Tezepelumab Injection
Tezepelumab (TEZSPIRE) is a biologic injection that helps control severe asthma and nasal polyps by blocking a key inflammation trigger in the body.
🧬 Where this information comes from Click to expand
The clinical label records used on this page are FDA-filed Structured Product Labeling (SPL) retrieved through openFDA. We identified 2 clinical label sets within the page’s selected clinical scope after exact ingredient or ingredient-combination matching and applicable route/form matching. Forms, routes, brands, labelers, strengths, and NDC product-record counts are built separately from matching FDA National Drug Code Directory records. The linked DailyMed document is a representative official source for verification, not the page’s only clinical source. View the linked label on DailyMed →
Tezepelumab (Tezspire) is a once-monthly biologic injection, a specialist add-on for severe asthma that stays uncontrolled on current treatment and for nasal polyps from chronic sinus inflammation; it blocks TSLP, a signal near the top of the inflammation chain, so it calms several pathways at once. Most people tolerate it well; the usual complaints are a sore throat, joint or back pain, and, with nasal polyps, colds or nosebleeds. Watch for anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction), which can strike hours or days after a shot; hives, throat swelling or trouble breathing means emergency care. It is not a rescue medicine, so keep your rescue inhaler with you.
Clinical pearls
- Do not stop steroid tablets or inhalers when you start; any taper should be slow and guided by your prescriber.
- Live vaccines, such as MMR or the nasal spray flu vaccine, should be avoided while you are on tezepelumab.
- When self-injecting with the prefilled pen, use the thigh or belly and rotate spots; leave the upper arm to a healthcare provider.
- A worm (parasitic) infection should be treated before starting, and a new one may mean pausing the injections.
Patient information guide A plain-language walkthrough of Tezepelumab Injection, written from its FDA label.
What Tezepelumab Injection is used for
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Tezepelumab is approved for two conditions in adults and teens 12 and older:
- Severe asthma — as an add-on maintenance treatment when asthma is not well controlled on existing therapy
- Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) — for inadequately controlled nasal polyps that cause ongoing sinus and breathing problems
It is not used for sudden asthma attacks or emergency breathing crises.
How Tezepelumab Injection works
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The airways and sinuses release a protein called TSLP (thymic stromal lymphopoietin) when they become inflamed. TSLP sits at the very top of the inflammation chain — once activated, it recruits immune cells like eosinophils (allergy-related white blood cells), mast cells, and others, triggering the release of chemicals that cause swelling, mucus, and airway narrowing. Tezepelumab is a lab-made antibody that binds tightly to TSLP and stops it from activating this chain reaction.
By blocking TSLP early in the process, the drug helps lower multiple inflammation markers — including blood eosinophils, IgE (an allergy antibody), and certain inflammatory messengers (IL-5 and IL-13) — reducing both airway and nasal inflammation over time.
Tezepelumab Injection dosage
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Tezepelumab is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) once every 4 weeks. It comes as a vial, pre-filled syringe, or pre-filled pen. The vial and pre-filled syringe are given by a healthcare provider; the pre-filled pen can be used at home after proper training.
- Inject into the thigh, abdomen (avoiding 2 inches around the navel), or upper arm (healthcare provider/caregiver only — not for self-injection in the arm)
- Rotate injection sites each time; avoid skin that is bruised, red, tender, or hardened
- Let the medicine warm to room temperature for about 60 minutes before injecting — do not shake or heat it
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and then return to your normal schedule
Dosing details from the FDA-approved label
From the Tezepelumab Injection prescribing information (“Dosage and Administration”). Doses are set by your prescriber for your product, condition, kidney function and age — never change a dose on your own.
Recommended dosage is 210 mg administered once every 4 weeks.
