Fasenra for Asthma User Reviews
Fasenra has an average rating of 7.6 out of 10 from a total of 68 reviews for the treatment of Asthma. 65% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 18% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Fasenra
- Lemons
- April 20, 2021
"I would love to kiss the feet of the people who created Fasenra. For years, when I would walk from one room to the next, it was as though I had run a marathon, and I was completely out of breath while I was huffing and puffing trying to breathe. I was not able to do anything but knit, and I do mean anything. Thank goodness for a wonderful husband who shopped, cooked, and cleaned during this time. I have had my first injection with Fasenra, and I am due to have my next injection tomorrow. Day by day since my first injection, I have felt a little better each day, and I feel like someone just gave me a new body. I have tried everything and have even been in the hospital for my asthma. Thank goodness I did not contract Covid, as I truly do not think I would have survived. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the company that manufactures Fasenra, as I will be eternally grateful to you for the rest of my life."
- Pensa...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- May 16, 2019
"I was severely ill with asthma and required six emergency visits prior to starting Fasenra injections. I have completed 11 injections and I don’t know how I could ever do without the medication. It has given my life back to me."
Frequently asked questions
- What are monoclonal antibodies?
- Does Fasenra weaken your immune system?
- How long does Fasenra take to work?
- What is Fasenra used for and how does it work?
- Dennis
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 15, 2020
"One reason why you shouldn’t use this drug: Eosinophils are one types of white blood cells Eosinophils help protect your body from harmful bacteria, as well as from parasites that can steal important nutrients from your body. Eosinophils are formed in the bone marrow, then released into the blood. If you eliminate them, you might not be immunological protected. Pharma Companies just care about how much money they will make."
- Easy...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- April 2, 2020
"I've been on Fasenra for over a year. I was on steroid prescriptions virtually non-stop for 5 months. Since starting, I've had no steroids. I've had to go to a 6-week interval as symptoms start to return after about 4-5 weeks. The six-week cycle works quite well, but I know when I've hit about 7-10 days prior to the next injection. I can now 'walk and talk' for the first time in a couple of years. Truly a game changer...at least for me."
Are you taking this medicine?
- Engin...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- September 30, 2020
"I developed EGPA (Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis) after a work-related incident. For over a year, I had severe asthma, sinusitis, nasal polyps, and ultimately developed pericarditis. After discharge from the hospital (from pericardium window surgery), I received my diagnosis and was approved for Fasenra. Prior to this diagnosis, my treatments included every known asthma inhaler, allergy medicine, cold medicine, and a nebulizer. After the first day on Fasenra, I was suddenly restored to the old me. I still require quite a bit of medicine for sinusitis, and yes, I do use a once-daily inhaler, but prior to Fasenra, I was unable to walk up the stairs without running out of breath. Now, I am able to run a 5k! I understand that it may not be the drug for everyone, but if your story sounds like mine, you have nothing to lose by taking Fasenra."
- Sasha
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 26, 2020
"I’ve been on Fasenra for about 4 months for asthma. I developed horrendous joint pain literally everywhere in my body towards my 3rd injection. After speaking with my doctor, the only thing I can pinpoint that changed was adding the Fasenra as a medication. I’ve been tested for multiple other issues/diseases that could cause this type of pain prior to even starting Fasenra when we were trying to dig into why I developed such severe shortness of breath out of nowhere. My last shot was 9 weeks ago now, and as of next week, should be out of my system completely (I was on the 8-week cycle now). Only time will tell if my breathing issues will get worse again and if the Fasenra was actually controlling it, but I’ve already noticed improvement in my severe joint pain."
More FAQ
- Jane
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- November 12, 2019
"I have been taking Fasenra for 9 months. It is life-changing. I was sick all the time. Constantly on steroids, inhalers, nebulizers, and pills. I would not go anywhere without steroids and an emergency inhaler because breathing could change so quickly. I thought I would stop breathing completely during the night because my breathing was so labored. I have not taken any steroids for 8 months. I can breathe. It is amazing. I did notice a little nagging headache for a couple of days after my last injection. But it works!!"
- Fasenra
- October 8, 2022
"I'm feeling very confused about Fasenra. Unbelievable that I received my first injection in May, then on that same day (a few hours later) tested positive for COVID. I persevered and had 3 injections, one month apart, then 2 months apart. I feel awful. Fatigue, shocking muscle and joint pain, very short of breath. My question is... do I have long COVID or side effects to this medication? I feel so bad that I can barely do anything. Anyone else? The fatigue is unbearable."
- Les
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- January 27, 2020
"I have been on Fasenra for 8 months now, it has made my life so much better. I have asthma and part of COPD. I was coughing every second and out of breath all the time and so exhausted. I can mow the lawns, no coughing. The first 2 months I had a massive headache."
