What should you know about biologic drugs for asthma?

These medicines act on specific immune signals involved in some types of asthma. A specialist may consider them after checking your inhaler technique, regular medicines, triggers, other conditions and pattern of attacks. They are usually given as an injection at a planned interval, although the exact medicine and schedule depend on your asthma type and clinical assessment. Biologics do not replace your reliever or preventer inhaler unless your clinician gives a clear changeover plan.

Your symptoms may include wheezing, cough or chest tightness, but those symptoms alone do not show that a biologic is suitable. Testing and a review of treatment response help identify whether the medicine fits your needs.

Arrange an asthma review and bring your inhalers, a list of medicines, and details of recent flare-ups or urgent visits. Ask the team to watch you use the inhaler and explain any blood tests, breathing tests or allergy checks they recommend. Continue prescribed treatment while a biologic is being assessed. Tell the clinician about infections, allergies, pregnancy plans and previous reactions to injections. Keep a record of symptoms after each dose so the team can judge benefit and adjust the plan safely.

Seek urgent help if breathing becomes severely difficult, you cannot speak comfortably, your reliever is not helping as directed, or your lips look blue or grey. A nebuliser treatment may be used in urgent care, but it is not a substitute for emergency assessment when an attack is severe. Contact your asthma team promptly after a new reaction such as widespread rash, facial swelling, faintness or rapidly worsening breathing following an injection.

Which asthma pattern does this medicine target? What checks are needed before starting? How will doses be given and monitored? When should I expect a review? Which inhalers should I continue, and what should I do after a missed dose or reaction?