Depemokimab at a glance
Medicine class
Anti-interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody
Licensed asthma population
Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over with an eosinophilic phenotype that remains inadequately controlled despite specified controller treatment
Licensed nasal-polyp population
Adults with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps that remains inadequately controlled after systemic corticosteroids and/or surgery
Administration
Injection under the skin; trained patients or caregivers may administer it when considered appropriate by a healthcare professional
Additional monitoring
A black-triangle biological medicine; suspected adverse reactions should be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme
What is Depemokimab used for?
UK-licensed uses are:
Add-on maintenance treatment for asthma in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over with type 2 inflammation characterised by an eosinophilic phenotype, when inadequately controlled on specified controller treatment.
Add-on to intranasal corticosteroids for adults with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps when systemic corticosteroids and/or surgery have not provided adequate control.
How does Depemokimab work?
Interleukin-5 helps produce, activate and sustain eosinophils, white blood cells involved in type 2 inflammation. Depemokimab binds interleukin-5 and prevents it from activating its receptor, lowering eosinophil levels and reducing inflammation.
Depemokimab preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 100 mg
How to take Depemokimab
Depemokimab is injected under the skin. Self-administration or caregiver administration is appropriate only after assessment and training by a healthcare professional.
For self-injection, use the abdomen or thigh; a caregiver may also use the upper arm.
Do not inject into tender, bruised, red or hard skin.
Keep the syringe refrigerated in its original carton, protected from light; do not freeze or shake it.
Allow the syringe to reach room temperature naturally. Do not use external heat.
Do not use the liquid if it is cloudy, abnormally discoloured or contains particles.
The syringe is single-use and should be discarded according to local sharps arrangements.
Depemokimab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Injection-site pain, redness, swelling or itching
- Itching away from the injection site
- Headache, tiredness or rash around the time of administration
Get urgent medical advice
- Systemic allergic reaction, including hives or widespread itching, which may occur immediately or after a delay
- Sudden breathing difficulty, throat tightness, marked swelling or collapse
Depemokimab in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is absent or very limited. The product information advises avoiding depemokimab as a precaution unless the expected maternal benefit justifies the potential fetal risk. Specialist review is important before use or continuation.
Depemokimab while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether depemokimab enters human milk. The prescriber should weigh the importance of breastfeeding to the child against the importance of treatment to the mother.
Depemokimab interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been conducted, so all current and recently used products should be reviewed.
Systemic or inhaled corticosteroids
Do not stop them abruptly after starting depemokimab; any reduction should be gradual and medically supervised.
Other prescribed, non-prescribed or herbal products
No specific interactions are established, but tell the prescriber about all products used.
Common questions about Depemokimab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is depemokimab a reliever for an asthma attack?
No. It is maintenance treatment and must not be used for sudden symptoms or an acute exacerbation. Follow the prescribed emergency asthma plan and seek urgent care when indicated.
Can depemokimab be injected at home?
Yes, when a healthcare professional considers this appropriate and the patient or caregiver has received practical injection training.
What should I do if I miss an injection?
Contact the treating service promptly for instructions.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.