Seeking Insights on Eosinophilic Asthma Management
Greetings! I'm a 33-year-old male, and I lead a healthy lifestyle—no smoking and minimal alcohol consumption, alongside a regular exercise routine three times each week. Since my childhood, I have struggled with severe allergic rhinitis, which eventually progressed into eosinophilic asthma as I entered adulthood. For the past two years, I have been undergoing treatment with Dupixent, a medication that has proven effective in managing asthma symptoms. Despite this, I've noticed that my eosinophil levels occasionally stay elevated. To counteract this, I utilize steroids bi-monthly to help bring those levels down. I'm curious to hear from others: aside from biologic treatments, do you also rely on steroids for reducing eosinophil counts? Additionally, having been on Dupixent for a couple of years now, what is the typical timeframe for continuing this treatment? How long do most people remain on Dupixent before reassessing their options? Lastly, I’ve learned that there are alternatives like Fasenra that specifically target eosinophil reduction. Do you think it would be advisable for me to consider a transition to that medication instead of continuing with Dupixent?
Answers (1)
9/16/2025, 5:31:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
Managing eosinophilic asthma can be challenging, but it sounds like you're actively seeking ways to improve your situation. You've been doing well with Dupixent, but you have concerns about elevated eosinophil levels and treatment longevity. Let’s address your key questions:
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Steroid Use: It's common for individuals with eosinophilic asthma to use corticosteroids alongside biologics like Dupixent to help control inflammation and eosinophil levels. Biologics primarily target specific pathways, but they may not completely normalize eosinophil counts for everyone. Monitoring your levels closely is essential, as overusing steroids can lead to side effects.
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Duration of Dupixent Treatment: Many patients stay on Dupixent long-term, as it can help alleviate asthma symptoms significantly. The decision to reassess treatment usually depends on your asthma control, side effects, and eosinophil levels. A reassessment might typically occur every 6-12 months depending on how stable your condition is.
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Transitioning to Fasenra: Fasenra (benralizumab) is another effective option for eosinophilic asthma, specifically designed to reduce eosinophils. If you are considering switching medications, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can help evaluate if Fasenra could be more beneficial for you based on your symptoms and eosinophil levels.
Next Steps:
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your asthma symptoms, eosinophil counts, and any steroid use. This can provide valuable insight for your next healthcare appointment.
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Review with Your Doctor: Schedule a follow-up with your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns about eosinophil levels, the effectiveness of your current treatment with Dupixent, and the potential transition to Fasenra.
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Consider Steroid Management: Talk to your doctor about optimizing your steroid use, focusing on tapering strategies if appropriate, to minimize side effects while effectively managing your asthma.
Your proactive approach is commendable, and staying open to adjustments in your treatment plan can help you find the best management strategy for your asthma.
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