benralizumab at a glance
Medicine class
Humanised monoclonal antibody targeting the interleukin-5 receptor
Licensed roles
Add-on treatment for specified eosinophilic asthma, EGPA and HES populations
Administration
Injection under the skin using a pre-filled pen; suitable patients or caregivers may inject after training
Acute symptoms
Not a rescue treatment for an asthma attack or other acute deterioration
What is benralizumab used for?
Licensed uses represented by the selected product include add-on treatment for:
Selected adults with severe eosinophilic asthma that remains inadequately controlled.
Adults with relapsing or refractory eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
Adults and eligible adolescents with inadequately controlled hypereosinophilic syndrome without an identifiable non-haematological secondary cause.
How does benralizumab work?
Benralizumab attaches to the interleukin-5 receptor on eosinophils and basophils. This recruits immune cells to remove them, reducing eosinophil-driven inflammation.
benralizumab preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 30 mg
How to take benralizumab
Benralizumab is injected under the skin. Self-administration is appropriate only after training and when the specialist considers it suitable.
Inject into the thigh or abdomen, avoiding the area immediately around the navel. A trained caregiver or healthcare professional may also use the upper arm.
Do not inject into tender, bruised, red or hardened skin.
Allow the pen to reach room temperature naturally. Do not shake it or expose it to heat.
Inspect the solution and follow the pen’s Instructions for Use. Do not use it if cloudy, discoloured or containing large or foreign particles.
Continue other prescribed treatments unless the clinical team changes them. Corticosteroids must not be stopped suddenly.
benralizumab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Sore throat or pharyngitis
- Fever
- Temporary injection-site pain, redness, itching or a small raised area
- Rash or hives as part of a hypersensitivity reaction
Get urgent medical advice
- Possible anaphylaxis: breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, collapse or severe dizziness; obtain emergency help
benralizumab in pregnancy
Pregnancy data are limited. Product information recommends avoiding benralizumab unless the expected maternal benefit outweighs possible fetal risk, while UKTIS/BUMPS advises that it can be used when recommended by a specialist. Placental transfer increases later in pregnancy, and some vaccines for an exposed baby may need specialist timing advice.
benralizumab while breastfeeding
It is not known whether benralizumab enters human milk, and risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded. The benefits of breastfeeding and treatment should be considered with the prescriber or specialist.
benralizumab interactions
No formal interaction studies have been completed, but pharmacokinetic interactions with other medicines are not expected.
Seasonal influenza vaccine
Available evidence indicates that benralizumab does not impair the antibody response.
Montelukast, paracetamol, proton-pump inhibitors, macrolides and theophylline or aminophylline
Population analyses found no effect on benralizumab clearance.
Common questions about benralizumab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is benralizumab a steroid?
No. It is a targeted monoclonal antibody. It does not automatically replace inhalers or corticosteroids, which must not be stopped suddenly.
Can benralizumab stop an asthma attack?
No. It is maintenance treatment, not rescue treatment. Use the prescribed emergency treatment and asthma action plan.
Can I inject benralizumab myself?
Possibly. Self-injection requires training and approval from the treating clinician and is not intended for people with a known history of anaphylaxis.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.