BENRALIZUMAB
About
BENRALIZUMAB belongs to the class of 'immunomodulators', primarily used to treat asthma. Asthma is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. BENRALIZUMAB is used as an add-on maintenance treatment in severe asthma patients above 12 years of age.
BENRALIZUMAB consists of Benralizumab as an active ingredient which belongs to interleukin-5 receptor (IgG1) monoclonal antibody (that serves as a substitute antibody). It works by reducing the synthesis of cytokine, a substance released by the body that initiates an inflammatory response.
BENRALIZUMAB may cause common side effects such as fever, itching, headache, sore throat, and breathing difficulty. These side effects resolve over time. Inform your doctor if any of these side effects bother you. BENRALIZUMAB will be administered by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer
BENRALIZUMAB should be avoided if allergic to it or any other components present in it. Before starting BENRALIZUMAB, inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney disease or active parasitic infections and are taking any inhaled corticosteroids. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should inform the physician before starting treatment with BENRALIZUMAB. BENRALIZUMAB may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Avoid consuming alcohol along with BENRALIZUMAB as it could lead to increased dizziness.
Uses of BENRALIZUMAB
Medicinal Benefits
BENRALIZUMAB contains Benralizumab, which is a humanized recombinant IgG1 (Immunoglobulin G1) monoclonal antibody. It works by binding to the IgG1 receptor and reduces the synthesis of cytokine, a substance released by the body that initiates an inflammatory response. BENRALIZUMAB is used as a maintenance treatment in asthma patients.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of BENRALIZUMAB
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Fever
- Itching
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Pain at the site of injection
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking BENRALIZUMAB for the period that your doctor has prescribed. Avoid taking BENRALIZUMAB if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney diseases, active parasitic infections, and are taking any inhaled corticosteroids before receiving BENRALIZUMAB. Avoid close contact with people who have infections that can be easily spread. BENRALIZUMAB may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Avoid consuming alcohol along with BENRALIZUMAB as it could lead to increased dizziness. BENRALIZUMAB is not recommended in children below 12 years of age as safety and efficacy are not established. BENRALIZUMAB may cause severe allergic reactions and parasitic reactions and reduce the effect of corticosteroid medicines. Hence, inform your doctor about your complete medication and medical history before taking BENRALIZUMAB.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid alcohol consumption while being treated with BENRALIZUMAB.
Drug-Disease Interaction: BENRALIZUMAB should be used with caution in cases of liver or kidney diseases, weak immune systems, and active parasitic infections.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking BENRALIZUMAB. Alcohol intake, along with BENRALIZUMAB, may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving BENRALIZUMAB. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if BENRALIZUMAB passes into the breastmilk when used by a breastfeeding mother. Your doctor will prescribe BENRALIZUMAB only if the benefit outweighs the risk.
Driving
unsafeBENRALIZUMAB may make you feel dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are completely alert.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney problems, tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
Children
unsafeBENRALIZUMAB is not recommended in children below 12 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain proper weight by following a healthy and well-balanced diet.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Try to avoid stress by practising meditation or yoga.
- Try including selenium-rich food sources like Brazil nuts, yellowfin tuna, rice, beans, whole-wheat bread, dairy products, ham, chicken, turkey, beef, eggs, pork, baked beans, mushrooms, oatmeal, and spinach.
- Include zinc-rich sources like meat, shellfish, legumes, hemp seeds, nuts, eggs, dairy products, whole grains, potatoes, kale, and dark chocolate in your diet.
- Cut down on sugar, salt and processed foods.
- Drink plenty of water.
Special Advise
- The doctor may suggest some tests to know the root cause of the respiratory disorder, such as Spirometry (check the narrowing of bronchial tubes) and Peak flow (check how difficult it is to exhale).
- Please avoid the use of Tobacco and Marijuana as it decreases the efficacy of BENRALIZUMAB.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: It is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. The symptoms of asthma include wheezing (whistling sound while breathing), shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough, especially at night. The treatment for asthma includes medication, breathing exercises and self-care.
FAQs
BENRALIZUMAB contains Benralizumab, which reduces the synthesis of pro-inflammatory markers called cytokines. Thus, it helps in decreasing inflammation.
