Reslizumab

How it works

It binds circulating IL-5 and blocks its interaction with the eosinophil surface receptor, reducing eosinophil maturation and survival and thereby eosinophilic airway inflammation.

Prescribing in practice

• Anaphylaxis can occur during or shortly after infusion, so doses are administered under supervision with the ability to manage severe reactions and patients are observed afterwards.
• It is an add-on preventer for severe eosinophilic asthma and is not for acute exacerbations; usual therapy must continue.
• Treat any pre-existing helminth infection before starting and initiate within specialist severe-asthma services per NICE guidance.

Monitoring

Monitor asthma control, exacerbation frequency and blood eosinophil count, and observe patients during and after each infusion for hypersensitivity.

Counselling the patient

• This infusion is given to prevent attacks and is not a rescue treatment.
• Continue your usual inhalers and reliever between infusions.
• Report any rash, flushing, swelling or breathing difficulty during or after the infusion.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE technology appraisal guidance supports reslizumab as add-on therapy for severe eosinophilic asthma in defined populations.