Nucala (Mepolizumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Nucala Used For?
Nucala contains mepolizumab, a specialized medicine that helps control conditions caused by too many eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in your body.
Primary Uses
Nucala treats severe eosinophilic asthma in people over 12 years old, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in adults 18 and over, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in adults, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with raised eosinophils in adults.
How It Works
Nucala is a monoclonal antibody that blocks a protein called interleukin-5. By blocking this protein, it reduces the production of eosinophils from bone marrow and lowers their numbers in your bloodstream and lungs, helping control inflammation and symptoms.
Important: Nucala does not treat sudden asthma attacks or acute COPD symptoms – it’s for long-term control only
How to Take Nucala
Nucala is given as an injection under your skin by a healthcare professional, doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Dosage Instructions
For severe eosinophilic asthma and nasal polyps: 100 mg once every four weeks (1 injection). For EGPA: 300 mg once every four weeks (3 injections). For COPD with raised eosinophils: 100 mg once every four weeks (1 injection).
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your scheduled injection, contact your doctor or hospital as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment. Don’t wait until your next scheduled dose.
Important: Never stop receiving Nucala injections unless your doctor tells you to – stopping may cause your symptoms to return or worsen
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Injection-site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, itching, burning)
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Fever
- Eczema (itchy red skin patches)
- Back pain
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Lower respiratory tract infection
- Chest infection
- Upper stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Urinary tract infection
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (chest tightness, difficulty breathing, blood pressure drop, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, stomach pain)
- Shingles infection (painful blistering rash, nerve pain)
Important Warnings
Before starting Nucala, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications to ensure it’s safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Nucala
Don’t use Nucala if you’re allergic to mepolizumab or any ingredients, if you’re trying to treat acute asthma or COPD symptoms, or if the packaging is damaged or expired.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take other medicines, have had allergic reactions to medicines before, have parasitic infections, or live in areas where parasitic infections are common.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks. It’s unknown if Nucala passes into breast milk.
Parasitic Infections: Nucala may weaken your resistance to parasitic infections – treat any existing infections before starting treatment
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, including prescription drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
Corticosteroids: If you’re taking corticosteroids, don’t stop them suddenly – they must be reduced gradually under your doctor’s supervision
- Corticosteroids – don’t stop suddenly, must be reduced gradually under doctor supervision
- All asthma medications currently being used
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Nucala affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Nucala is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but be cautious until you know how it affects you personally.
Storage
Store unopened vials at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerate, don’t freeze) or below 25°C depending on package instructions. Keep in original carton to protect from light. Reconstituted solution should be stored below 25°C and used within 6 hours. Don’t store in bathroom, near sinks, on windowsills, or in cars. Keep away from children.
Overdose Information
If you think you or someone else has received too much Nucala, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nucala is given once every four weeks for long-term control of your condition. It works by gradually reducing eosinophils in your blood and tissues over time. Your doctor will monitor your progress at regular appointments.
No, never stop receiving Nucala injections unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping treatment may cause your symptoms and flare-ups to return or occur more frequently.
Contact your doctor or hospital as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment. Don’t wait until your next scheduled dose.
Check with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will consider the benefits to you and risks to your baby before prescribing Nucala during pregnancy.
No, Nucala does not treat acute asthma symptoms or sudden asthma attacks. It’s for long-term control only. Continue using your regular ‘reliever’ medicines for sudden attacks as directed in your Action Plan.
Always remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist that you’re receiving Nucala, especially before starting new medicines or having surgery. Tell surgeons and anesthetists about your treatment.
Watch for signs of allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling, rash) or shingles infection (painful blistering rash). Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these serious side effects.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.