Home Drug Guide Tralokinumab

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Tralokinumab

Brand Names Adbry

Classification

Therapeutic: Immunosuppressant/Anti-inflammatory

Pharmacological: Monoclonal antibody (IgG4) Interleukin-13 inhibitor

FDA Approved Indications

  • Atopic dermatitis in adults

Mechanism of Action

Tralokinumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to interleukin-13 (IL-13), a cytokine involved in the inflammatory process of atopic dermatitis. By inhibiting IL-13, it reduces inflammation and helps improve skin lesions associated with the condition.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically 600 mg (two 300 mg injections) initially, then 300 mg every other week. Dosing may be adjusted based on response and clinical judgment.

Pediatric: Not approved for pediatric use; safety and efficacy not established.

Geriatric: No specific dosage adjustments are generally necessary; however, caution is advised in the elderly due to potential comorbidities.

Renal Impairment: No specific adjustment needed; limited data available.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific adjustment recommended.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Subcutaneous administration with a median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) of approximately 7 days.

Distribution: Limited data; monoclonal antibodies are generally distributed mainly in the vascular and interstitial spaces.

Metabolism: Catabolized by proteolytic pathways similar to other IgG4 antibodies.

Excretion: Not significantly eliminated via renal or hepatic routes; broken down into amino acids through proteolysis.

Half Life: Approximately 17-19 days.

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to tralokinumab or any component of the formulation.

Precautions

  • Increased risk of infections due to immunosuppression. Patients should be monitored for signs of infection. Use with caution in patients with a history of chronic infections or immunodeficiency. Considerations during pregnancy and lactation should involve a risk-benefit assessment.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Infusion-related reactions (e.g., headache, fatigue, nausea) (Less common)
  • Respiratory infections (e.g., nasopharyngitis) (Common)
  • Conjunctivitis, eyelid edema (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Anaphylaxis (Rare)
  • Serious infections (e.g., cellulitis, herpes zoster) (Uncommon)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • No significant interactions reported; however, caution with other immunosuppressants.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • No known interactions.

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • Limited data; consult current literature.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for signs of infection, allergic reactions, and skin improvement.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for infection related to immunosuppression.
  • Impaired skin integrity related to atopic dermatitis.

Implementation: Administer as per dosing schedule. Educate patients about infection signs.

Evaluation: Assess skin lesion improvement and monitor for adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Report any signs of infection or allergic reaction promptly.
  • Do not discontinue medication without consulting healthcare provider.
  • Maintain follow-up appointments for injection and assessment.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Serious infections and hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Genetic Factors: No specific genetic testing recommended.

Lab Test Interference: No significant interference expected.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Potential for severe allergic or infusion reactions.

Treatment: Supportive care. No specific antidote; manage symptoms and provide emergency treatment as needed.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store vials in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).

Stability: Stable until the expiration date when stored properly. Do not freeze.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.