About

This information supports the use of the Reslizumab Dose Calculator, a tool designed to assist healthcare professionals in determining the appropriate dose and infusion parameters for patients. Reslizumab is an interleukin-5 antagonist monoclonal antibody (IgG4, kappa) indicated for the add-on maintenance treatment of adult patients with severe asthma and with an eosinophilic phenotype.

Outputs

The calculator provides the following key outputs for a single administration based on the patient's weight:

• Total Reslizumab Dose (mg): The precise weight-based dose required for the patient.
• Volume to Withdraw (mL): The volume of reslizumab (10 mg/mL) to be withdrawn from the vial(s).
• Number of Vials: The total number of 100mg/10mL vials required, rounded up to the next whole vial.
• Total Infusion Volume (mL): The final volume after mixing the drug with 50 mL of diluent.
• Calculated Infusion Rate (mL/hr): A suggested rate range to achieve an infusion time of 20 to 50 minutes.

How to Use

To use the calculator, a healthcare professional should follow these steps:

1. Enter the patient's current weight.
2. Select the appropriate unit of measurement (kilograms or pounds).
3. The calculated dose and infusion details will be displayed automatically. Always verify results against the official prescribing information before administration.

Dosing Overview

The recommended dosage of reslizumab is 3 mg/kg administered once every 4 weeks. The administration is performed via intravenous infusion over a period of 20 to 50 minutes. Doses should be prepared by a healthcare professional in an aseptic environment. The required volume of reslizumab is withdrawn from the vial(s) and added to an infusion bag containing 50 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP.

Switching

There is no specific guidance on switching from other biologics or therapies to reslizumab. Such clinical decisions should be made by the treating physician based on the patient's clinical status, asthma phenotype, and treatment history. A washout period may be considered, and patients should be monitored closely during any transition of therapy.

Missed Dose

If a scheduled dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. Subsequently, the patient’s dosing schedule should be adjusted to maintain a 4-week interval between infusions. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Safety Alerts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Why is the reslizumab dose based on patient weight?
  The 3 mg/kg dosing regimen ensures that patients receive a consistent, therapeutically effective exposure to the drug relative to their body size, which was established in clinical trials.
• What is the maximum dose of reslizumab?
  The prescribing information does not specify an absolute maximum dose. The dose is strictly calculated based on the patient's weight at 3 mg/kg.
• What diluent should be used for the infusion?
  Reslizumab should be diluted only with 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP. No other diluents should be used.
• Why is there a range for the infusion time (20-50 minutes)?
  This range allows for clinical flexibility. The rate of infusion can be adjusted within this timeframe based on patient tolerance and clinical setting protocols, but it should not be administered as an intravenous push or bolus.
• What if the calculated dose requires only a portion of a vial?
  The required volume should be withdrawn, and any remaining product in the vial must be discarded. Vials are for single use only.
• Can I use this calculator for other asthma biologics?
  No. This tool is exclusively for reslizumab (Cinqair®/Cinqaero®). Dosing for other biologics (e.g., mepolizumab, benralizumab, dupilumab) is different and requires separate guidance.
• Is reslizumab administered subcutaneously?
  No, reslizumab is only approved for intravenous infusion. It is not formulated for subcutaneous injection.
• Who is a candidate for reslizumab treatment?
  Reslizumab is indicated as an add-on maintenance treatment for patients aged 18 years and older with severe asthma and an eosinophilic phenotype.

References

1. CINQAIR® (reslizumab) injection, for intravenous use. U.S. Prescribing Information. FDA.
2. Cinqaero (reslizumab). Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). European Medicines Agency.
3. Cinqair® (reslizumab) Healthcare Professional Site. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
4. Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention (2024 Report). Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA).