Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using benralizumab and each time you receive this medication. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses and then once every 8 weeks. The injection is given in the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. Children's dosage is based on weight.
If you are using the autoinjector, take it out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not warm up this medication any other way (for example, do not heat it in the microwave or place it in hot water). Do not shake the medication. Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is tender, bruised, scaly, or hard. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Serious allergic reactions can happen during or even several days after your treatment. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk. If you have a serious reaction, your treatment may be stopped. Get medical help right away if you have swelling of face/tongue/throat, trouble breathing, rash, or hives.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar to keep track of when to receive the next dose.
If you are regularly using a corticosteroid medication, you should not stop using it unless directed by your doctor. Some conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. If you suddenly stop using the corticosteroid medication, you may also have withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may slowly lower the dose of your corticosteroid medication after you begin using benralizumab. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.
Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.