Cinqair (reslizumab) is a prescription drug that’s used with other drugs to treat eosinophilic asthma in adults. Cinqair can cause side effects that range from mild to serious, including an allergic reaction and throat pain.
Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that Cinqair can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.
Cinqair has a boxed warning for allergic reactions. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.
Note: Cinqair is not used for asthma flare-ups or sudden breathing problems.For sudden shortness of breath or worsening breathing problems, it’s recommended that you have a rescue inhaler readily available.
Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their Cinqair treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:
- throat pain
- elevated levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in the blood*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
Mild side effects have been reported with Cinqair. These include:
- throat pain
- muscle aches and pain*
- elevated levels of CPK in the blood*
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed, such as using over-the-counter (OTC) acetaminophen for pain. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop treatment with Cinqair unless your doctor recommends it.
Cinqair may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
Serious side effects have been reported with Cinqair. These include:
- precancerous or cancerous tumors*
- boxed warning: allergic reaction†
If you develop serious side effects during your Cinqair treatment, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† To learn more, see the “Allergic reaction” section directly below.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Cinqair, visit MedWatch.
Allergic reactionIn rare cases, Cinqair may cause a serious allergic reaction. The drug has a boxed warning about this risk. Because of this, it’s only given by healthcare professionals who are trained in severe allergy management.
In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious and usually occur during a Cinqair infusion or in the first 20 minutes after the infusion ends. Studies have shown that an allergic reaction may occur as soon as the second dose of Cinqair.
In studies of Cinqair, severe allergic reaction caused symptoms such as:
- itchy welts
- vomiting
- swelling of lips, tongue, mouth, or throat
- wheezing
- difficulty breathing
- low oxygen levels
Other symptoms can include:
- nausea
- hot, flushed skin
- low blood pressure
- fast heartbeat
- fainting
- dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- confusion
A severe allergic reaction can be fatal, so your doctor will monitor you closely for these symptoms during your Cinqair infusion and for several hours afterward.
What might help in the days after Cinqair Infusion?
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, hives, or itching, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment such as a topical corticosteroid (hydrocortisone cream) or an antihistamine (diphenhydramine) to manage your symptoms. They can also determine whether you should continue with your Cinqair treatment.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Cinqair, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Cinqair use is contraindicated (not recommended) if you have an allergy to any of its ingredients, including:
- reslizumab
- sodium acetate
- acetic acid
- sucrose
If you have questions about allergic reactions with Cinqair, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Cinqair’s side effects.
How do Fasenra’s side effects compare with Cinqair’s?
Cinqair and benralizumab (Fasenra) both belong to a drug class called interleukin-5 inhibitors. These drugs have some similar side effects and others that vary. See the table below for examples of each drug’s side effects.
| Cinqair | Fasenra | |
|---|---|---|
| throat pain | ✓ | ✓ |
| severe allergic reaction* | ✓ | ✓ |
| headache | ✓ | |
| injection site reaction | ✓ | |
| precancerous or cancerous tumors | ✓ | |
| fever | ✓ | |
| muscle aches and pain | ✓ | |
| elevated blood levels of CPK | ✓ |
If you have other questions about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* Cinqair has a boxed warning for this side effect. For details, see the “Allergic reaction” section above.
Will I have side effects if I stop taking my other asthma medicines after starting Cinqair treatment?
Yes, if you stop your other asthma medications when starting Cinqair treatment, you could experience side effects such as:
- worsening asthma symptoms
- asthma attacks, which could be fatal
- corticosteroid withdrawal symptoms
You should not stop using your other asthma medications, especially corticosteroids, during your Cinqair treatment unless your doctor recommends it.
Learn more about some of the side effects Cinqair may cause.
Muscle aches and pain
Cinqair can cause muscle aches and pain, but this was an uncommon side effect reported in studies of Cinqair. Muscle aches and pain may cause symptoms such as:
- chest pain
- neck pain
- muscle spasms
- arm or leg pain
- muscle tiredness
- general body pain
Muscle aches and pain may be more common on the day of your infusion and should decrease in the days after.
What might help
If you have muscle aches and pain during your Cinqair treatment, talk with your doctor. They may recommend taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) before arriving for your infusion.
If you have asthma, it’s best to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, as they may make your symptoms worse. You can ask your pharmacist to help you select an OTC pain reliever that’s safe to take with Cinqair.
Elevated levels of CPK in your blood
Elevated CPK levels were a common side effect reported in studies of Cinqair. The increased CPK levels may be a sign of injury or stress to the muscle tissue and may cause symptoms such as:
- muscle aches, weakness, spasms, or cramps
- fatigue
- dark, cola-colored urine
- numbness or tingling
- swollen feet or legs
Factors that can increase the risk of elevated CPK levels when using this drug include:
- muscle injury or infection
- taking statins
- strenuous exercise
- muscle disease such as muscular dystrophy
What might help
In Cinqair studies, having an elevated CPK level did not cause symptoms for most people. You can reduce your risk of elevated CPK levels by staying hydrated, especially if you’re exercising or feeling tired.
If your blood test results show that you’ve developed elevated CPK levels during Cinqair treatment, your doctor will likely monitor your bloodwork more often. They’ll stop your Cinqair treatment if your CPK levels become too high.
If you develop dark urine, swollen feet or legs, or severe muscle pain, seek emergency care right away, as these may be symptoms of kidney damage requiring immediate treatment.
Precancerous or cancerous tumors
Precancerous or cancerous tumors were an uncommon side effect reported in studies of Cinqair. A personal history of cancer may increase your risk of precancerous or cancerous tumors with Cinqair.
What might help
To help prevent precancerous or cancerous tumors during Cinqair treatment, talk with your doctor about preventive screenings such as routine colonoscopies and skin checks.
Keeping track of side effectsDuring your Cinqair treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or using a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
- what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
- how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
- what your symptoms were
- how your symptoms affected your daily activities
- what other medications you were taking
- any other information you feel is important
Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Cinqair affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Below is important information you should consider before taking Cinqair.
Boxed warning: Risk of serious allergic reactions
Cinqair has a boxed warning for allergic reactions. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Allergic reaction” section above.
Other warnings
Cinqair can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Cinqair is a good treatment option for you.
Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Cinqair. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:
- worsening asthma symptoms
- taking oral or inhaled corticosteroids
- have had cancer before
- helminth infection (a parasitic infection caused by worms)
- previous allergic reaction to Cinqair
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
Alcohol and Cinqair
There are no known interactions between alcohol and Cinqair. But if you have asthma, alcohol can worsen your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid alcohol or limit the amount you drink.
If you have questions about consuming alcohol with your condition or treatment plan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding with Cinqair
Before starting Cinqair treatment, it’s important to talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or to breastfeed.
Pregnancy
It’s not known whether it’s safe to receive Cinqair during pregnancy. Drugs such as Cinqair can cross the placenta and reach the fetus as the pregnancy progresses into the second and third trimesters.
It’s also important to note that having asthma that’s not well managed during pregnancy can raise the risk of:
- preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
- premature birth
- low birth weight
Because of this, you and your doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of Cinqair use during pregnancy versus not treating your condition.
Breastfeeding
It isn’t known whether Cinqair is safe to use while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before starting Cinqair treatment.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.