reslizumab 10 mg/mL intravenous solution

Generic name:
Reslizumab - injection

Pronunciation
(res-LIZ-ue-mab)

Brand name(s)
Cinqair

This medication may rarely cause a serious allergic reaction. You should receive this medication in a hospital or clinic so your doctor can watch you closely and lessen the risk. Get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rash, flushing, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

This medication is used along with other medications to control and prevent symptoms (such as wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. Controlling symptoms of asthma helps you do your normal activities and decreases time lost from work or school. Reslizumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by reducing swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs to make breathing easier.

This medication must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks or breathing problems. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using reslizumab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually once every 4 weeks. It is given by a health care professional, usually over 20 to 50 minutes. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

If you are also using a corticosteroid medication, you should not stop using it unless directed by your doctor. Your condition may worsen when the drug is suddenly stopped. If you suddenly stop using the corticosteroid medication, you may also have withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may slowly lower the dose of your corticosteroid medication after you begin using reslizumab. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

See also Warning section.

Neck or throat pain may occur. If either of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• muscle ache/pain/spasms/weakness

Rarely, this medication may increase the risk of developing cancer. Ask your doctor for details.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using reslizumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• infection due to a parasite

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic or doctor's office and will not be stored at home.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.