Nucala

Also called mepolizumab

Key points about Nucala

Nucala is used to treat a type of severe asthma called eosinophilic asthma.
Nucala works by reducing the number of eosinophils by limiting how many are produced.
Mepolizumab sounds like 'ME-poe-LIZ-ue-mab'
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

Nucala is used to treat severe type of asthma called eosinophilic asthma. This is when there are too many eosinophils (a type of disease-fighting white blood cell) in their blood and lungs. Too many eosinophils can cause asthma flare-ups. Nucala works by reducing the number of eosinophils by limiting how many are produced. This reduces symptoms during an asthma attack and how often you get asthma flare-ups.

In Aotearoa New Zealand Nucala is available as an injection, which is given under your skin by a healthcare professional to prevent asthma flare-ups. This type of asthma is rare, and generally occurs in adults.

Mepolizumab does not give immediate relief from an asthma attack
If you have an asthma action plan that you have agreed with your doctor, follow it closely at all times. For severe asthma symptoms, you should use your reliever inhaler immediately and call an ambulance on 111 or go to your nearest Accident & Emergency clinic.

The usual dose of Nucala to prevent severe asthma is 100 mg injection, given every 4 weeks.
Nucala injection is given under your skin (called subcutaneous) into your upper arm, thigh or abdomen.
On the day of your injection, take your asthma medication as usual. If you are taking steroid tablets, ask your doctor if you need to decrease your dose.
If you miss a dose of Nucala, contact your doctor or hospital as soon as possible to re-schedule your appointment.

Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you have a worm infection?
Are you taking other medicines?

If so, it’s important that you tell your doctor before you start Nucala. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.

Like all medicines, Nucala can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Pain and discomfort at the injection site including redness, swelling, itching and a burning sensation of the skin near where the injection was given	This is quite common. This usually passes with time. Tell your doctor if troublesome.
Headache	This is very common (more than 1 in 10 people are affected). This usually passes with time. Tell your doctor if troublesome.
Back pain Sore throat Cough Stuffy nose Stomach pain or discomfort in the upper part of your stomach Fever (high temperature) Nausea or vomiting Dizziness	Tell your doctor if troublesome.
Signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, rash, hives or itching	You will be observed during the injection and asked to wait after the injection to make sure you don't have any allergic reactions. If these happen afterwards, contact your doctor immediately or call 111.
For more information on side effects, see the Medsafe consumer information leaflet Nucala(external link) Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.