Benralizumab
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Benralizumab can be used in pregnancy if recommended by a specialist. Babies exposed in the womb after the first trimester might be offered some of their vaccinations later than usual.
What is it?
Benralizumab (Fasenra®) is an antibody therapy that works by targeting the immune system. It is used to treat severe asthma.
Benefits
What are the benefits of using benralizumab in pregnancy?
Benralizumab treats severe asthma and is usually only used when other asthma medicines have not worked. Good asthma control in pregnancy is important, as poorly controlled asthma can increase the risk of serious complications for both you and your baby. For many women with severe asthma, the benefits of using benralizumab will outweigh any possible risks.
Risks
What are the risks of using benralizumab in pregnancy?
Benralizumab does not cross the placenta in the first trimester, so it will not directly affect your baby’s early development. Very few women using benralizumab during pregnancy have been studied. No problems have been identified, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Some antibody treatments used in later pregnancy can affect a baby’s immune system for several months after birth. It is not yet clear whether benralizumab has this effect.
As a precaution, live vaccines will usually be avoided until your baby is at least six months old. This mainly applies to vaccination against tuberculosis (if recommended) and rotavirus, as none of the other infant vaccines are live. Your doctor can advise you about when to give your baby any live vaccines.
Alternatives
Are there any alternatives to using benralizumab in pregnancy?
Possibly. While other medicines can be used to treat asthma, these might not have worked well for you in the past. If benralizumab is controlling your asthma, your specialist may advise that staying on it during pregnancy is the best option.
If you are planning a pregnancy or have an unplanned pregnancy while taking benralizumab, speak to your specialist about which medicine is best for you.
No treatment
What if I prefer not to take medicines during pregnancy?
It is very important that asthma is well controlled during pregnancy. Poorly controlled asthma can increase the risk of complications for both you and your baby.
Your doctor will be happy to discuss any concerns about medicines prescribed during pregnancy and help you to make an informed decision.
Will I or my baby need extra monitoring?
As part of routine antenatal care in the UK, women are offered a detailed scan at around 20 weeks of pregnancy to check the baby’s development. No additional scans to check for birth defects are required due to the use of benralizumab.
Are there any risks to my baby if the father has used benralizumab?
There is no evidence that benralizumab used by the father can harm your baby through effects on sperm.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have any questions regarding the information in this leaflet, please discuss them with your health care provider. They can access more detailed medical and scientific information from www.uktis.org.