II. Indications
- See Asthma Monoclonal Antibody
- Third-line agents for refractory, Type 2 Asthma (Allergic Asthma or Eosinophilic Asthma, represents 50% of Asthma)
- Despite long acting Bronchodilator and Inhaled Corticosteroids
- One of the following findings present
- Blood Eosinophils >150/uL
- Sputum Eosinophils >2%
- Ferrous Nitrous Oxide >20 parts per billion
- Maintenance oral Corticosteroids required
III. Mechanism
- Interleukin-5 Antagonist (alpha-directed cytolytic Monoclonal Antibody, IgG4 Kappa)
- Binds Interleukin 5 receptor on Eosinophils and Basophils (Asthma-related inflammatory cells)
- Marks these inflammatory cells for Natural Killer Cell mediated death
IV. Dosing
- May be used in age >=18 years old
- Dose 3 mg/kg IV infusion over 20 to 50 minutes every 4 weeks
V. Adverse Effects
- See Asthma Monoclonal Antibody
- Uncommon
- Pharyngitis (2%)
- Anaphylaxis (0.2%)
- Observe first dose by health care professional (as done with Omalizumab)
VI. Resources
- Biologic Therapy in Asthma
- Reslizumab (DailyMed)
VII. References
- (2022) Comparison of Asthma Medications, Presc Lett, #381217
- (2020) Drugs for Asthma, Med Lett Drug Ther 62: 193-200
- (2018) Biologics for Asthma, Presc Lett
- Nair (2017) N Engl J Med 376(25): 2448-58 [PubMed]
- Narasimhan (2021) Am Fam Physician 103(5): 286-90 [PubMed]
- Raymond (2023) Am Fam Physician 107(4): 358-68 [PubMed]