Read the label’s full dosing text
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended dosage is 210 mg administered once every 4 weeks. ( 2.1 ) • Administer by subcutaneous injection. ( 2.1 ) • See full prescribing information for preparation and administration instructions. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage of TEZSPIRE is 210 mg administered subcutaneously once every 4 weeks. Missed Dose Information If a dose is missed, administer the dose as soon as possible. Thereafter, the patient can continue (resume) dosing on the usual day of administration. If the next dose is already due, then administer as planned. 2.2 Preparation and Administration Instructions TEZSPIRE vial and pre‑filled syringe are intended for administration by a healthcare provider. TEZSPIRE pre-filled pen can be administered by patients/caregivers or healthcare providers. Patients/caregivers may administer TEZSPIRE pre-filled pen after proper training in subcutaneous injection technique and after the healthcare provider determines it is appropriate. Each vial, pre-filled syringe and pre‑filled pen contain a single dose of TEZSPIRE. • Prior to administration, remove TEZSPIRE from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature. This generally takes 60 minutes. Do not expose to heat and do not shake. Do not use if the security seal on the carton has been broken. Do not put back in the refrigerator once TEZSPIRE has reached room temperature. • Visually inspect TEZSPIRE for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. TEZSPIRE is a clear to opalescent, colorless to light yellow solution. Do not use TEZSPIRE if liquid is cloudy, discolored, or if it contains large particles or foreign particulate matter. Do not use if the vial, pre-filled syringe or pre‑filled pen has been dropped or damaged or if the expiration date has passed. • Inject TEZSPIRE 210 mg (contents of one vial, one pre-filled syringe or one pre-filled pen as described below) subcutaneously into the thigh or abdomen, except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around the navel. If a healthcare provider or caregiver administers the injection, the upper arm can also be used. A patient should not self-inject in the upper arm. TEZSPIRE should not be injected into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, erythematous, or hardened. It is recommended to rotate the injection site with each injection.
Excerpted — the section continues on the label. Read the full Dosage and Administration section on DailyMed →
Tezepelumab Injection side effects
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The most common side effects (reported in at least 3% of patients) include:
Common side effects
- Pharyngitis (sore or irritated throat, including strep throat)
- Joint pain (arthralgia)
- Back pain
- Nasopharyngitis (common cold-like symptoms — for nasal polyp patients)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (for nasal polyp patients)
- Nosebleeds (epistaxis — for nasal polyp patients)
- Injection site reaction (for nasal polyp patients)
- Influenza (flu — for nasal polyp patients)
When to get medical help
- Get emergency help right away if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): hives, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or dizziness
- Call your doctor if you notice a rash, eye redness or irritation, or any new allergic symptoms after your injection
- Do not use this medication to treat a sudden asthma attack or severe breathing crisis — seek emergency care instead
- Tell your doctor immediately if your asthma stays out of control or gets worse after starting tezepelumab
- Do not stop taking your corticosteroids (steroids) suddenly — talk to your doctor first; cutting them too quickly can cause serious withdrawal effects
- Tell your doctor if you have or develop a parasitic (worm/helminth) infection, as the medication may need to be paused
More serious reactions include allergic responses — ranging from rash and eye irritation to rare but severe anaphylaxis (a life-threatening whole-body allergic reaction). Seek emergency care immediately if you experience hives, swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, or sudden dizziness after an injection.
Tezepelumab Injection warnings and precautions
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- Serious allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis): Can occur within hours — or sometimes days — after an injection. Know the warning signs: hives, swelling, trouble breathing, feeling faint. Get emergency help right away.
- Not a rescue medication: Do not use tezepelumab for a sudden asthma attack, acute bronchospasm, or status asthmaticus (a severe, prolonged asthma attack). Always keep a fast-acting rescue inhaler on hand.
- Steroid tapering risk: If you use steroid medications, do not stop them abruptly when starting tezepelumab. A sudden stop can cause withdrawal symptoms or uncover conditions the steroids were suppressing. Your doctor will guide any gradual reduction.
- Parasitic (helminth) infections: TSLP plays a role in fighting parasitic worm infections. If you have one, it should be treated before starting tezepelumab. If you develop one during treatment and it doesn't respond to treatment, your doctor may pause this medication.
- Live vaccines: Avoid live attenuated vaccines (e.g., live flu nasal spray, MMR) while on tezepelumab. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are safe.
Tezepelumab Injection interactions
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No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted with tezepelumab. However, there are important considerations to be aware of:
- Live vaccines — should be avoided during treatment, as the immune effects of tezepelumab may interfere with how live vaccines work
- Corticosteroids (steroid medications) — do not stop these abruptly when starting tezepelumab; any reduction should be gradual and supervised by your doctor
Interactions listed in the FDA-approved label
From the Tezepelumab Injection prescribing information (“Drug Interactions”): what the manufacturer studied or reported to the FDA.
No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with TEZSPIRE.
Read the label’s full interactions text
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS No formal drug interaction studies have been performed with TEZSPIRE.
Not a complete list. The label covers the interactions the manufacturer studied or reported, and our own interaction database does not cover every medicine either. Bring your full medication list, including vitamins and herbal products, to your pharmacist.
