Cinqair® (reslizumab) is used with other asthma medicines as a maintenance treatment for asthma in people ages 18 and over. It is used in people whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines. When used with other asthma drugs, Cinqair helps prevent severe asthma attacks and can improve your breathing.1
Cinqair is given by a doctor using an intravenous (IV) infusion.1
How does Cinqair work?
Cinqair is an interleukin-5 antagonist monoclonal antibody (IgG4 kappa). It works by reducing blood eosinophils. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that may cause the airways to swell and become narrow. This narrowing can cause or worsen asthma symptoms.1
What are the ingredients in Cinqair?
The active ingredient in Cinqair is reslizumab.1
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effect of Cinqair is throat pain.1
Cinqair has a boxed warning, the strictest warning from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has this warning because it may cause serious, life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). Your doctor will monitor you for signs of a reaction during and after your Cinqair infusion. Get medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as:1
- Breathing problems
- Flushing
- Itching
- Fainting, dizziness, light-headedness, confusion, fast heartbeat
- Paleness
- Hives
- Swelling of your face, lips, mouth, or tongue
- Nausea or stomach pain
These are not all the possible side effects of Cinqair. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Cinqair. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Cinqair.
Other things to know
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
Before starting treatment with Cinqair, tell your doctor if you:1
- Are taking oral or inhaled corticosteroid medicines
- Have or have had cancer
- Have a parasitic (helminth) infection
There is not enough data to know if Cinqair is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before taking Cinqair.1
Before beginning treatment for asthma, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.
For more information, read the full prescribing information of Cinqair.