Uses

What is Nucala used for?

Nucala (mepolizumab) is commonly used for the following conditions. 

Learn more about How Nucala Helps With Severe Asthma and What to Expect.

Nucala may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Nucala work (mechanism of action)?

Nucala works by decreasing the number of eosinophils in your body. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell. By lowering the number of these cells, it may help reduce swelling and inflammation in the body. This can help manage your condition. 

How is Nucala supplied (dosage forms)?

Nucala is available in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin (subcutaneous).

  • 40 mg/0.4 mL prefilled syringe
  • 100 mg/mL prefilled syringe
  • 100 mg/mL prefilled autoinjector
  • 100 mg single-dose vial

How should I store Nucala?

Prefilled Syringe or Autoinjector. Nucala prefilled syringes and autoinjectors should be stored in a refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Do not freeze or shake. Keep Nucala in the original carton to protect it from light until you are ready to use it. If needed, Nucala prefilled syringes or autoinjectors can be stored in the unopened original carton at room temperature, at a maximum temperature of 86 F (30 C), for a single period of up to 7 days. If it is left at room temperature for more than 7 days, it should not be used and thrown away. Once Nucala prefilled syringes or autoinjectors are removed from the carton, they must be used within 8 hours. 

Vial. Nucala vials are usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store them at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Nucala?

The most common side effects of Nucala are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Back pain 
  • Tiredness
  • Mouth or throat pain 
  • Joint pain 

There may be other side effects of Nucala that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Nucala?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Nucala are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nucala may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. These reactions can occur right away, but can also take hours or days to occur.  Stop using Nucala and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Infection. Nucala can increase the risk of herpes zoster (shingles) infections.  Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of shingles.

  • Painful blistering rash 
  • Tingling or burning feeling under your skin
  • Fever, chills, or headache

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Nucala?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Nucala.

  • Nucala
  • Mepolizumab 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed 

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Nucala.  

Sudden Asthma Symptoms. Nucala should not be used to treat an asthma attack or a sudden worsening of your asthma symptoms. Get emergency help, follow your asthma action plan, or call your healthcare provider if your asthma gets worse or does not get better while using Nucala. 

What should I know about Nucala before using it?

Do not use Nucala unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Nucala with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Do not share the needle that is attached to Nucala with another person. This practice can risk you or the other person getting an infection. 

Keep Nucala out of the reach of children. Because Nucala prefilled syringes and autoinjectors should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep them away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Nucala is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use it. Do not use the medicine if it looks cloudy, discolored, has particles floating in it, or is expired. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider. Ensure that you choose a new injection site each time you use it. Do not inject into moles, scars, bruises, or damaged skin.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Nucala?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Nucala is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following. 

  • A parasitic worm (helminth) infection 
  • A history of chickenpox or shingles

Corticosteroids. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking corticosteroid medicines. These medicines could be taken by mouth, such as prednisone, or inhaled, such as fluticasone (Flovent and others) or budesonide (Pulmicort). Do not stop your corticosteroid medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to. Stopping or lowering the dose of these medicines may cause some of your symptoms to come back. 

Vaccines. Review your vaccine history with your healthcare provider before you start Nucala. Because of the chance of a shingles infection, your healthcare provider may recommend a shingles vaccine before starting Nucala. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Nucala could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Nucala passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Nucala while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Nucala?

For more information about Nucala, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.nucala.com or call them at 888-825-5249.

Interactions

Does Nucala interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Nucala and food or drinks. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Nucala. 

Does Nucala interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Nucala and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. 

Does Nucala (mepolizumab) interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Nucala?

If you or someone else has used too much Nucala, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Nucala?

If you miss a dose of Nucala, use it as soon as you remember, then resume your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. 

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