4 mins read

Cinqair is used to treat a severe form of asthma called eosinophilic asthma. It works by reducing the number of eosinophils (a type of immune cell) in the body. The most common side effect is throat pain. Serious side effects are rare but include allergic reactions. This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein (IV) by a health care provider in a health care facility. 

Uses

What is Cinqair used for?

Cinqair (reslizumab) is commonly used to treat a certain type of severe asthma called eosinophilic asthma.

Cinqair may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Cinqair work (mechanism of action)?

In people with eosinophilic asthma, swelling (inflammation) in the lungs is caused by having too many eosinophils, which are a certain type of immune cell. Another substance in the body, called interleukin-5 (IL-5), plays a key role in telling the body to make more eosinophils. Cinqair blocks IL-5, reducing the number of eosinophils and the amount of swelling in the lungs.

How is Cinqair supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cinqair

Dosage forms and strengths

Cinqair is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Cinqair?

Cinqair is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store Cinqair at home, follow the instructions given by your health care provider.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Cinqair?

The most common side effect of Cinqair is throat pain. Tell your health care provider if you have any throat pain that bothers you.

There may be other side effects of Cinqair that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Cinqair?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Cinqair are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Cinqair may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Cancer. Some people who have used Cinqair have developed cancer. It is not clear if Cinqair increases the risk for cancer. Let your health care provider know if you or anyone in your family has a history of cancer.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Cinqair?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Cinqair.

  • Cinqair
  • Reslizumab
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Cinqair.

What should I know about Cinqair before using it?

This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein (IV) by a health care provider in a health care facility. 

Cinqair is used on a regular schedule to prevent symptoms. Do not use it when a quick response to breathing problems is needed. Certain inhaled medicines, sometimes called rescue inhalers, should be used to treat sudden breathing problems. Get medical help right away if your breathing does not get better after using a rescue inhaler.

Tell your health care provider right away if your breathing problems are not getting better or are getting worse after starting Cinqair.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Cinqair?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Cinqair is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Cancer
  • Current or recent parasitic worm (helminth) infection

Other Medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines you are using, such as any other medicines for asthma, including any corticosteroids that you take by mouth or inhale. Do not stop taking any other medicines for asthma unless your health care provider tells you to. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Cinqair could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Cinqair while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Cinqair passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Cinqair while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Cinqair?

For more information about Cinqair, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.cinqair.com or call them at 888-483-8279.

Interactions

Does Cinqair interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Cinqair and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Cinqair.

Does Cinqair interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Cinqair and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Cinqair?

If you or someone else has used too much Cinqair, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Cinqair?

Cinqair is given by a health care provider in a health care facility. If you miss an appointment to get your Cinqair dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.