You know Fasenra (benralizumab) is working primarily through an improvement in your asthma symptoms and a reduction in specific biomarkers related to the underlying inflammation. Fasenra begins to work very quickly, with noticeable changes in biological markers occurring within the first day of treatment.
Immediate Biological Indicators
Fasenra targets and depletes eosinophils, a type of white blood cell implicated in severe asthma. This effect is very rapid:
- Rapid Eosinophil Reduction: Significant decreases in peripheral blood eosinophil levels are observed within 24 hours of Fasenra being administered.
- Reduced ECP Levels: Levels of Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP), another marker of eosinophil activity, are also significantly reduced shortly after treatment begins.
These rapid biological changes indicate that the medication is actively engaging with its target and beginning its anti-inflammatory effects.
Clinical Signs of Efficacy
Beyond these immediate biological changes, the most important indicators that Fasenra is working are the improvements in your daily life and asthma management, as observed over weeks and months.
Key Signs of Improvement
| What to Look For | How it Changes |
|---|---|
| Reduced Asthma Attacks | Fewer severe asthma exacerbations, leading to less need for emergency care or hospitalizations. |
| Improved Lung Function | Better results on lung function tests, such as increased FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second). |
| Decreased Symptom Severity | Less frequent or severe shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. |
| Reduced Oral Corticosteroid Use | A decrease in the need for maintenance oral corticosteroids, or the ability to taper off them completely. |
| Lower Rescue Inhaler Use | Less reliance on quick-relief (rescue) inhalers. |
| Enhanced Quality of Life | Increased energy levels, better sleep, and an improved ability to participate in daily activities without asthma limitations. |
How Fasenra's Effectiveness Is Monitored
Your healthcare provider will assess Fasenra's effectiveness through a combination of methods:
- Symptom Diaries: Tracking your daily asthma symptoms, rescue inhaler use, and any exacerbations.
- Pulmonary Function Tests: Regular spirometry to measure improvements in lung capacity and airflow.
- Blood Tests: Periodic checks of eosinophil counts to confirm the sustained reduction.
- Patient-Reported Outcomes: Your subjective experience of how you feel and how your asthma is impacting your life.
- Clinical Assessments: Your doctor's overall evaluation of your asthma control and response to treatment during follow-up appointments.
It's important to continue taking Fasenra as prescribed, even if you start feeling better, as consistent treatment is key to maintaining control over severe eosinophilic asthma.
