Cinqair® (reslizumab)
Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last updated: November 2021
Cinqair (reslizumab) is indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of patients over age 18 with eosinophilic asthma. It is prescribed for adults whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines. Cinqair helps prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and can improve your breathing.1,2
Approved in 2016 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Cinqair is an add-on maintenance therapy. It is not indicated for other eosinophilic conditions or for the relief of acute exacerbations, bronchospasms, or status asthmaticus.1,2
How does Cinqair work?
Cinqair is an interleukin-5 antagonist monoclonal antibody (IgG4 kappa). It is thought to reduce the level of blood eosinophils. It inhibits IL-5 signaling, resulting in a reduction of the production and survival of eosinophils. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that may cause the airways to swell and become narrow – contributing to the onset of asthma.1,2
Cinqair treatment may reduce severe exacerbations (flare-ups) and oral corticosteroid use. In clinical studies Cinqair has been demonstrated to improve patient quality of life through better lung function and fewer incidents of asthma attacks.1
What are the ingredients in Cinqair?
The active ingredient in Cinqair is reslizumab.1,2
What are possible side effects of Cinqair?
The most common side effect is sore throat pain. This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist for further information and a list of all possible side effects.1
If you experience breathing problems, paleness, flushing, swelling of the face, mouth, and tongue, itching, hives, or a skin rash, symptoms of low blood pressure-like fainting or dizziness, or have nausea or abdominal discomfort, seek medical help right away.
Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can happen right after a Cinqair infusion. These reactions may not happen right away but can cause death. Your healthcare provider will observe your condition during and after a Cinqair infusion for any signs of a reaction.
These are not all the possible side effects of Cinqair. Talk to your doctor about what to expect or if you experience any changes that concern you during treatment with Cinqair.
Things to know about Cinqair
Cinqair should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems. It should also not be used in those who have allergies to any ingredients in Cinqair.1,2
Before starting treatment with Cinqair, it is important to tell your healthcare provider about other medications, vitamins and supplements you are taking as well as any existing medical conditions, including but not limited to:1,2
- Oral or inhaled corticoid steroid medicines
- History of cancer
- Parasitic (helminth) infections
- Need for vaccinations. You should not receive a live vaccine while taking Cinqair.
- Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant, or you are breastfeeding. It is not known if Cinqair may harm an unborn baby, or if it can pass into breast milk and harm your baby.
Teva Support Solutions® offers personalized education and support regarding Cinqair from a Clinical Nurse Educator by calling: 1-844-838-2211, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 7 PM ET.2
Dosing information
Cinqair is administered via IV infusion by a healthcare professional in a medical setting. For more information, read the full prescribing information of Cinqair.