Reslizumab
Reslizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-5 (IL-5), a key cytokine involved in eosinophil development and activation. It is used to treat severe eosinophilic asthma in patients who have an elevated number of eosinophils in their blood or lungs. By inhibiting IL-5, reslizumab reduces eosinophilic inflammation, helping to prevent asthma exacerbations.
Reslizumab is an IL-5 inhibitor biologic used as add-on therapy for severe eosinophilic asthma.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R03DX08
- RxNorm
- 1746889
- Generic
- Reslizumab
- Class
- atc-r03
- Brands
- Cinqair
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 3 mg/kg
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 4 weeks
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
continue only if benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
consider risks near delivery; may affect neonatal immune system
fetal monitoring and assess neonatal immune function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
use with caution; monitor infant for immunosuppression
monitor infant for infections and immune function
pediatric_age
under 18 yearsnot recommended
not approved for patients under 18 years of age
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
65 years and olderno specific adjustment
use with caution due to potential increased infection risk
monitor for infections and immune function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment
use with caution; limited clinical data available
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Biologic medication classification
FDA approval year
FDA approval information for Cinqair
Common uses
Therapeutic indication
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Reslizumab is indicated as add-on maintenance therapy for adult patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, typically defined by elevated blood eosinophil counts, who are inadequately controlled with standard inhaled therapies.
Reslizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG4 kappa) that binds specifically to human IL-5 with high affinity, blocking the interaction between IL-5 and its receptor on eosinophils. This inhibition prevents IL-5-mediated eosinophil growth, differentiation, recruitment, activation, and survival, thereby reducing eosinophilic inflammation in the airways.
Reslizumab is administered by intravenous infusion. It is not indicated for acute asthma exacerbations or as a rescue therapy. Common adverse effects may include oropharyngeal pain and elevated creatine phosphokinase. Anaphylactic reactions have been reported, and patients should be monitored during and after infusion. Reslizumab should be discontinued if a significant allergic reaction occurs.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy