Package Leaflet: Information for the Patient
Fasenra 30mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen
benralizumab
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.
Contents of the pack
What is Fasenra
Fasenra contains the active substance benralizumab, which is a monoclonal antibody, i.e. a type of protein that recognizes and binds to a specific substance in the body. The target of benralizumab is a protein called interleukin-5 receptor, which is found particularly in a type of white blood cell called an eosinophil.
What is Fasenra used for
Asthma
Fasenra is used to treat severe eosinophilic asthma in adults. Eosinophilic asthma is a type of asthma where patients have too many eosinophils in their blood or lungs.
Fasenra is used in addition to other medicines for asthma (high doses of ‘inhaled corticosteroids’ plus other anti-asthma medicines) when the disease is not well controlled by these other medicines alone.
Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA)
Fasenra is used to treat EGPA in adults. EGPA is a disease where people have too many eosinophils in their blood and tissues and also have some form of vasculitis. This means there is inflammation of the blood vessels. This disease most commonly affects the lungs and the sinuses, but often affects other organs such as the skin, heart, and kidneys.
How Fasenra works
Eosinophils are white blood cells involved in the inflammation of asthma and EGPA. By binding to eosinophils, Fasenra helps to reduce their number and inflammation.
Benefits of using Fasenra
Asthma
Fasenra may reduce the frequency of asthma attacks you are experiencing, helping you to breathe better and reducing your asthma symptoms. If you are using medicines called ‘oral corticosteroids’, using Fasenra may also allow you to reduce the daily dose or stop treatment with oral corticosteroids you need to control your asthma.
EGPA
Fasenra may reduce the symptoms and prevent flare-ups of EGPA. This medicine may also allow you to reduce the daily dose of oral corticosteroids you need to control your symptoms.
Do not use Fasenra:
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before using Fasenra:
Also, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are receiving Fasenra:
Fasenra is not a rescue medicine. Do not use it to treat a sudden asthma attack.
Be aware of the signs of serious allergic reactions
Fasenra may potentially cause serious allergic reactions. You should be aware of the signs of these reactions (such as hives, skin rash, difficulty breathing, fainting, discomfort, feeling dizzy and/or swelling of the face, tongue or mouth) while you are receiving Fasenra.
It is important that you talk to your doctor about how to recognize the early symptoms of serious allergic reactions and how to manage them if they occur.
In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and batch number of the product should be clearly recorded in the patient file each time the product is administered, and this information should be reported in case of any adverse reaction.
Other medicines for asthma or EGPA
Do not suddenly stopor change the dose of your other medicines for your disease when you start Fasenra.
If your response to treatment allows, your doctor may try to reduce the dose of some of these medicines, especially those called "corticosteroids". This should be done gradually and under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Tell your doctorif you are using, have recently used, or might use any other medicines before using Fasenra.
Children and adolescents
Do not give this medicine to children under 18 years old because the safety and benefits of this medicine in this population are not known.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctorfor advice before using this medicine.
Do not use Fasenra if you are pregnant unless your doctor tells you to. It is not known if Fasenra can affect the fetus.
It is not known if the components of Fasenra can pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctorif you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
Driving and using machines
Fasenra is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machines.
Fasenra contains polysorbate 20
This medicine contains 0.06 mg of polysorbate 20 (of vegetable origin) in each 30 mg pre-filled pen. Polysorbates may cause allergic reactions. Tell your doctor if you have any known allergy.
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Asthma
The recommended doseis one 30 mg injection. The first 3 injections are given every 4 weeks. After that, the injections are given every 8 weeks.
EGPA
The recommended doseis one 30 mg injection every 4 weeks.
Fasenra is given by injection just under the skin (subcutaneously). You and your doctor or nurse should decide if you should inject Fasenra yourself. You should not inject Fasenra yourself if you have not received Fasenra before, or if you have had a previous allergic reaction with Fasenra.
You or your caregiver should receive training on the correct way to inject Fasenra. Read the ‘Instructions for Use’ for the pre-filled pen carefully before using Fasenra.
If you miss a dose of Fasenra
If you have missed a dose of Fasenra, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse as soon as possible.
If you stop treatment with Fasenra
Do not stop treatment with Fasenra unless your doctor recommends it. Stopping or interrupting treatment with Fasenra may cause your symptoms to come back and asthma to worsen.
If your asthma symptoms get worse while you are receiving Fasenra injections, talk to your doctor.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Serious allergic reactions
See a doctor immediatelyif you think you may be having an allergic reaction. These reactions can happen hours or days after the injection.
Frequency not known(cannot be estimated from the available data):
Common symptoms include:
Common(may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Other side effects
Common(may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Fasenra Pen is for single use.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after ‘EXP’. The expiry date is the last day of the month shown.
Store in the original package to protect from light.
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).
Fasenra Pen can be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C) for a maximum of 14 days. After removal from the refrigerator, Fasenra should be used within 14 days or discarded, and the discard date should be written on the carton.
Do not shake, freeze or expose to heat.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help protect the environment.
Fasenra Pen Composition
The active ingredient is benralizumab. A 1 ml pre-filled pen contains 30 mg of benralizumab.
The other components are histidine, histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, trehalose dihydrate, polysorbate 20 (E 432), and water for injectable preparations.
Product Appearance and Container Contents
Fasenra is a solution whose color varies between colorless and yellow. It may contain particles.
Fasenra is available in a container that contains a pre-filled pen.
Marketing Authorization Holder
AstraZeneca AB
SE-151 85 Södertälje
Sweden
Manufacturer
AstraZeneca AB
Gärtunavägen
SE-152 57 Södertälje
Sweden
MedImmune UK Ltd
6 Renaissance Way
Liverpool, L24 9JW
United Kingdom
AstraZeneca Nijmegen B.V., Nijmegen
Lagelandseweg 78
Nijmegen, 6545CG
Netherlands
You can request more information about this medicinal product by contacting the local representative of the marketing authorization holder:
België/Belgique/Belgien AstraZeneca S.A./N.V. Tel: +32 2 370 48 11 | Lietuva UAB AstraZeneca Lietuva Tel: +370 5 2660550 |
Luxembourg/Luxemburg AstraZeneca S.A./N.V. Tél/Tel: +32 2 370 48 11 | |
Ceská republika AstraZeneca Czech Republic s.r.o. Tel: +420 222 807 111 | Magyarország AstraZeneca Kft. Tel.: +36 1 883 6500 |
Danmark AstraZeneca A/S Tlf.: +45 43 66 64 62 | Malta Associated Drug Co. Ltd Tel: +356 2277 8000 |
Deutschland AstraZeneca GmbH Tel: +49 40 809034100 | Nederland AstraZeneca BV Tel: +31 85 808 9900 |
Eesti AstraZeneca Tel: +372 6549 600 | Norge AstraZeneca AS Tlf: +47 21 00 64 00 |
Ελλάδα AstraZeneca A.E. Τηλ: +30 210 6871500 | Österreich AstraZeneca Österreich GmbH Tel: +43 1 711 31 0 |
España AstraZeneca Farmacéutica Spain, S.A. Tel: +34 91 301 91 00 | Polska AstraZeneca Pharma Poland Sp. z o.o. Tel.: +48 22 245 73 00 |
France AstraZeneca Tél: +33 1 41 29 40 00 | Portugal AstraZeneca Produtos Farmacêuticos, Lda. Tel: +351 21 434 61 00 |
Hrvatska AstraZeneca d.o.o. Tel: +385 1 4628 000 | România AstraZeneca Pharma SRL Tel: +40 21 317 60 41 |
Ireland AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals (Ireland) DAC Tel: +353 1609 7100 | Slovenija AstraZeneca UK Limited Tel: +386 1 51 35 600 |
Ísland Vistor hf. Sími: +354 535 7000 | Slovenská republika AstraZeneca AB, o.z. Tel: +421 2 5737 7777 |
Italia AstraZeneca S.p.A. Tel: +39 02 00704500 | Suomi/Finland AstraZeneca Oy Puh/Tel: +358 10 23 010 |
Κύπρος Αλκήτωρ Φαρμακευτική Λτδ Τηλ: +357 22490305 | Sverige AstraZeneca AB Tel: +46 8 553 26 000 |
Latvija SIA AstraZeneca Latvija Tel: +371 67377100 | United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) AstraZeneca UK Ltd Tel: +44 1582 836 836 |
Date of Last Revision of this Leaflet:
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the European Medicines Agency website: https://www.ema.europa.eu.
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Instructions for Use
Fasenra 30 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen
benralizumab
For subcutaneous injection
Single-use pre-filled pen
Before starting to use Fasenra Pen, a healthcare professional should have taught you or your caregiver how to use it correctly.
