Administration:

Cinqair is given as an IV infusion at a healthcare facility. Here’s what you can expect during the treatment:

1. Pre-treatment Evaluation: Before starting the infusion, your doctor or healthcare provider will assess your medical history and may perform blood tests to ensure the medication is appropriate for you.
2. Infusion Process: The Cinqair infusion typically takes about 20 to 50 minutes, depending on the rate at which the medication is administered. During this time, you’ll be monitored for potential side effects or allergic reactions.
3. Monitoring for Reactions: You will be observed after the infusion to ensure there are no adverse reactions. For the first few infusions, the monitoring period may be longer.
4. Regular Dosing: Cinqair is given once every 4 weeks, and you will need to follow your doctor’s schedule to ensure consistent and effective treatment.

Missed Doses: If you miss an infusion, contact your healthcare provider to reschedule as soon as possible. It’s important to stay on track with your dosing schedule for optimal results.

Cinqair works by targeting interleukin-5 (IL-5), a protein that plays a key role in the development and activation of eosinophils. Eosinophils are white blood cells that are involved in the immune response, and their accumulation in the airways is a key factor in eosinophilic asthma. In people with eosinophilic asthma, IL-5 promotes the production and activation of these cells, leading to airway inflammation and narrowing, which makes breathing difficult.

By blocking IL-5, Cinqair reduces the number of eosinophils in the blood and lungs. This decrease in eosinophils helps reduce inflammation in the airways, improving symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Over time, this can lead to fewer asthma attacks, better asthma control, and an overall improvement in lung function.

As with any medication, Cinqair can cause side effects. The most common side effects include:

1. Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions during or after the infusion. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include rash, itching, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or swelling of the face or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Headache: Some patients report experiencing headaches after receiving Cinqair.
3. Sore Throat: Mild sore throat or irritation in the throat may occur, especially after the infusion.
4. Fever: Some individuals may experience mild fever as a result of the infusion.
5. Muscle and Joint Pain: A few patients report experiencing muscle pain or joint aches during treatment with Cinqair.
6. Injection Site Reactions: Although rare with IV infusions, irritation or soreness at the site of infusion can occur.
7. Infections: Because Cinqair affects the immune system, there is a potential for an increased risk of infections, such as upper respiratory infections or sinus infections.

Before starting treatment with Cinqair, be sure to inform your doctor about any medical conditions or allergies you may have. Some important precautions include:

1. Allergic Reactions: Serious allergic reactions to Cinqair are rare but possible. If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to medications, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.
2. Infections: Cinqair may increase your risk of infections, so it is important to report any signs of infection to your doctor promptly. If you have a history of chronic infections or are at higher risk for infections, your doctor will closely monitor you while on Cinqair.
3. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Cinqair is classified as Category C for pregnancy, meaning its safety has not been fully established. It should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. If you are breastfeeding, discuss with your doctor whether Cinqair is safe for you to use.
4. Live Vaccines: Avoid receiving live vaccines during treatment with Cinqair, as the medication can interfere with your immune system’s response to the vaccine.

Cinqair is a relatively targeted medication, so there are fewer drug interactions than with other types of treatments. However, certain interactions could still occur:

1. Live Vaccines: Since Cinqair affects the immune system, it may interfere with the body’s ability to respond to live vaccines. It’s important to avoid live vaccines during treatment and inform your healthcare provider if you’re scheduled for any vaccinations.
2. Other Immunosuppressive Drugs: If you’re taking medications that suppress the immune system (e.g., oral corticosteroids, methotrexate, or biologic drugs for autoimmune conditions), be sure to discuss potential interactions with Cinqair. Combining multiple immunosuppressive drugs could increase the risk of infections or other immune system-related issues.
3. Allergy Treatments: If you are using other treatments for allergic reactions (like antihistamines or other asthma medications), consult your doctor to ensure they do not negatively interact with Cinqair.

Always tell your doctor about all the medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, that you are currently using before starting Cinqair.

The standard dose of Cinqair is 3 mg/kg administered once every 4 weeks. The exact dosage may vary depending on your weight and specific condition. Your healthcare provider will adjust the dosage based on your response to the treatment and any potential side effects.

Cinqair is only available with a prescription from a healthcare provider. It must be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional in a clinical setting, such as a hospital or infusion center.

1. What is Cinqair used to treat?
   It is used for severe eosinophilic asthma as an add-on maintenance treatment.

2. How does Cinqair work?
   It targets and blocks interleukin-5 (IL-5) to reduce eosinophils in the bloodstream and lungs.

3. Who is eligible to receive Cinqair?
   Patients with severe asthma not controlled by standard therapies and high eosinophil counts.

4. How is Cinqair administered?
   By intravenous infusion typically every 4 weeks.

5. What are common side effects of Cinqair?
   Headache, allergic reactions, joint pain, and fatigue.

6. Can Cinqair cause allergic reactions?
   Yes, some patients may experience serious hypersensitivity reactions.

7. Is Cinqair a daily medication?
   No, it is given once every four weeks as an infusion.

8. Can Cinqair be used with other asthma medications?
   Yes, it is used as an add-on therapy along with other asthma treatments.

9. Is Cinqair approved for children?
   It is approved for adults; pediatric use requires further evaluation.

10. What should I do if I miss an infusion?
    Contact your healthcare provider to reschedule as soon as possible.

11. Are there any premedications before Cinqair infusion?
    Yes, sometimes corticosteroids or antihistamines are given to prevent reactions.

12. How long does Cinqair take to show effects?
    Improvements may be seen within a few weeks of starting treatment.

13. Can Cinqair be used during pregnancy?
    Safety is not well established; consult your doctor.

14. Does Cinqair affect infection risk?
    It may slightly increase susceptibility; monitor for infections.

15. Is Cinqair a generic drug?
    No, it is currently only available as a brand-name drug.

16. How long can patients stay on Cinqair?
    Treatment duration varies; ongoing evaluation guides continued use.

17. What is the drug class of Cinqair?
    Monoclonal antibody (anti-IL-5).

18. Is Cinqair a controlled substance?
    No, it is not classified as controlled.

19. How is Cinqair stored?
    Refrigerate and protect from light according to labeling instructions.

20. Can Cinqair be self-administered?
    No, it requires administration by a healthcare professional.