lebrikizumab at a glance
Medicine class
IL-13-blocking monoclonal antibody
Licensed use
Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in eligible adults and adolescents
Administration
Subcutaneous injection using a single-use pre-filled syringe
Important precaution
Live and live-attenuated vaccines should not be given during treatment
What is lebrikizumab used for?
Lebrikizumab is licensed for:
Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents aged 12 years or older who weigh at least 40 kg and are candidates for systemic therapy.
Use alone or with suitable topical eczema treatments.
How does lebrikizumab work?
Lebrikizumab binds interleukin-13 and blocks signalling through the IL-4 receptor alpha and IL-13 receptor alpha 1 complex. This reduces IL-13-driven type 2 inflammation while leaving binding to the IL-13 decoy receptor intact.
lebrikizumab preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 250 mg
How to take lebrikizumab
Lebrikizumab is injected under the skin after appropriate training. Follow the supplied instructions for use.
Inject into the thigh or abdomen, avoiding the area close to the navel. A trained caregiver may also use the upper arm.
Rotate injection sites. Avoid eczema lesions and skin that is tender, damaged, bruised or scarred.
Do not shake the syringe. Do not use it if damaged or if the solution is cloudy, discoloured or contains visible particles.
Dispose of the single-use syringe safely immediately after injection.
lebrikizumab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Conjunctivitis or other eye redness or discomfort
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Dry eyes
- Injection-site reactions
Get urgent medical advice
- A systemic allergic reaction requires immediate medical help.
- New or worsening eye pain, vision changes or persistent eye inflammation need prompt clinical assessment.
- A painful blistering rash on one side of the body may be shingles and should be assessed promptly.
lebrikizumab in pregnancy
Experience during human pregnancy is limited. UK product information advises avoiding lebrikizumab during pregnancy unless a specialist considers its use appropriate after discussing potential benefits and uncertainties.
lebrikizumab while breastfeeding
It is not known whether lebrikizumab passes into human milk or is absorbed by a breastfed infant, and a risk cannot be excluded. The prescriber and parent should decide whether to stop breastfeeding or treatment, considering the benefits of each.
lebrikizumab interactions
Formal interaction studies are limited. Pharmacokinetic interactions with conventional medicines are not expected.
Live and live-attenuated vaccines
Do not give concurrently because safety and effectiveness with lebrikizumab have not been established.
Inactivated or non-live vaccines
These may be given; studied antibody responses were not adversely affected by lebrikizumab.
Common questions about lebrikizumab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is lebrikizumab a steroid?
No. It is a monoclonal antibody that selectively blocks interleukin-13 and may be used with or without topical corticosteroids.
Can lebrikizumab be self-injected?
Yes, if a healthcare professional considers this suitable and the patient or caregiver has received proper training.
Can I use eczema creams with lebrikizumab?
Yes. It may be used with topical corticosteroids; topical calcineurin inhibitors may be used selectively under clinical guidance.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.