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.
Severe asthma
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.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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) 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.
Seasonal allergies
Year-round allergies
Asthma
Exercise-induced asthma
Moderate-to-severe allergic asthma
Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) (chronic hives of unknown cause)
Lower risk of severe allergic reactions after accidental exposure to food triggers
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