Fasenra (benralizumab) is a brand-name subcutaneous injection that’s prescribed for severe eosinophilic asthma in certain people. Fasenra hasn’t been reported to interact with alcohol, other drugs, or supplements.

An interaction occurs when one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected.

To learn more about Fasenra’s interactions, keep reading. For additional information about Fasenra, including details about its uses, see this article.

Fasenra hasn’t been reported to interact with other medications. However, this doesn’t mean that interactions aren’t possible. For example, new drugs that may interact with Fasenra may be developed in the future.

Before you start treatment with Fasenra, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions. (To learn whether Fasenra interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the “Fasenra and other interactions” section below.)

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

In some cases, factors or conditions could prevent your doctor from prescribing Fasenra due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. The contraindications of Fasenra include:

Having had an allergic reaction to Fasenra or any of its ingredients

If you have had an allergic reaction to Fasenra or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Fasenra. Receiving the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.

There are no known interactions between Fasenra and alcohol. However, Fasenra and alcohol can both cause headaches. So, if you drink alcohol during Fasenra treatment, you may be more likely to have this side effect or it may be worse.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol while receiving Fasenra, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Fasenra may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. You’ll find details below. Keep in mind that the following information doesn’t include all other possible interactions with Fasenra.

Fasenra and supplements

It’s possible for drugs to interact with supplements such as vitamins and herbs.

Fasenra and herbs

There are no specific reports of herbs interacting with Fasenra. However, that doesn’t mean herbal interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products during Fasenra treatment.

Fasenra and vitamins

There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with Fasenra. However, that doesn’t mean vitamin interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with Fasenra.

Fasenra and food

There were no reports of food interactions with Fasenra. If you’d like to learn more about eating certain foods during Fasenra treatment, talk with your doctor.

Fasenra and vaccines

There aren’t any known interactions between Fasenra and vaccines. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether you’re due for any vaccines.

Fasenra and lab tests

Fasenra isn’t known to interact with any lab tests. If you have concerns about this medication interacting with lab tests, talk with your doctor.

FASENRA INTERACTION WITH CANNABIS OR CBD

Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), haven’t been specifically reported to interact with Fasenra. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis with Fasenra. The effect of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your Fasenra treatment plan.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.

Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Fasenra. Before you receive this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Fasenra may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

Health conditions or factors that might interact with Fasenra include:

  • Helminth (parasitic worm) infections: Fasenra hasn’t been studied in people with helminth infections. However, it’s possible Fasenra could make it harder for your body to clear these infections. If you have a worm infection, tell your doctor before starting Fasenra. Your doctor will likely prescribe medication to treat the infection before you start receiving Fasenra.
  • Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Fasenra or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Fasenra. Receiving the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
  • Breastfeeding: It’s not known whether it’s safe to receive Fasenra while breastfeeding. The drug may pass into breast milk, but it’s not known what effects Fasenra may have on a child who’s breastfed. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before receiving Fasenra. They can talk with you about treatment options and ways to feed your child.
  • Pregnancy: There haven’t been enough clinical trials to determine whether Fasenra is safe to receive while pregnant. Animal studies didn’t find harmful effects when Fasenra was given to pregnant females. However, it’s important to note that animal studies don’t always indicate what may happen in humans. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting Fasenra. They can advise you on the right treatment plan for you.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Fasenra and possible interactions.

Can you take prednisone and Fasenra together?

Yes, you can. Prednisone (Rayos) isn’t known to interact with Fasenra. In fact, doctors commonly prescribe these medications together to treat eosinophilic asthma.

Prednisone is a type of medication called a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids can cause some bothersome side effects. So, if your asthma improves with Fasenra treatment, your doctor may recommend stopping prednisone gradually to see whether your asthma remains manageable without it. In this case, your doctor will gradually reduce your dosage of prednisone over time.

Do not suddenly stop taking prednisone or change your dosage on your own. Doing so can be dangerous. It could make your asthma get worse and cause adrenal gland problems.

If you have questions about receiving Fasenra with prednisone, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is it safe to take ibuprofen with Fasenra?

Possibly. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is a medication that relieves pain and reduces swelling and fever. It’s not known to interact with Fasenra.

However, Fasenra is used to treat a severe form of asthma. And if you have asthma, it’s typically a good idea to avoid taking ibuprofen. This is because ibuprofen can lead to an asthma attack in some people with asthma.

If you need a mild pain reliever while receiving Fasenra, it’s usually safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead.

If you have questions about taking ibuprofen or other pain relievers with Fasenra, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Fasenra. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting treatment. For example, plan to do the following:

  • Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
  • Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
  • Create a medication list, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.

It’s also important to read the Fasenra label and other paperwork that may come with the drug. The label may have colored stickers that mention an interaction. And the paperwork, sometimes called the medication guide or package insert, may contain details about interactions.

If Fasenra doesn’t come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also help prevent interactions with Fasenra by receiving it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.