Name of the Procedure:

Injection, reslizumab, 1 mg
Common name: Reslizumab Injection
Technical term: Subcutaneous administration of reslizumab, monoclonal antibody targeting IL-5

Summary

An injection of reslizumab is a medical treatment where a specific medication (reslizumab) is administered to a patient to manage certain health conditions. This medication is given through a shot, allowing it to work quickly in the body.

Purpose

Reslizumab injections are primarily used to treat severe asthma that is not well controlled with standard asthma medications. The goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, improve breathing, and enhance overall quality of life.

Indications

• Severe asthma with frequent exacerbations
• Elevated blood levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell)
• Inadequate response to traditional asthma treatments

Preparation

• No specific fasting required.
• Continue taking regular asthma medications unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
• An allergy test or blood test to assess eosinophil levels may be required.

Procedure Description

1. Preparation: The healthcare provider will assess your medical history.
2. Administration: The reslizumab injection is typically given as an intravenous infusion.
3. Monitoring: The patient is monitored for immediate adverse reactions during and after the infusion.
4. Follow-up: Regular appointments are scheduled to assess the effectiveness and side effects.

Duration

The infusion process usually takes about 20 to 50 minutes. Including preparation and monitoring, the entire appointment may last around 1 to 2 hours.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting such as a hospital infusion center or a specialized clinic.

Personnel

• Attending physician or specialist (e.g., allergist or pulmonologist)
• Registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN)
• Occasionally, an infusion technician

Risks and Complications

• Common: Mild headache, sore throat, or infusion-related reactions (e.g., chills, flushing).
• Rare: Anaphylaxis (serious allergic reaction), cardiovascular issues, or infections.

Benefits

• Significant reduction in asthma exacerbations.
• Improved lung function and breathing comfort.
• Enhanced daily life activities and reduced need for rescue inhalers.

Recovery

• Patients can usually return to normal activities immediately after the infusion.
• Follow post-infusion instructions given by the healthcare provider.
• Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor progress and side effects.

Alternatives

• Other biologic injections (e.g., mepolizumab, benralizumab).
• High-dose inhaled corticosteroids and oral corticosteroids.
• Bronchial thermoplasty (a procedure to reduce airway smooth muscle mass).
• Pros and cons: Biologic injections like reslizumab often have fewer systemic side effects compared to oral corticosteroids.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, you may feel a pinching sensation from the needle and slight discomfort.
• Post-infusion, you might feel tired but can generally resume normal activities.
• Pain management includes application of a cold pack to the injection site if there’s any soreness.