[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Biologics for asthma](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/biologics-for-asthma/) › Reslizumab

# Reslizumab

## Biologics for asthma?

Biologics for asthma

An anti-IL-5 antibody given by intravenous infusion as add-on treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma; anaphylaxis is its boxed risk.

Updated Nov 1, 2026

## Quick facts

**Group**
[Biologics for asthma](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/biologics-for-asthma/)

**Target**
Interleukin-5 (IL-5)

**Used for**
Severe eosinophilic asthma

**Key effects**
Allergic reactions during

**Monitor**
Blood eosinophil count · Exacerbations

**ATC**
R03DX08

No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.

On this page

- The basics Mechanism of action
- Indications
- Adverse effects
- Pharmacokinetics
- Memory aid

- Safety Contraindications
- Key interactions
- What is monitored
- Administration and safety
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nursing care

- Study Test yourself

- Connections Connections

## Mechanism of action

◆**Interleukin-5 (IL-5)**Reslizumab

ⓘ The figure shows human IL-5, the cytokine reslizumab captures, bound to its receptor alpha chain (crystal structure); the antibody itself is not in the model.

**Target in 3D:** Interleukin-5 (IL-5). PDB structure 3VA2 (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/3VA2) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

Reslizumab is a humanised IgG4 monoclonal antibody that binds circulating interleukin-5 and stops it from reaching its receptor on eosinophils. Without IL-5, eosinophils mature less, are activated less and survive for a shorter time, so eosinophilic airway inflammation falls. It is the only anti-IL-5 antibody given intravenously.

- Reslizumab binds circulating IL-5
- IL-5 cannot reach its receptor on eosinophils
- Eosinophils mature less and die sooner
- Eosinophilic inflammation and flare-ups fall

## Indications

- Severe eosinophilic asthma, as add-on maintenance [Asthma →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/asthma/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Allergic reactions during or soon after the infusion

### Serious (rare, important)

- Anaphylaxis during or shortly after the infusion (boxed warning)
- A possible increased risk of some cancers

## Contraindications

- Hypersensitivity to reslizumab
- Not for an acute asthma attack
- A worm (helminth) infection is reported and treated first

## Key interactions

**Oral corticosteroids**
Are reduced only gradually and under supervision

## What is monitored

- Observation for anaphylaxis after each infusion
- Blood eosinophil count (selection)
- Exacerbations and oral corticosteroid use

## Administration and safety

- Intravenous infusion given by a doctor or nurse in a healthcare setting
- The patient is observed for a period after each infusion, with treatment for anaphylaxis at hand

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Data in pregnancy are limited; antibodies cross the placenta, and use is decided with the specialist.

## Nursing care

- Ask about allergies and worm infections before starting
- Monitor vital signs and breathing during and after the infusion
- Teach the signs of anaphylaxis: wheeze, hives, dizziness, swelling of the face, lips or tongue
- Remind that the rescue inhaler is still needed

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Intravenous infusion only

**Elimination**
Broken down like other antibodies (proteolysis)

## Memory aid

RESlizumab RESts in a vein: the IV anti-IL-5, with an observation period for anaphylaxis.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## How does the route of reslizumab differ from that of mepolizumab and benralizumab?

Reslizumab is given intravenously; the other two are subcutaneous.

## What is the boxed warning of reslizumab?

Anaphylaxis during or shortly after the infusion.

## What does reslizumab bind?

Circulating interleukin-5.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/reslizumab/)

[More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology)

## Connections

## Related drugs 3

- [Mepolizumab](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/mepolizumab/)
- [Benralizumab](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/benralizumab/)
- [Omalizumab](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/omalizumab/)

## Related conditions 1

- [Asthma](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/asthma/)

[← Back to the class: Biologics for asthma](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/biologics-for-asthma/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Reslizumab Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a616023.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [RCSB PDB - 3VA2: Crystal structure of human Interleukin-5 in complex with its alpha receptor](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/3VA2) (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2012); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=R03DX08) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/reslizumab/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/reslizumab/