reslizumab at a glance
Medicine class
Humanised monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-5
Licensed use
Add-on treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma in adults
Administration
Diluted intravenous infusion given by a healthcare professional
Important limitation
It does not treat a sudden asthma attack
What is reslizumab used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Add-on treatment in adults with severe eosinophilic asthma that remains inadequately controlled despite high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and another maintenance treatment.
How does reslizumab work?
Interleukin-5 helps eosinophils mature, survive and become active. Reslizumab binds to interleukin-5, preventing it from acting at its receptor and reducing eosinophil survival and activity in the blood and airways.
reslizumab preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 10 mg/mL
How to take reslizumab
Reslizumab is not swallowed or self-injected. A healthcare professional dilutes the concentrate and gives it through a vein, while monitoring for allergic or infusion-related reactions.
Do not shake the vial or administer the undiluted concentrate.
It must not be given as a rapid intravenous injection.
Food does not affect administration because it is given intravenously.
reslizumab side effects
Common or expected effects
- A rise in blood creatine phosphokinase, generally temporary and without symptoms
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or another serious hypersensitivity reaction, with possible swelling, rash, wheezing, breathing difficulty, gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness or faintness
reslizumab in pregnancy
Pregnancy information remains limited. Precautionary avoidance is advised, but treatment may be appropriate when the benefits of controlling severe asthma outweigh uncertain risks. Specialist review is important. Exposure later in pregnancy may affect the timing of the baby's live vaccines.
reslizumab while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether reslizumab passes into human milk. Transfer of antibodies may be more relevant during the first few days after birth; after this period, use may be appropriate when clinically needed. Discuss individual benefits and uncertainties with the specialist team.
reslizumab interactions
Formal clinical interaction studies are limited, although conventional metabolic interactions are not expected for this monoclonal antibody.
Live vaccines
Concurrent use has not been studied, so vaccination plans should be discussed with the specialist team.
Immunosuppressants other than oral corticosteroids
Concurrent safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Leukotriene antagonists or systemic corticosteroids
Population analyses found no effect on reslizumab pharmacokinetics.
Common questions about reslizumab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is reslizumab a steroid?
No. It is a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-5 and is used as add-on treatment rather than automatically replacing established asthma medicines.
Who is reslizumab licensed for?
Adults with severe eosinophilic asthma that remains inadequately controlled by high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and another maintenance medicine.
Can reslizumab stop an asthma attack?
No. It is not a rescue treatment; sudden or severe asthma symptoms require the person's usual emergency asthma plan and urgent help when appropriate.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.