Biologics

[SFExpat]

Hi all,

Is anyone currently on injections? How do you find them?

Thank you!

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Yes I’m on them. (Tried a few of them actually 😅). For me they have helped get me more controlled, however I have had some side effects. Xolair - on it for 6months halved/quartered admissions, but still needed once a month, stopped cause still needing emergency treatment and cause I started getting urticaria and angiodema flares. Mepolizumab - on it for 3/4 months, stopped emergency treatment (minus the last month which were due to infection), stopped cause side effects were debilitating (basically constant migraines, nausea, aches and pains etc). Currently on benralizumab - 15 months, went 6 months no admissions (then infection and allergy caused admissions), similar side effects to mepo but to a much lesser degree (i can work and function with them). Currently they are thinking of transitioning me to dupilumab to treat both the eosinophilic and allergic aspects of my asthma (cause 6-7 trips in in the last 10 months).

Been self administrating since lockdown, which is simple enough. I know people on each MAB who get on well with it (ie practically full control, minimal if any side effects), so it really is a personal thing!

Hope this answers your question 😅

[SFExpat in reply to EmmaF91]

Thank you, Emma!

[Claire-Rose]

I just started xolair so I still have to wait awhile to see if it helps but I know lots of others on it who say it helped them really well. There are side effects though one of my friends got a headache after having hers and I felt tired but I think it’s always worth trying them

[Mark-f]

Hi .... I’ve been on them for around 3 years , first xolair then mepolizumab and now benralizumab ...

xolair wasn’t for me , mepo had a limited affect and seem to wear off after two weeks ...

but I’ve got to say the benralizumab seems to be the one ... I’m now on the lowest dose of prednisone I’ve been on since 2014 ...

It’s been a long road ..

Hope you get sorted and the correct biological meds from the start

[dawnhaycock in reply to Mark-f]

So pleased for you, my daughter on Mepo but didn’t manage to get steroids below 10mg so they are going to try benralizumab. How long did it take to reduce the steroids and how low have you managed to get please.

[Mark-f in reply to dawnhaycock]

Hi .... yes , I struggled to get below 10mg whilst on the mepo .... I was maintained on 25mg for about 2 yrs ... I’m now down to 4mg and having tests on my adrenal gland to see if it can produce cortisol which is negligible, so my clinacal team are pushing it to try and fire it back up ... but I’ve been suffering with anxiety and moods swings , I assume because of the low cortisol ..

Can’t win ....

[SFExpat in reply to Mark-f]

Thanks, Mark

[angievere]

My grown up son is on Zolair - turned his life around and no side effects.

Good luck.

[andy001]

I've recently started Fasenra. Had two injections so far. The result has been miraculous! I have severe eosinophilic asthma and have been on steroids (prednisolone) for years. Since Fasenra my chest has completely cleared up. But I still take Fostair and Alvesco as well. It is early days but so far nothing has had such a transformative and immediate impact like Fasenra.

[hilary39]

I'm on Xolair and have been for about a year and a half. I've only had to take three courses of prednisone in that time which is low for me. I've had a few urgent appointments with my pulmonologist but no hospitalizations. Which one does your GP want to start you on?

[Pipsqueak77]

Hi SFExpat

Yep am also on Benra... 4th injection in a few weeks which I am going to do myself at home!!👍

Fantastic results... can’t say anymore really - if it works for you it’s pretty life changing! I do feel a little headachey and tired for a day or so afterwards but that’s all so far.🤞

The only thing is that you have to ‘jump through several hoops‘ to be accepted for treatment and this can be a little demoralising if you don’t meet all the targets straight away.

But 🤞your team will know what’s best to do for you!

Good Luck..😊