Nucala Solution (Mepolizumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Nucala Solution Used For?
Nucala Solution 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. It helps reduce asthma flare-ups, shrink nasal polyps, control EGPA symptoms, and reduce COPD flare-ups.
How It Works
Mepolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks a protein called interleukin-5. By blocking this protein, Nucala limits the production of eosinophils from bone marrow and reduces their numbers in your bloodstream and lungs, helping to 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 Solution
Nucala is given as an injection under your skin using a pre-filled pen or syringe. You, your caregiver, or a healthcare professional can give the injection after proper training.
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). Inject into your stomach area or upper thigh. Caregivers can also inject into your upper arm. Avoid areas that are tender, bruised, red, or hard.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If your healthcare provider usually gives your injection, contact them immediately to reschedule. If you self-inject and miss a dose, give the injection as soon as you remember. If it’s already time for your next dose, just give the next planned dose – don’t double up.
Important: Don’t stop taking Nucala 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
- fever
- eczema
- back pain
- sore throat
- nasal congestion
- respiratory tract infections
- chest infections
- upper stomach pain
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- urinary tract infections
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, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current health conditions with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Nucala Solution
Don’t use Nucala if you’re allergic to mepolizumab or any ingredients in the medicine, if you’re trying to treat sudden asthma or COPD attacks, or if the medicine is expired or the packaging is damaged.
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 they’re common, or if you’re traveling to such areas. Nucala may weaken your resistance to parasitic infections, which should be treated before starting Nucala.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Don’t use Nucala without asking your doctor first. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks for you and your baby. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, discuss this with your doctor as it’s unknown if Nucala passes into breast milk.
Age Restrictions: For asthma: not recommended for children under 12 or adolescents weighing less than 45 kg. For other conditions: adults 18 and over only
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
- 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, though it’s not expected to impair your ability to drive or operate equipment.
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 Nucala in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C – don’t freeze it. You can remove it from the fridge and keep it at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 7 days when protected from light. Once opened, use within 8 hours or discard. Don’t store in bathrooms, near sinks, on window sills, or in cars. Keep away from children.
Overdose Information
If you think you or someone else has received too much Nucala, seek immediate medical attention. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 in Australia, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no obvious symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nucala is designed for long-term control and is given once every four weeks. Your doctor will monitor your progress at regular appointments to check how well it’s working for your specific condition.
Yes, if your doctor or nurse determines it’s appropriate, they will provide training to show you or your caregiver the correct way to inject Nucala using the pre-filled pen or syringe.
If you self-inject, give the injection as soon as you remember. If it’s already time for your next dose, just give the next planned dose. If a healthcare provider usually gives your injection, contact them immediately to reschedule.
No, don’t stop Nucala injections unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping treatment may cause your symptoms and flare-ups to return or occur more frequently.
You can inject Nucala under your skin in your stomach area or upper thigh. Caregivers can also inject into your upper arm. Avoid areas that are tender, bruised, red, or hard.
Stop using Nucala immediately and tell your doctor or nurse right away. Allergic reactions can include chest tightness, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, or stomach pain. Seek emergency medical care if symptoms are severe.
Nucala must be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C, but can be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 7 days when protected from light. Plan accordingly for travel and don’t leave it in cars or on window sills.
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.