Does Fasenra weaken your immune system?
Does Fasenra lower your immune system?
Fasenra (benralizumab) is a monoclonal antibody that is used to treat eosinophilic asthma and it does this by affecting the way your immune system works, which raises legitimate concerns that it could cause immunosuppression and negatively impact a person's immune response.
Fasenra works by depleting eosinophils, which are a type of white blood cells and part of the immune system that helps fight infection and cancer. Because of this, researchers are conducting ongoing investigations to determine whether Fasenra weakens the immune system and puts patients at increased risk of infection and cancer. No major safety concerns, however, have been identified to date.
Fasenra does not appear to weaken the immune system
Current research suggests that Fasenra:
- Does not increase the risk of infection
- Does not increase the risk of cancer
- Does not stop patients from responding to seasonal influenza vaccination
- Does not lower total antibody (immunoglobulin) concentrations in the blood, which help fight foreign invaders (antigens).
Fasenra is a monoclonal antibody (IgG1, kappa) that binds to the alpha subunit of the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor. It activates the immune system to lower the number of eosinophils in the blood in adults and children aged 6 years and older with eosinophilic asthma, which is associated with increased numbers of these white blood cells. Fasenra works by blocking IL-5, enhancing the ability of natural killer cells and by depleting basophils.
References
- Jackson DJ, Korn S, Mathur SK, et al. Safety of Eosinophil-Depleting Therapy for Severe, Eosinophilic Asthma: Focus on Benralizumab. Drug Saf 43, 409–425 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40264-020-00926-3.
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Fasenra (benralizumab). An overview of Fasenra and why it is authorised in the EU. [Accessed May 25, 2020]. Available online at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/overview/fasenra-epar-medicine-overview_en.pdf.
- Zeitlin PL, Leong M, Cole J, et al. Benralizumab Does Not Impair Antibody Response to Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients With Moderate to Severe Asthma: Results From the Phase IIIb ALIZE Trial. J Asthma Allergy. 2018 Nov 20;11:181-192. doi: 10.2147/JAA.S172338.
- Fasenra Approved for Treatment of Children Aged 6 to 11 with Severe Asthma. April 11, 2024. https://www.drugclasses.com/newdrugs/fasenra-approved-children-aged-6-11-severe-asthma-6245.html
Read next
What are monoclonal antibodies?
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are man-made proteins that mimic the natural antibodies produced by our immune systems. Monoclonal antibodies can be formulated into medicines to treat various types of illnesses, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. Continue reading
How long does Fasenra take to work?
Fasenra (benralizumab) significantly decreases eosinophils in the blood within 24 hours of a dose. After 4 weeks of treatment with Fasenra, asthma exacerbations start to reduce and lung function starts to improve. Continue reading
What eosinophil count is needed for Fasenra?
Fasenra may be an option for severe asthma if you have an eosinophil count of at least 150-300 cells per microliter (cells/μL), determined from a common blood test, plus you have required an oral corticosteroid treatment (like prednisone) at least twice per year, despite maximum inhalation therapy. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- What is Fasenra used for and how does it work?
- What type of asthma is Fasenra used to treat?
- How long does an asthma attack last?
- Can severe asthma lead to COPD?
- What is considered severe asthma?
- Which measure is the single best determinant of asthma severity?
- How is severe asthma treated?
- Why is asthma worse at night?
- Does Cinqair treat all types of asthma?
- Prednisone: What are 12 Things You Should Know?
- Prednisone vs Prednisolone - What's the difference?
- Can vitamin C prevent or treat COVID-19 (coronavirus)?
- What are the side effects of steroids?
- What is Diprospan used for?
- Trelegy vs. Breo: How does their use and cost compare?
- What is Quercetin and what are its health benefits?
- Does coffee help with asthma?
- Can you take Symbicort and prednisone together?
- Is Wixela Inhub the same as Advair Diskus?
- Can you take Trelegy and Symbicort together?
- Does Feverfew interact with any drugs?
- How does Dupixent help with asthma?
- How long does it take for Nucala to work?
- What are 5 key Tezspire side effects to watch out for?
- I think I have an allergy to my antibiotic! What can I do to treat my infection?
- Is loss of sense of smell a symptom of COVID-19?
- How is the new Primatene Mist different to the old formulation?
- Does Tezspire cause weight gain?
- What drugs are contained in Trelegy Ellipta?
- How does Nucala (mepolizumab) work? What is the MOA?
Drug information
- Fasenra Information for Consumers
- Fasenra prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Fasenra (detailed)