This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Benralizumab is an antiasthmatic drug developed by the U.S. Food And Drug Administration and initially approved in Nov 2017 for treating severe eosinophilic asthma.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Benralizumab works by binding to a specific protein called interleukin-5 receptor alpha (IL-5Rα) on the surface of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the inflammation and narrowing of the airways in asthma. By binding to IL-5Rα, this drug reduces the number of eosinophils in the blood and airways, helping to decrease airway inflammation and improve asthma symptoms.

Uses of undefined

Benralizumab is used to treat severe eosinophilic asthma, a subtype of asthma caused by high levels of eosinophils in the blood and airways. It is also approved for treating eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), a rare autoimmune disease affecting blood vessels and organs.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Benralizumab will be given by injection under the skin (subcutaneous). Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional will show you how to inject the medicine. Do not try to administer the medicine if you are well-trained. Your physician will decide the injection dose based on your disease condition and severity.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Before using Benralizumab, it's essential to talk to your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions to certain injections or medicines, have a parasitic infection, and live in an area where parasitic infections are common because this drug may weaken your ability to fight certain types of parasitic infections. If your asthma remains uncontrolled or worsens during treatment, immediately discuss this with your physician. This medicine is not intended for the treatment of sudden asthma attacks. It should not be used as a rescue medication in such situations.

Precautions

Do not use Benralizumab unless your doctor advises. Notify your physician if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby; think you may be pregnant so that your doctor may decide to give you this medicine if the expected benefits outweigh any potential risks. It is unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk and is safe to administer during breastfeeding. Inform your physician if you are a nursing mother. This medicine is not recommended for use in children under 18 because the safety and benefits of this medication have not been established in this age group. Parents and caregivers should consult physicians for appropriate asthma management and treatment options for children and adults.

Side Effects

The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Benralizumab are headache, sore throat, rashes, fever, injection site reactions, and muscle pain. Some serious side effects include hypersensitivity reactions.

Word Of Advice

Before taking Benralizumab, your doctor will likely assess your medical history and perform any necessary tests to determine if it is a suitable treatment for your specific condition. They will also provide you with instructions on how to take the medication properly and monitor your progress during treatment.

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. AstraZeneca, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Dec 2022] [Accessed on 1st Sep 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8918.pdf
  2. AstraZeneca, [Revised on 20th Aug 2021] [Accessed on 1st Sep 2023], https://www.astrazeneca.ca/content/dam/az-ca/downloads/productinformation/fasenra-product%20monograph-en.pdf
  3. Corrado Pelaia et al., Benralizumab: From the Basic Mechanism of Action to the Potential Use in the Biological Therapy of Severe Eosinophilic Asthma, BioMed Research International, 2018, [Accessed on 1st Sep 2023], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5971345/pdf/BMRI2018-4839230.pdf

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice; it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.