- Kay
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 14, 2021
"I have been struggling with severe uncontrolled asthma for 9 months that came on suddenly. My doctor tried many medications and inhalers, nothing worked to resolve my issues, and I have lived on prednisone over the last 7 months. My diagnosis is Eosinophilic Asthma. I got my first injection on 01/08/21, and it has totally given me my life back. Within the first 24 hours, I felt improvement, I look forward to my second dose, as I hear most people see significant improvement by the second dose. As of now, I have not had any adverse effects and am hopeful I will not have any!"
- Patsy
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 16, 2020
"I started suffering from asthma in my mid-fifties, and over the next fifteen years, I became increasingly unwell. I had never suffered an asthma attack, but was increasingly struggling to breathe, at times being noticeably blue! Despite telling my unhelpful respiratory consultant that inhalers and daily oral steroids over the fifteen years, which made a 9-stone weight gain, were not making any difference, his response was, ‘they should’!? And my consistently high eosinophil count was ‘irrelevant.’ But upon seeing a locum, I was diagnosed with severe eosinophilic asthma and referred for Fasenra. After another two years of waiting, I have now been on Fasenra for three months and am so thrilled that I finally have my life back. I live in the UK, so don’t have to self-fund my treatment. I’ve had no side effects other than a little fatigue, but I can breathe again and leave the house, so don’t be scared!"
- Otown
- September 14, 2020
"Had the first Fasenra injection two weeks ago to treat 7 months of chronic bronchitis and have been to the ER twice since. Slight fever the first couple of days with a headache. Then the oxygen level began to drop and the heart rate increased. In good health and rarely ill prior to this bronchial infection. First trip to the ER for low oxy. Added prednisone and Levoquin for bronchitis. After three days got bronchoscope and lungs cleaned out. Felt better, came home, but heart rate still pushing 115-120 constant. Three days later back to the ER with irregular heartbeat. Was dropping down in the 40s and too weak to get out of bed. This trip to the ER was dehydrated with potassium and magnesium dangerously low. Dumped Levoquin and switched antibiotics to include antifungal. Home two days later, feeling vastly better except for the rapid heart rate and constant sweating. Lungs and sinuses finally clear. Convinced the rapid heart rate, which is exhausting, was/is the Fasenra. But have no way of knowing. Won’t be taking any more shots of it."
- Newton
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- January 3, 2020
"I have been on Fasenra for 6 months, and I have been feeling so much better! This is the first fall season I can remember that I didn't get bronchitis and a respiratory infection! My asthma has always been much worse at night, but now I never wake up wheezing or trying to catch my breath. Over the past 2 weeks, I have broken out in hives all over my body and am experiencing severe itching and nausea. My doctor is afraid it may be the Fasenra. Has anyone else experienced these side effects with this drug? I'm praying it is not the Fasenra. I don't want to stop taking it!"
- Timmy
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- November 1, 2020
"I am 62 years old and had asthma all my life. My attacks were getting more severe and frequent. I was taking all the normal asthma medicines, including a nebulizer and prednisone, and it just wasn’t working. Finally, my doctor ordered some tests and recommended we try Fasenra. I felt better within 24 hours after my first injection. Unbelievable results for me, a complete game changer!"
- Diano
- February 6, 2020
"I received my first Fasenra shot one month ago. I was reluctant to take injections because of the possible side effects, especially parasites. However, I was so exhausted from coughing 24/7 and shortness of breath that I finally tried it out of desperation. So, so glad I did. I felt almost immediate relief, and now I’m sleeping at night. It has been life-changing."
- Todd
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- April 2, 2020
"I have suffered from asthma and severe nasal polyps for years. After 3 sinus surgeries, years of carrying inhalers, large amounts of prednisone, constantly being sick with every cold that was going around, I have been healthy for about 16 months on Fasenra. My polyps are virtually gone. I don’t carry inhalers, and I’m off the prednisone (I’ve lost 30 lbs), and I haven’t even had what could resemble a cold. My side effects include the day of my shot I feel a little tired, and my skin has been very itchy."
- Karen...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- July 20, 2023
"I have been using Fasenra for about 2 years now. It has been a life-altering medication. I have COPD and asthma, along with PVCs. So, my breathing was severely compromised. To be honest, I truly believed I would only live at best 5 more years before taking Fasenra. Today, I feel like I will live to be 90 at least. I am 64. I still have rough days, and I still have to modify my activity. I can actually take care of myself now, I can cook small meals, wash dishes, do my own laundry, and sometimes even vacuum. It doesn't sound like a big deal to a healthy person, but for me, it is a miracle."
