Tezepelumab

Pediatric Medication
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This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Tezspire

Brand Names: Canada

Tezspire

What is this drug used for?

  • It is used to treat asthma.
  • Do not give this drug to treat an asthma attack. Use a rescue inhaler. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

  • If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
  • If your child has a parasitic worm infection or other type of infection.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

  • Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Call your doctor right away if your breathing problems get worse, if your rescue inhaler does not work as well, or if you need to use your rescue inhaler more often.
  • Allergic reactions have happened with this drug. Most of the time, allergic reactions happen within hours after this drug was given. Sometimes, they can happen days after this drug was given. Talk with the doctor.
  • If you are also taking an oral or inhaled steroid, talk with your doctor. Do not stop taking it without talking with your doctor.
  • Talk with the doctor before your child gets any vaccines. Use of some vaccines with this drug may either raise the chance of very bad infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
  • Some people at high risk for parasite infections have gotten a parasite infection after taking this drug. Your doctor may test your stool to see if you have a parasite infection. Talk with your doctor.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

  • Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pain.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Feeling very tired or weak.
  • Dizziness or passing out.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

  • Throat irritation.
  • Joint pain.
  • Back pain.
  • Pain, redness, swelling, or other reaction where the injection was given.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All products:

  • It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh, belly area, or upper arm.

Prefilled syringes or pens:

  • If you will be giving your child the shot, your child’s doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
  • Wash your hands before and after use.
  • Do not shake.
  • If stored in a refrigerator, let this drug come to room temperature before using it. This usually takes about 60 minutes. Do not heat this drug. Do not put this drug back in the refrigerator after it has reached room temperature.
  • Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
  • This drug is colorless to a faint yellow. Do not use if the solution changes color.
  • Do not use this drug if it has been dropped or if it is broken.
  • Do not give into skin within 2 inches (5 cm) of the belly button.
  • Do not inject through clothes. Do not give into skin that is irritated, bruised, red, scaly, hard, scarred, or damaged.
  • Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
  • Each prefilled pen or syringe is for 1 use only. Throw away the used pen or syringe after the dose is given.
  • Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

Vials:

  • Call your child’s doctor to find out what to do.

Prefilled syringes or pens:

  • Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  • If it is close to the time for your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
  • Do not give 2 doses on the same day.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Prefilled syringes or pens:

  • Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
  • Store in the original container to protect from light.
  • Do not use if it has been frozen.
  • If needed, you may store at room temperature for up to 30 days. Write down the date you take this drug out of the refrigerator. If stored at room temperature and not used within 30 days, throw this drug away.
  • Protect from heat.
  • Do not put this drug back in the refrigerator after it has been stored at room temperature.

Vials:

  • If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

All products:

  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

  • If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
  • Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2023-03-16

Copyright

© 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

Last Updated

Monday, December 12, 2022