescriber about any allergic reactions you have to Tezspire.
As with most drugs, Tezspire can cause an allergic reaction in some people. It’s not known how often allergic reactions occurred in clinical trials. In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious. They may include:
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Flushing
- Swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- Swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
A severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis has occurred in some people using Tezspire. But this was reported after the drug was approved for use. Severe reactions may occur within hours to days after receiving a dose of Tezspire.
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should continue treatment with Tezspire. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Warnings and Precautions
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you start Tezspire. This drug may not be the right treatment option for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These include:
- Helminth infection: Tell your doctor if you currently have or recently had a helminth infection. This is a type of parasitic infection that’s caused by worms. Your doctor will need to treat the infection before you start therapy with Tezspire. If you develop a helminth infection during treatment with Tezspire, they’ll prescribe medication to treat it. In some cases, they may have you stop Tezspire therapy until the infection clears.
- Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Tezspire or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Tezspire. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: It’s not known whether Tezspire treatment is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding your child. Talk with your doctor before starting Tezspire if you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. They can talk with you about the risks and benefits of Tezspire therapy.
Alcohol and Tezspire
There aren’t any known interactions between Tezspire and alcohol. Talk with your doctor about whether drinking alcohol is safe for you during treatment with Tezspire.
Does Tezspire Cause Weight Gain or Weight Loss?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko). In three 52-week clinical trials, weight gain wasn’t reported as a side effect. Talk to your doctor if you have unexpected weight gain during your treatment with Tezspire.
Note that as part of your asthma treatment, you may be taking an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone. And weight gain is a common side effect of prednisone. Note that Tezspire is prescribed to manage symptoms of severe asthma when your current asthma medications aren’t enough. If you’re concerned about weight changes during Tezspire treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other Considerations
Storage: Tezspire should be stored in a refrigerator between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C) for up to 30 days. Do not put Tezspire back in the refrigerator once it has reached room temperature. Store Tezspire in the original container to protect it from light. Do not freeze Tezspire or expose it to heat.
Administration: Your healthcare provider can show you how to self-administer the Tezspire pen. Do not attempt to administer it yourself until you have received full instructions. Take it out of the refrigerator, and leave it in the carton and allow it to come to room temperature between 68°F to 77˚F (20°C to 25°C) for about 60 minutes before giving the injection. Do not remove the cap just yet. 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.