Read these “Instructions for Use” before starting to use Fasenra Pen and each time you have to perform a new injection.There may be new information. This information does not replace consultation with your healthcare professional regarding your disease or treatment.
If you or your caregiver have any questions, consult your healthcare professional.
Important Information
Keep Fasenra in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C in its carton until you are ready to use it.Fasenra may be kept at room temperature up to 25°C for a maximum of 14 days. After removal from the refrigerator, Fasenra must be used within 14 days or discarded.
Do not useyour Fasenra Pen if:
| Do not:
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If any of the above occurs, discard Fasenra Pen in a puncture-resistant sharps container and use a new pre-filled pen.
Each Fasenra Pen contains 1 dose of Fasenra, which is for single use.
Keep Fasenra and all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Your Fasenra Pen
Do notremove the cap until you have reached step 6 of these instructions and are ready to inject Fasenra.
After use | |
Step 1 – Gather materials
(See step 10 – Dispose of the Fasenra pen safely)
Pre-filled pen | Alcohol swab | Cotton ball or gauze | Sharps container |
Step 2 – Prepare to use your Fasenra Pen | |
Check the expiration date (EXP).Do not use it if the expiration date has passed. Before administration, let the pre-filled pen reach room temperature of 20°C to 25°C by leaving the carton out of the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes. Do not heatthe Fasenra pen in any other way. For example, do not heat it in a microwave or with hot water, nor place it near heat sources. Use Fasenra within 14 days of removal from the refrigerator. Do notremove the cap until step 6 |
Step 3 – Check the liquid | |
Look at the Fasenra Pen liquid through the window of view.The liquid should be clear and colorless to yellowish. It may contain small white particles. Do notinject Fasenra if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or contains large particles. You may see a small air bubble in the liquid. This is normal. You do not need to do anything about it. |
Step 4 – Choose the injection site | |
The recommended injection site is the front of the thigh. You may also use the lower abdomen. Do notinject it:
A caregiver may inject it into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. Do notattempt to inject it yourself into the upper arm. For each injection, choose a different site, separated by at least 3 cm from the site of the previous injection. |
Step 5 – Clean the injection site | |
Wash your hands well with soap and water. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab in a circular motion. Let it air dry. Do nottouch the cleaned area before injection. Do notfan or blow on the cleaned area. |
Step 6 – Remove the cap | |
Hold Fasenra Pen with one hand. Carefully pull the cap off with the other hand. Set the cap aside to discard it later. The green needle protector is now exposed. It is there to prevent you from touching the needle. Do notattempt to touch the needle or push the needle protector with your finger. Do notattempt to put the cap back on Fasenra Pen. It may cause an early injection or damage the needle. Complete the following steps directly after removing the cap. |
Step 7 – Inject Fasenra | |
Follow the instructions of your healthcare professional on how to inject. You can either gently pinch the injection site or administer the injection without pinching the skin. Inject Fasenra following the steps of figures a, b, c, and d. Keep Fasenra Pen in place for the complete injection. Do notchange the position of Fasenra Pen after the injection has started. |
Position Fasenra Pen at the injection site.
Place the Fasenra Pen needle protector straight (at a 90-degree angle) against your skin. Make sure you can see the window of view.
Press down firmly. You will hear a click. A “click”indicates that the injection has started. The green plunger will move down in the window of view during the injection. | Hold firmly in place for 15 seconds. You will hear a second “click”. The second click indicates that the injection is complete. The green plunger will fill the window of view completely. | Lift the Fasenra Pen straight up. The needle protector will slide down and lock, covering the needle. |
Step 8 – Check the window of view | |||
Check the window of view to make sure all the liquid has been injected. If the green plunger does not fill the window of view completely, you may not have received the full dose. If this happens or you have any other concerns, call your healthcare professional. | |||
Before injection | After injection |
Step 9 – Check the injection site | |
There may be a small amount of blood or liquid where you injected. This is normal. Gently press on the skin with a cotton ball or gauze until the bleeding stops. Do notrub the injection site. If necessary, cover the injection site with a small bandage. |
Step 10 – Dispose of the used Fasenra pen safely | |
Do notthrow the Fasenra Pen in your household trash. Discard the cap and any other used materials in your household trash. | |
Disposal Guide Dispose of the container as a whole according to the instructions of your healthcare professional or pharmacist. Do notrecycle your sharps container. |