Eosinophilic Asthma and Benralizumab

[Cooperman43]

So after nearly 4 years of this diagnosis and that diagnosis and treatment that didn't really work I got refered to a wonderful Specialist at Nottingham City Hospital who went through all my medical history. Incredibly thorough and then I could see his brain working out everything.

His thoughts regarding my lung issues well that yesi do have bronchiectasis but he felt there was something else going on that was more severe. He requested blood tests to determine my levels of cortisol and also to check my esinophils.

Low and behold the results showed I had a high level of esinophils in my blood, he believed I had a type of asthma called Eosinophilic asthma. Fostair inhalers didn't help and the thing that worked was steroids. But the inflammation returned 6-8 weeks later after I had finished the course of steroids.

After x6 courses of steroids in a year and highest dose of Fostair nothing changed, so he and his colleagues had an MDT meeting to discuss trying an IL5 Antagonist biological treatment (Benralizumab) X1 Injection every month for 3 months, then X1 after every 8 weeks.

So had my first Injection on the 16th March!! WOW my wheezing, tightness and inflammation has gone. My average oxygen saturation levels have gone up from 92-93 to 98-99. An utter game changer, no side effects that I can think of, so anybody that has this condition their is hope their really is. My energy levels have increased massively and my sleep has improved. No coughing either.

Hope this helps sombody and gives reasurences

All the best

Simon

[TeachKat]

That’s great! It’s encouraging to hear a success story.

[twinkly29]

Glad you've found your magic answer! A lot of people on biologics like Benra find that they are life-changing. Unfortunately you have to have the right kind of asthma for such things - but for you guys who do have the types of asthma that show up in bloods or other tests, it can be great 😀

[Silverstar99]

Your story is exactly the same as mine. I’m on my fourth Benra injection. Absolute game changer! I’m back to exercising and living a normal life. 😀

[ewusia28]

You are very lucky. I live in Nottingham and have still not received treatment for my asthma., 🙄

[Cooperman43 in reply to ewusia28]

Has your GP given you a referral? If so who have you seen?

[ewusia28 in reply to Cooperman43]

Yes. In two months I have an appointment with Dr. Sovani. What is your doctor's name?

[Cooperman43 in reply to ewusia28]

Professor Harrison

[ewusia28 in reply to Cooperman43]

Thank you.

[Yogiyogi57]

I could have written that post, almost identical scenario to me. For 8 years I had either COPD or asthma depending on who I saw. No medication worked and I slowly got worse to the point where I couldn’t really do anything. Then saw a new consultant who took an interest in me rather than just giving me some different medications and yesterday had my second fasenra jab. Totally life changing, peak flow gone from 160 to 400 in 4 weeks, just got to carry on now with my exercises and playing golf to try and build up some fitness now.

[Cooperman43 in reply to Yogiyogi57]

Fabulous news so pleased, their are some success stories and it's good to shed a little positivity .

[Itswonderful]

Brilliant news Simon ! Sounds like you have a great consultant looking after you now. Excellent 👏

[Dogruff]

Thank you so much for posting! It is always good to hear the positive stories which we aren’t as inclined to share. It’s definitely given me hope!

[Hamscoul]

I had the same experience, the morning after my first injection no, no sinus inflammation, I couldn't believe it. It has completely saved my life.

[SFExpat]

Me too! Fasenra is amazing! But don’t get discouraged if you have some ups and downs at first...it takes time to settle in and keep the improvement consistent!

[Starstream20]

Hi, I started Benralizumabs last week and sound very similar to how you have been in the past. Can I ask are you still using Fostair and any prednisolone at all?