Why is this medication prescribed?

Benralizumab injection is prescribed to treat severe eosinophilic asthma in adults and children aged 12 years and older. Eosinophilic asthma is a type of asthma characterized by high levels of a type of white blood cell called eosinophils, which can cause inflammation and airway constriction in the lungs. Benralizumab works by targeting and reducing the number of eosinophils in the body, thereby reducing inflammation and improving asthma symptoms.

How should this medicine be used?

Benralizumab injection is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected under the skin. Here are the general steps for using Benralizumab injection:

• Preparation: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gather all the supplies you’ll need, including the Benralizumab injection, alcohol wipes, cotton balls or gauze, and a sharps disposal container.
• Selecting the injection site: Your healthcare provider will instruct you on the proper injection sites, typically the thigh or abdomen. Choose a different injection site each time you administer the injection to avoid injecting into the same area repeatedly.
• Preparing the injection: Remove the prefilled syringe from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to warm up. Do not shake the syringe. Check the solution for any discoloration or particles. If you notice any abnormalities, do not use the injection.
• Cleaning the injection site: Use an alcohol wipe to clean the skin at the injection site. Allow the skin to air dry or pat it dry with a clean cotton ball or gauze.
• Injecting the medication: Hold the prefilled syringe like a dart at a 90-degree angle to the skin. Quickly insert the needle into the skin at the chosen injection site, and then slowly push the plunger down to inject the medication. Once the syringe is empty, remove the needle from the skin.
• Disposal: Place the used syringe and needle into a sharps disposal container immediately after use. Do not recap the needle. Dispose of the sharps container according to local regulations.
• Post-injection care: Apply gentle pressure to the injection site with a clean cotton ball or gauze. Do not rub the injection site. If necessary, cover the injection site with a small adhesive bandage.
• Record keeping: Keep a record of the date, time, and injection site for each dose of Benralizumab. This will help you keep track of your injections and inform your healthcare provider if needed.

It’s essential to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider for using Benralizumab injection, as dosing and administration may vary based on individual factors. If you have any questions or concerns about using Benralizumab injection, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider.

Other uses for this medicine

Benralizumab injection is primarily used for the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma in adults and children aged 12 years and older. However, it may also be prescribed for other conditions off-label or in clinical trials. Off-label use refers to the use of a medication for a purpose other than what it is approved for by regulatory agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions when using Benralizumab injection, here are some important points to keep in mind:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to benralizumab or any other ingredients in the injection. Also, discuss any other allergies you may have, including allergies to medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Infections: Benralizumab can suppress your immune system, which may increase your risk of infections. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of infections or if you develop signs or symptoms of an infection, such as fever, cough, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of using Benralizumab with your healthcare provider. It’s essential to weigh the potential risks to the fetus or infant against the benefits of treatment.
• Live vaccines: Avoid receiving live vaccines while using Benralizumab, as it may interfere with the vaccine’s effectiveness. Before receiving any vaccines, inform your healthcare provider that you are using Benralizumab.
• Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may need to monitor your eosinophil levels, lung function, and asthma symptoms regularly while you are using Benralizumab. This monitoring helps ensure the medication is working effectively and identifies any potential side effects or complications.
• Other medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, as they may interact with Benralizumab. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, may increase the risk of infections when used with Benralizumab.
• Injection site reactions: Common side effects of Benralizumab injection include injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, itching, or swelling. Inform your healthcare provider if you experience any persistent or severe injection site reactions.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and advice regarding the use of Benralizumab injection, including dosage, administration, and precautions. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding special dietary instructions for Benralizumab injection, there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with its use. However, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can support overall health and may complement your asthma management. Be sure to follow any dietary recommendations provided by your healthcare provider, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or specific dietary needs.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of Benralizumab injection, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance as soon as possible. Depending on how long it has been since your missed dose and your dosing schedule, they may advise you on the best course of action. It’s important not to double up on doses to make up for a missed one unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider. Consistency in medication use is important for achieving optimal treatment outcomes, so try to adhere to your prescribed dosing schedule as closely as possible.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Benralizumab injection, like any medication, can cause side effects in some individuals. While not everyone will experience side effects, it’s essential to be aware of potential reactions. Common side effects of Benralizumab injection may include:

• Injection site reactions: Pain, redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site are common side effects. These reactions are usually mild to moderate and typically resolve on their own within a few days.
• Headache: Some people may experience headaches after receiving Benralizumab injection.
• Sore throat: Benralizumab can increase the risk of respiratory infections, which may manifest as a sore throat.
• Upper respiratory tract infections: Symptoms such as nasal congestion, sinusitis, or a cough may occur as a result of respiratory tract infections.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued is another possible side effect of Benralizumab.
• Influenza: Some individuals may experience symptoms resembling the flu, such as fever, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue.
• Allergic reactions: Although rare, severe allergic reactions to Benralizumab injection can occur. Symptoms may include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and dizziness. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction.
• Parasitic infections: Benralizumab suppresses eosinophils, which are involved in fighting certain parasitic infections. Therefore, there may be an increased risk of parasitic infections in some individuals.

It’s important to note that this is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects of Benralizumab injection. Some individuals may experience side effects not listed here. If you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms after receiving Benralizumab injection, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Benralizumab injection:

• Storage: Benralizumab injection should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Keep the medication in its original carton to protect it from light. Do not use Benralizumab if it has been frozen or if the expiration date has passed.
• Disposal: Dispose of used Benralizumab injection syringes and needles in a puncture-resistant sharps disposal container. Do not throw them in the household trash. Follow local regulations for proper disposal of sharps containers. If you do not have a sharps disposal container, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for instructions on safe disposal.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of emergency or overdose, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. It’s important to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect an overdose or if you experience severe adverse reactions after receiving Benralizumab injection.

What other information should I know?

• Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider for monitoring and follow-up.
• Inform all healthcare providers involved in your care that you are using Benralizumab injection.
• If you are scheduled to undergo surgery or dental procedures, inform your healthcare provider that you are using Benralizumab injection.
• Attend regular check-ups and follow-up visits as recommended by your healthcare provider to monitor your response to treatment and assess for any potential side effects or complications.
• Do not share Benralizumab injection with others, even if they have similar symptoms or conditions. The medication is prescribed specifically for you based on your individual medical history and needs.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the storage, disposal, and use of Benralizumab injection to ensure its effectiveness and minimize any risks associated with its use. If you have any questions or concerns about storage, disposal, or what to do in case of emergency, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.