General Information
Manufacturer: AstraZeneca
Medical Name: benralizumab
Purpose: Fasenra is a treatment for eosinophilic asthma
Possible Side Effects
| Side Effect | Using Fasenra | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Headache | 8% | 6% |
| Pharyngitis (sore throat) | 5% | 3% |
| Pyrexia (fever) | 3% | 2% |
| Hypersensitivity reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions included urticaria and rash in these studies. | 3% | 3% |
Rarer Side Effects
- Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, itching, papule) occurred in 2.2% of patients receiving Fasenra, compared to 1.9% in the placebo group.
- In a study for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), headache was more frequent, occurring in 17% of Fasenra-treated patients.
- Other less common potential side effects can include joint pain, stiffness, or swelling; swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, hands, or feet; and trouble breathing or swallowing.
Serious Warnings and Precautions
| Warning | Description |
|---|---|
| Hypersensitivity Reactions | Serious allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis, angioedema, hives, and rash) have occurred. These reactions may happen within hours or days of an injection and require immediate medical attention. |
| Parasitic (Helminth) Infections | It is unknown if Fasenra will affect a patient's ability to fight off parasitic infections, so pre-existing infections should be treated before starting therapy. |