Before taking Tezepelumab Injection
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- Known allergy: Do not use tezepelumab if you have had a hypersensitivity reaction to it or any of its ingredients — this is a contraindication
- Pregnancy: There is limited data in pregnant women. This antibody can cross the placenta, especially in the third trimester, which may affect the baby. Poorly controlled asthma in pregnancy also carries its own risks — talk to your doctor about the right balance
- Breastfeeding: The label does not provide clear data on use during breastfeeding — discuss with your doctor
- Children under 12: Not approved for children under 12 years of age
- Parasitic infections: Pre-existing helminth (worm) infections should be treated before starting therapy
- Live vaccine use: Avoid live vaccines during treatment; discuss your vaccination history and needs with your prescriber
- Body weight: Higher body weight can slightly reduce drug exposure, but this does not require a dose change and does not meaningfully affect how well the drug works
What Tezepelumab Injection does in the body
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Tezepelumab starts reducing measurable signs of inflammation within 2 weeks of the first dose. It lowers the level of eosinophils (allergy-related immune cells) in the blood and airways, reduces FeNO (fractional exhaled nitric oxide — a marker of airway inflammation), and decreases levels of inflammatory proteins IL-5 and IL-13. It also causes a slow, steady reduction in total IgE (an allergy antibody) over the course of treatment. These reductions are sustained throughout the full treatment period (up to 52 weeks in clinical studies), suggesting the drug consistently damps down the underlying inflammatory process.
How your body processes Tezepelumab Injection
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After an injection under the skin, tezepelumab reaches peak blood levels in roughly 3 to 10 days, and about 77% of the dose is absorbed into the bloodstream. With once-every-4-weeks dosing, steady blood levels (steady state) are reached after about 12 weeks. The drug has an elimination half-life of approximately 26 days — meaning it takes about 26 days for the body to clear half of the drug. Tezepelumab is broken down by the body's natural protein-digesting enzymes and is not processed by the liver in the way most pills are. Age, sex, and race do not meaningfully affect how the body handles this medication.
How to store Tezepelumab Injection
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Store refrigerated between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). refrigerator once TEZSPIRE has reached room temperature. refrigerator, TEZSPIRE must be used within 30 days or discarded.
Written from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →
Supplements & herbs that interact with Tezepelumab Injection
53 supplements and herbal products have documented interactions with Tezepelumab Injection in the licensed clinical database we use. Most are manageable — but your pharmacist should know about everything you take, including vitamins and herbals.
- Moderate · 52
- Minor · 1
Educational information from a licensed clinical database (Natural Medicines) — see our data sources & update cadence. Not medical advice: an interaction being documented does not mean it will happen to you; do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance.
Tezepelumab Injection: pharmacist answers to common questions
Quick, plain-English answers to the questions patients ask most about Tezepelumab Injection — the kind of thing our pharmacy team would talk through with you at the counter.
Can I use tezepelumab when I'm having an asthma attack?
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How long does it take to start working?
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Can I stop taking my other asthma medications once I start tezepelumab?
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What should I watch out for after my injection?
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Is it safe to get vaccinated while on tezepelumab?
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What if I miss an injection?
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Is Tezepelumab Injection available over the counter?
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When was Tezepelumab Injection first available?
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Answers drafted from the FDA-approved label with AI and reviewed by our pharmacy team. How we use AI →
More about Tezepelumab Injection on HelloPharmacist
Tezepelumab Injection on the U.S. market: products, makers and brands
How Tezepelumab Injection appears in the FDA’s National Drug Code Directory — including its dosage forms, strengths, brand names, manufacturers, and FDA-listed product records. These are directory records, not sales or prescription volume.
The FDA lists Tezepelumab Injection products; the earliest marketing or approval year on record is 2021. Brand names on the directory include Tezspire; the rest are generics.
How widely Tezepelumab Injection is used (Medicaid data)
A general measure of how commonly Tezepelumab Injection is prescribed, based on Medicaid — one of the largest public drug programs. The figure below is prescriptions filled in Q1–Q4 2025, summed across every form and brand of the drug.
Think of this as a proxy for how widely Tezepelumab Injection is used, drawn from freely available public data. Medicaid is just one program — these numbers don’t include Medicare, other government coverage, or commercial and cash-pay prescriptions, so real-world use is higher than what’s shown here.
How commonly is Tezepelumab Injection prescribed? Of the 1,601 medications we measure, Tezepelumab Injection ranks #664 by Medicaid prescriptions — more than 59% of them.
Utilization by Tezepelumab Injection product
Pick a product to see its own Medicaid numbers. Each chip is one clinical product — a specific strength & dosage form as defined by RxNorm — with brand-name and generic versions combined.
