Adolescent son starting Mepolizumab

[HaydiesMum]

Hi there, my 16 year old son is just about to start Mepolizumab. His consultant and respiratory nurses are amazing and have been great at talking us through this but just wondered if some of you who are on Mepo or have been had any words of wisdom/advice/support to share.

My son has had issues with his breathing since he was a baby so we are pretty used to changes in meds and the hospital but feels like we are moving into a new phase and we don't personally know anyone who is on biologics for their asthma.

He has severe allergic and Eosinophilic asthma but his IGE is to high for Omalizumab to be used as his first biologic and as he is under 18 Mepo is therefore the only option at this stage.

We are really lucky that our local hospital is a territory so he'll have the initial doses in a place he is used to and knows well and is not far from home, he is in his final year of Secondary school so will be working with the hospital to try an arrange his appointments around his GCSEs just to add a bit more fun but really hoping that he may be feeling the effects by September ready for college by which time if all goes to plan we will be administering at home.

Feeling excited for him but also a bit nervous (not really sure what of). Thanks for reading and in advance for any replies.

[janet65]

Hi HaydiesMum.Yes I'm on Mepo. I started in July 2020. I had the first three injections at the hospital, 4 weeks apart. He will have to stay for an hour or two after each injection to make sure there are no immediate side effects. After my first injection I was shown how to do them myself and After the third I have been doing them myself at home. I'm almost due to have my 23rd injection. I feel very well.

I'd had whooping cough aged 4 and ever after a wheezy chest. In 2016 my asthma really went out of control and I was finally diagnosed with eosinophilic asthma at the Brompton Hospital.

Personally I've had no side effects, I still use my fostair inhaler morning and night but haven't had any prednisone or antibiotics since I started Mepo.

I really hope this is a huge turning point for your son. I'm now nearly 71 yrs old and its been a life changer for me after so many poorly years.

[Josephone]

I was suffering from eousonofilic asthma for several years, I was in a terrible state but since I started with mepolizumbab injection thankfully I’m in perfect form. Hope all goes well with your son.