Cinqair™

Cinqair™

This product is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries using the ingredient reslizumab.

This product is taken via intravenous injection.

Why is it prescribed?

Reslizumab is an intravenous medication used in addition to other asthma medicines for adult patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, whose symptoms are not controlled with their current asthma medicines such as medium-to-high-dose inhaled corticosteroids. 

 Cinqair™ is given by a healthcare professional using a needle placed in a vein (intravenous infusion). It will take about 20 to 50 minutes to receive the full dose.
 Additional doses are given about every 4 weeks. It may take more than one dose before you see improvements in your asthma symptoms.
 You will be watched closely while you are receiving this medication and after your infusion for signs of a reaction.

 


Alternatives

See other products used in the treatment of •asthma •

For use in adults 18 years and older.  The recommended dosage regimen is 3 mg/kg every 4 weeks administered as a 20 to 50 minute intravenous infusion.


Severe eosinophilic asthma is a type of asthma in which there is a presence of eosinophils (a type of white blood cells) in the lungs.  Reslizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks a specific protein called interleukin-5. By blocking the action of interleukin-5,  reslizumab limits the production of eosinophils from the bone marrow and lowers the number of eosinophils in the blood and lungs. 


Possible Side Effects:

Serious allergic or infusion-related reactions can happen on the day of receiving reslizumab. Your healthcare provider will watch you closely while you are receiving and after your infusion for signs of a reaction. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience an allergic reaction or any of the following symptoms:

  • skin rash, redness, itching, or swelling

  • trouble breathing, wheezing

  • fever, shivering

  • changes in blood pressure

  • headache

  • nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort

  •  muscle pain


Reslizumab should not be given to children and adolescents under 18 years old. 

Reslizumab is not a substitute for the medicines you are already taking.
Adding reslizumab to treatment with inhaled steroids (e.g. fluticasone) has been shown to reduce the number of asthma attacks. It has not been proven to work in other allergic conditions.
Oral or inhaled corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone, fluticasone) should not be abruptly stopped upon starting reslizumab therapy.
Use is not recommended in the following situations:

  • allergy to reslizumab or any component of the formulation

Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding: At this time there is limited information on use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using.