1.91 ML tezepelumab-ekko 110 MG/ML Auto-Injector Most dispensed
Summed across the 1 of 2 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 2628920
1.91 ML tezepelumab-ekko 110 MG/ML Prefilled Syringe
Summed across the 1 of 3 listed NDC products with Medicaid activity — every brand and generic of this exact strength & form. RxNorm 2587803
Shares are of the Medicaid prescriptions shown here. Product grouping follows RxNorm (the National Library of Medicine’s drug terminology), so “one product” means one strength & dosage form regardless of manufacturer. Dollar figures are gross Medicaid reimbursement before mandatory rebates — rebates (often large, especially for brand-name drugs) are confidential, so actual net cost to Medicaid is lower than shown.
Source: Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (CMS), aggregated by generic ingredient — summed across every NDC (all brands, strengths, salt forms and dosage forms) of Tezepelumab Injection, and across all states and both fee-for-service and managed-care claims. A general popularity signal; it excludes Medicare, commercial insurance and cash prescriptions, so it is not total U.S. use. Based on the 2 of 5 listed Tezepelumab Injection NDCs with Medicaid activity.
Tezepelumab Injection side effects reported to the FDA (FAERS)
After a medicine reaches the market, patients, doctors and drugmakers can send the FDA reports of problems they think may be linked to it. Here’s what’s been reported for Tezepelumab Injection — a signal of what to watch for, not proof the drug caused it.
Source: openFDA, from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). These are voluntary reports — they don’t prove the drug caused the effect, and counts reflect how often something was reported, not how often it actually happens. Reports also often name the very problem the medicine is taken for — a common reason to file one is that the drug didn’t help — so for a pain reliever you may see “pain” high on the list; that points to why the report was filed, not to the drug causing the symptom. This counts every report that lists Tezepelumab Injection in any role, so the total runs higher than the FDA’s official dashboard, which counts only cases where the drug is the suspect. For the authoritative figures, see the FDA FAERS Public Dashboard. Always talk to your pharmacist or doctor.
Tezepelumab Injection FDA approval history
How Tezepelumab Injection went from FDA review to the pharmacy shelf — the key milestones in its regulatory journey.
Source: Drugs@FDA.
Tezepelumab Injection recall history
A recall is when a specific batch of a medicine is pulled from the market — usually a manufacturing issue, not a problem with the drug itself. Class I is most serious, Class III least.
The FDA’s enforcement reports list no Tezepelumab recalls since July 2021.
✅No Tezepelumab recalls on record since July 2021Source: FDA enforcement (recall) reports, via openFDA; our copy was last updated Sep 24, 2026.
RxNorm Concept Web — From Ingredient to Every Form and Strength
This page starts with one ingredient concept (IN). The branches below show its dose-form concepts (SCDF), then the available clinical drug and strength concepts (SCD). Combination products remain separate concepts with their own pages.
RxCUI 2587789 2 dose forms · 2 strengths
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Dose form (SCDF) Auto-Injector RxCUI 2628919No current FDA listingClinical drug / strength (SCD) 1.91 ML tezepelumab-ekko 110 MG/MLRxCUI 2628920 -
Dose form (SCDF) Prefilled Syringe RxCUI 2587802No current FDA listingClinical drug / strength (SCD) 1.91 ML tezepelumab-ekko 110 MG/MLRxCUI 2587803
Look up RxCUI 2587789 in the RxCUI Atlas →
RxNorm is the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s normalized drug vocabulary. Its concept hierarchy can include forms that are not currently marketed; the status on each branch compares that concept with current FDA listings. RxCUIs identify vocabulary concepts, not individual packages or manufacturers.
Tezepelumab Injection supply and shortage status
Whether Tezepelumab Injection is in short supply in the U.S. right now, plus any shortage history the FDA has on record. A shortage usually reflects a manufacturing or demand issue — not a safety problem with the drug.
Source: openFDA, from the FDA Drug Shortages database.
Tezepelumab Injection brand names
Tezepelumab Injection is sold under one brand name in the FDA directory — Tezspire. A brand and its generic contain the same active ingredient; the brand name belongs to one company's product.
Tezepelumab Injection drug class (RxNorm)
Tezepelumab Injection belongs to the Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Blocker class.
Classified by RxNorm RxClass — the U.S. National Library of Medicine's standardized drug-classification service (Established Pharmacologic Class from the FDA, the ATC drug family from the WHO, and mechanism of action). Reference only, not medical advice.
Sources for this Tezepelumab Injection page
Core label, product, RxNorm, safety, and utilization data on this page come from the sources identified below. AI-written, editorial, and licensed sections are labeled separately.
How this page is built
HelloPharmacist combines public FDA and NLM records and does not author the underlying clinical facts. The plain-language sections are written with AI from the FDA-approved label text and reviewed by our pharmacy team before publication. Amgen, Inc is the representative DailyMed label linked for verification and dates. This is general education, not medical advice: always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own medicines. How we build and review drug pages →