Reslizumab
Generic name: reslizumab [ res-LIZ-ue-mab ]
Brand name: Cinqair
Dosage form: intravenous solution (10 mg/mL)
Drug class:Interleukin inhibitors
What is reslizumab?
Reslizumab is used together with other medicines to help control severe asthma in adults.
Reslizumab affects your immune system, reducing levels of a certain type of white blood cell that may contribute to the symptoms of asthma.
Reslizumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Some people have had allergic reactions to reslizumab during or shortly after the injection. Tell your caregiver if you feel nauseated, light-headed, itchy, or have swelling in your face or trouble breathing.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with reslizumab if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had a parasite infection (such as roundworms or tapeworms).
Using reslizumab may increase your risk of developing cancer. Ask your doctor about this risk.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether reslizumab will harm an unborn baby. However, having uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy may cause premature birth, a low birth weight baby, or complications such as eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of treating asthma may outweigh any risks to the baby.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using reslizumab. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How is reslizumab given?
Before you start treatment with reslizumab, your doctor may perform tests to measure your white blood cells.
Reslizumab is given as an infusion into a vein, usually once every 4 weeks. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take 20 to 50 minutes to complete.
You will be watched closely for a short time after each injection, to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.
If you also use a steroid medication, you should not stop using it suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Reslizumab is not a rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your asthma medications are not working as well.
Use all asthma medications as directed. Your dose needs may change due to surgery, illness, stress, or a recent asthma attack. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if any of your medicines seem to stop working.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you m...
