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Cinqair

reslizumab

Used for Asthma

Cinqair (reslizumab) is an intravenous (IV) infusion given by a healthcare provider to treat severe asthma in adults when other medications aren't working well enough. It's not meant for use during asthma attacks.

Reviewed by:

Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP

Michelle Nguyen, PharmD

Last reviewed on August 27, 2021

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Alternatives Latest news Images Prices Medicare

What is Cinqair (reslizumab)?

What is Cinqair (reslizumab) used for?

Severe asthma

How Cinqair (reslizumab) works

Cinqair (reslizumab) is a monoclonal antibody. It lowers the number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) and other cells responsible for inflammation. By lowering the amount of these cells, the medication prevents inflammation and makes it easier for you to breathe.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCinqair

Drug ClassMonoclonal antibody

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

What are the side effects of Cinqair (reslizumab)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Mouth and throat pain (3%)
Muscle pain (2%)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Allergic reactions from the infusion

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Pros and cons of Cinqair (reslizumab)

Pros

Only has to be given once a month

Prevents worsening of asthma and can lower the number of asthma attacks

Good option when other asthma medications aren't working well enough

Not too many side effects

Cons

Has to be given in a healthcare facility; can't be injected at home

Only works for people with asthma caused by eosinophils

Can't be used in children

Can cause a severe allergic reaction

Pharmacist tips for Cinqair (reslizumab)

Cinqair (reslizumab) is usually given once every 4 weeks. It's recommended to keep track of your infusion appointments so you don't miss a dose.

Don't stop taking any of your other asthma medications unless directed by your provider. Cinqair (reslizumab) is an add-on medication, meaning it's not meant to replace your current asthma medications.

Let your provider know if you have any unexplained muscle aches. This could be caused by the medication.

Before starting this medication, talk to your provider about family planning. It's not known if Cinqair (reslizumab) can harm your unborn baby.

Frequently asked questions about Cinqair (reslizumab)

Is Cinqair (reslizumab) a biologic medication?

Yes, Cinqair (reslizumab) is a biologic medication. It's made from a type of rodent cell rather than chemicals.

Can Cinqair (reslizumab) cure asthma?

No. Unfortunately, there's currently no cure for asthma. Cinqair (reslizumab) and other similar medications can only manage asthma symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.

How much does Cinqair (reslizumab) cost?

Since Cinqair (reslizumab) is given as an infusion in a healthcare facility, it will likely be covered by your medical insurance. Unlike prescription insurance, it's hard to know the price of a medication or procedure before you receive it. It's likely that your out-of-pocket cost will vary depending on what type of insurance plan you have.

Can Cinqair (reslizumab) be used during pregnancy?

At this time it's not known if Cinqair (reslizumab) will harm your unborn baby. It's important to talk to your provider about family planning. Uncontrolled asthma can raise the risk of pregnancy-related complications. Ask your provider about other asthma medications that might be safer for you to use during pregnancy.

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What are the risks and warnings for Cinqair (reslizumab)?

Cinqair (reslizumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Life-threatening allergic reaction

While rare, Cinqair (reslizumab) can cause a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. During clinical trials, symptoms of allergic reactions were seen during the infusion or within 20 minutes after the infusion was completed. Your care team will monitor you for this and will treat you appropriately if you have this type of reaction. Seek medical help right away if you experience breathing problems, flushing, itching, swelling, or a fast heartbeat after your infusion. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.

Sudden breathing problems (asthma attacks)

Cinqair (reslizumab) isn't meant to treat sudden breathing problems or asthma attacks. Let your provider know if your asthma worsens or doesn't improve after starting Cinqair (reslizumab).

Cancerous tissue growth

In clinical trials, people taking Cinqair (reslizumab) had a higher chance of developing cancerous tissue growth. There were many different types of cancerous tissue growth, and it was usually caught in the first 6 months of using Cinqair (reslizumab).

Using corticosteroids

Cinqair (reslizumab) is not meant to replace any of your current asthma medications. If you are currently using corticosteroids, like prednisone tablets, Flovent (fluticasone) inhaler, or Qvar (beclomethasone) inhaler, don't stop taking them unless your provider tells you to. Stopping these medications too quickly can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Parasitic infections

Risk factors: Helminth infections

Cinqair (reslizumab) can change the way your body fights off infections. If you happen to have a parasitic infection, your provider might treat the infection first before starting this medication. If you get an infection while taking Cinqair (reslizumab), your provider might pause the medication until your infection gets better.

Cinqair (reslizumab) dosage forms

Typical dosing for Cinqair (reslizumab)

Cinqair (reslizumab) is an intravenous (IV) infusion that must be administered by a healthcare provider. The dose is based on your weight and is usually given once every 4 weeks.