What is Fasenra? Uses, warnings & side effects

A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine with the prefilled syringe. Or, they may train you or a caregiver to administer the medication with the Fasenra pen. Make sure you understand how to inject Fasenra before using it at home. Read the information leaflet every time you fill your prescription and ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.

This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, in the upper arm, stomach, or thigh. If you administer Fasenra to yourself, you will use the stomach or thigh. A healthcare provider or caregiver may inject you in the upper arm. Do not try to inject yourself in the upper arm. 

Do not inject Fasenra within a two-inch circle around your belly button. Do not inject into scars or damaged skin, through clothing, or anywhere the skin is tender, hard, or bruised. 

If you use the Fasenra pen, store it in a refrigerator in its original carton until it is time to use it. Take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you need to use it, and let it come to room temperature. 

You can keep Fasenra at room temperature for up to two weeks. Once you remove Fasenra from the refrigerator, you must use it within two weeks (14 days). If you do not use it by this time, dispose the medication. 

Each Fasenra pen contains one dose that is for a one-time use.

Follow the enclosed instructions on how to prepare the injection site, how to inject Fasenra, and how to dispose of your pen in a sharps container.

If you miss your scheduled dose of Fasenra, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible for instructions.

Do not use Fasenra if you are allergic to benralizumab or any ingredient in the medication.

Fasenra is not to be used as a rescue medication and will not stop an acute attack. Do not use Fasenra if you are having an acute asthma attack.

Before taking Fasenra, tell your healthcare provider about all the medical conditions you have. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have a parasite or worm infection. Also, tell your provider about all the medications you take, including prescription and OTC drugs, vitamins, and supplements.

This medicine will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. You will use your rescue medication for an asthma attack.

If you use a corticosteroid medicine (inhaled or taken by mouth) to control your asthma, keep using it unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms or condition.

No significant drug interactions have been reported. Still, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the other medications you take as you will mostly likely take other medicines in addition to Fasenra which may interact with other drugs.