What is the most important information I should know about reslizumab?
Some people have had allergic reactions to reslizumab during or shortly after the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel nauseated or if you have itching, swelling in your lips, or trouble breathing.
You will be watched closely after receiving reslizumab, to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.
What is reslizumab?
Reslizumab is a monoclonal antibody that affects the actions of the body's immune system. Reslizumab works by reducing levels of a certain type of white blood cell that may contribute to the symptoms of asthma.
Reslizumab is used together with other medicines to help control severe asthma in adults.
Reslizumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving reslizumab?
You should not be treated with reslizumab if you are allergic to it.
To make sure reslizumab is safe for you, tell your doctor if:
- you also use steroid asthma medication; or
- you have a history of parasite infection (such as roundworms or tapeworms).
A small number of people developed cancer while receiving reslizumab in clinical studies. It is not known whether reslizumab actually causes cancer. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether reslizumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How is reslizumab given?
Before you start treatment with reslizumab, your doctor may perform tests to measure your levels of a certain type of white blood cell (eosinophils).
Reslizumab is given once every 4 weeks and is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Reslizumab must be given slowly. The IV infusion can take up to 50 minutes to complete.
Some people have had allergic reactions to reslizumab during or shortly after injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel nauseated or if you have itching, swelling in your lips, or trouble breathing.
You will be watched closely for a short time after receiving your injection, to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.
Reslizumab is not a rescue medicine. It will not work fast enough to treat an asthma attack. Use only a fast acting inhalation medicine for an asthma attack.
If you also use a steroid medication, do not stop using it suddenly or you may have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor about tapering your steroid dose before stopping completely.
Asthma is often treated with a combination of drugs. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice. Tell your doctor if it seems like your asthma medications don't work as well.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your reslizumab injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while receiving reslizumab?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of reslizumab?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some side effects may occur during or shortly after the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you have:
- nausea;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- chest tightness, wheezing, trouble breathing;
- itching or rash; or
- swelling in your lips or tongue.
Common side effects may include:
- sore throat; or
- muscle pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect reslizumab?
Other drugs may interact with reslizumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about reslizumab.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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