As spring allergy season ramps up and pollen counts climb, millions of Americans with severe asthma face a higher risk of sudden, frightening flare-ups that can send them to the ER — even if they’re taking daily medication.
An estimated 2 million Americans live with severe asthma, and more than 80% of people with severe asthma exhibit elevated levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell). People living with severe asthma and an elevated level of eosinophils can experience frequent asthma attacks and may lead them to the emergency room or require a hospital stay.
In this interview, Dareen Siri, MD, Pediatric and Adult Allergy Asthma & Immunology, discusses severe asthma, risks associated with uncontrolled disease and a new option available designed to prevent asthma attacks.
Interview courtesy: GSK (References available)
About Exdensur (depemokimab-ulaa)
EXDENSUR is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of severe asthma, characterized by an eosinophilic phenotype, in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older. EXDENSUR is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus.
Important Safety Information for EXDENSUR
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur following administration of EXDENSUR. If a severe hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue EXDENSUR and initiate appropriate therapy.
Acute Asthma Symptoms or Deteriorating Disease
EXDENSUR should not be used to treat acute asthma symptoms or acute exacerbations.
Risk Associated with Abrupt Reduction of Corticosteroid Dosage
Do not abruptly discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids upon initiation of EXDENSUR therapy. Reductions in corticosteroid dose, if appropriate, should be gradual and under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Reduction in corticosteroid dose may be associated with systemic withdrawal symptoms and/or unmask conditions previously suppressed by systemic corticosteroid therapy.
Parasitic (Helminth) Infection
Patients with pre-existing helminth infections should be treated for their infection prior to initiation of EXDENSUR therapy. If patients become infected while receiving EXDENSUR and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, discontinue EXDENSUR until the infection resolves.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
In patients receiving EXDENSUR, the most common adverse reactions (≥4%) were upper respiratory tract infection, allergic rhinitis, influenza, arthralgia, and pharyngitis. Injection site reactions reactions also occurred.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
The data in pregnant women are insufficient to identify a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Transport of endogenous IgG antibodies and monoclonal antibodies, such as depemokimab-ulaa, across the placenta increases as pregnancy progresses and peaks during the third trimester.
The potential clinical impact of depemokimab-ulaa transmission to the fetus is unknown as the effect of YTE modification on placental transfer is uncertain and may lead to prolonged exposure in an infant. Pregnant women exposed to EXDENSUR, or their healthcare providers, should report EXDENSUR exposure by calling 1-888-825-5249.
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