- SMS
- February 3, 2021
"I've been struggling with asthma for 10 years now. The last two years (2019 and 2020) were the worst as I had to take prednisone once every month. My eosinophil level was too high. I had tried Xolair before and felt a modest improvement but did not do much. I started Fasenra this year in November (2020), and it has been a lifesaver. I feel absolutely fantastic. No wheezing, no coughing, no breathing problem at all. I have not used prednisone for over three months now. I stopped taking Symbicort, and I do not need Ventolin. I felt multiple headaches, nausea, and hypersensitivity. I lost my hearing in the right ear and ended up at the ENT office. My hearing came back, and I feel very normal now. Consult with your physician. It is expensive ($5500 per 30 mL per dose), and some insurance carriers just won't cover it. My deductible is $1500/year, and some of it also goes toward my coinsurance."
- Pfists
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- December 11, 2021
"Had two injections now. My asthma was one of the worse my allergist had ever seen. The Fasenra started to work incredibly well by the third week. My breathing test doubled from the one prior. But I started getting joint pain and nerve pain everywhere in my body. The pain is so severe and started when the Fasenra started working on my asthma on week three. I know I will have to quit it but sure wish I didn't have to."
- Bobi
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 13, 2020
"I have taken 3 Fasenra doses so far and have seen a marked improvement in my asthma. I was on very high doses of ICS and LABA, plus a nebulizer and rescue inhaler. I couldn't sleep and had a hard time working out and dancing, which I enjoy doing. Since I started Fasenra, I have reduced my ICS and LABA, am able to work out without a rescue inhaler, and am sleeping much better. This medication has made a big difference in my life."
- Teddy
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 15, 2021
"Tried Xolair, Nucala and now on my second Fasenra injection. Within one week all my symptoms of wheezing , breathlessness etc stopped and then about 4 weeks in I noticed my peak flow was climbing and climbing. It's now increased 50 points on the peak flow from 310 to 360. I've reduced my steroids and don't need inhalers. My lungs have opened up. It's taken 40 years to find something to help me breath and I think this is it. Thank you"
- Lee
- November 5, 2020
"Been on Fasenra for a little over a year for chronic sinusitis. Had 3 surgeries, and tried EVERYTHING. Had constant polyps and infections, up to 12+ a year. Took tons of antibiotics and was on daily oral steroids at one point. I have not had a single sinus infection in 14 months! Off the steroids for 9 months! That's unheard of (I had my first surgery when I was 9 years old... this has been a horrible problem my whole life). So far only side effect is tiredness on the day of the shot."
- Lbian
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- June 4, 2021
"All I have to say that this Fasenra injection saved my life!! From having back to back respiratory and sinus infections, severe asthma attacks, being on 20 rounds of antibiotics in one year, and on prednisone for a year 1/2 gained 50 pounds to not having an infection in 2 years is a miracle!! I literally have my life back!! From being jobless for 5 years to becoming a patient care dialysis technician working full time in the medical field and got back to my normal weight. I swear by this shot and it works! Having eosinophilic Asthma is so rare and this injection does the trick. I tried Nucala for 3 months during my time on Fasenra to see if the other one worked better but it didn’t. I was right back to being sick again for those 3 months. I am so grateful to Fasenra for giving me a 2nd chance and I’m able to live life again ❤️"
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- January 12, 2023
"I am in the UK and have eosinophilic asthma. After suffering for about 18 months and trying multiple drugs without success, I was diagnosed and started taking benralizumab (Fasenra) 4 months ago. Benralizumab provided instant relief within 24 hours. On the first night after the injection, I slept through the night for the first time in two years without waking up coughing and wheezing. Within 4 days, I was able to run 5km. The side effects were minor, including a brief rash after the first injection and feeling a bit tired for a few days after each injection. However, the relief I feel from being able to breathe normally makes the tiredness tolerable. I no longer cough nonstop and have no mucus. I can now live a normal life again. I used to have prednisone bursts about every 6-8 weeks, but I have not needed prednisone since starting benralizumab. I recently caught a cold, but it did not affect my asthma, which is a first for me. I highly recommend this drug to those with eosinophilic asthma."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
Learn more about Asthma
Care guides
- Asthma
- Bronchospasm
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction
- Moderate and Severe Persistent Asthma
- Reactive Airways Disease
- Wheezing
Symptoms and treatments
Medicine.com guides (external)
More about Fasenra (benralizumab)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (72)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: interleukin inhibitors
- Breastfeeding
"I started receiving Fasenra shots about 18 months ago and it was extremely effective (life-changing) the first 12 months or so. However, over the past 3-6 months I have begun experiencing some of the same symptoms I had prior to Fasenra (wheezing, shortness of breath, etc.) to the point that I've had to rely on my nebulizer/rescue inhaler almost daily over the last month. My doctor noticed a decline in my lung function tests during my last visit and discussed the possibility of switching medications. We'll see what she says in 2 weeks."