tezepelumab at a glance
Medicine class
TSLP-blocking monoclonal antibody
Administration
Injection under the skin; self-injection or caregiver administration is possible after training
Important limitation
Maintenance treatment, not treatment for an acute asthma attack
What is tezepelumab used for?
UK-licensed uses include:
Add-on maintenance treatment for adults and adolescents with severe asthma that remains inadequately controlled despite high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus another maintenance treatment.
Add-on treatment with intranasal corticosteroids for adults with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps when systemic corticosteroids and/or surgery have not provided adequate control.
How does tezepelumab work?
TSLP is an immune-signalling protein released in response to allergic and non-allergic triggers. Tezepelumab binds TSLP and prevents it activating its receptor, reducing inflammatory pathways and markers involved in airway and nasal inflammation.
tezepelumab preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 210 mg
How to take tezepelumab
Use only after training and follow the syringe Instructions for Use. Food does not affect administration because this is an injection.
Inject under the skin of the thigh or abdomen, avoiding the area close to the navel.
A caregiver or healthcare professional may use the upper arm; patients should not self-inject there.
Rotate injection sites and avoid tender, bruised, red or hardened skin.
Allow the syringe to reach room temperature naturally. Do not shake, freeze or expose it to heat.
Do not use the solution if it is cloudy, discoloured or contains large particles.
tezepelumab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Sore throat
- Joint pain
- Rash
- Injection-site pain, redness or swelling
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, or fainting
- Symptoms suggesting a serious cardiac event, such as chest pain, severe breathlessness, marked light-headedness or fainting
tezepelumab in pregnancy
Pregnancy experience is limited, and tezepelumab can cross the placenta. UK product information advises avoiding it unless the expected maternal benefit outweighs possible fetal risk. Anyone pregnant, planning pregnancy or becoming pregnant during treatment should contact their specialist rather than stopping treatment independently.
tezepelumab while breastfeeding
It is not known whether tezepelumab enters human milk. Transfer of IgG antibodies is greatest during the first days after birth, so the prescriber should weigh the benefits of treatment and breastfeeding during this period. Later, it may be used during breastfeeding if clinically needed.
tezepelumab interactions
Formal interaction studies are limited. Tell the specialist and vaccinator about all medicines and planned vaccines.
Live attenuated vaccines
Avoid during treatment; discuss vaccine timing and suitable alternatives with the clinical team.
Other asthma treatments, including corticosteroids
Clinically important pharmacokinetic interactions are not expected, but corticosteroids must not be stopped abruptly. Any reduction should be supervised.
Common questions about tezepelumab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is tezepelumab a steroid?
No. It is a monoclonal antibody that blocks TSLP, an immune-signalling protein involved in inflammation.
Does it replace asthma inhalers or steroid tablets?
No. It is add-on treatment. Continue existing asthma medicines unless the specialist changes them, and do not stop corticosteroids suddenly.
Can it treat an asthma attack?
No. It does not provide rapid relief during an acute attack. Follow the prescribed asthma action plan and seek urgent help when necessary.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.