For NZ residents only

How does NUCALA work?2

NUCALA targets eosinophils, but what exactly does that mean?

eosinophil cell

What are eosinophils?

Eosinophils [ee-uh-sin-uh-fils] are white blood cells that are a normal part of the body's immune system.

How do eosinophils play a role in severe asthma?

Having too many eosinophils in your blood can damage the airways and can cause your asthma to get worse or can increase the number of your asthma flare ups.

NUCALA reduces eosinophils

NUCALA is not a steroid like prednisone. It is designed to reduce the number of eosinophils in your blood.

The mechanism of action of NUCALA is not fully understood.

Reducing the number of eosinophils in your blood may help reduce airway inflammation.

NUCALA helps you gain asthma control and helps reduce your use of oral steroids like prednisone.† It's important to receive your injection of NUCALA once every four weeks as prescribed, even if you're feeling better.

†Results may vary.

A simple blood test can measure the number of eosinophils in your blood

Your doctor can give you a blood test that measures your eosinophil count or refer you to a specialist who will review your asthma with you and request the relevant blood tests. Based on the test results, your specialist will consider whether adding NUCALA to your treatment plan is the right fit for you. In clinical studies, the eosinophil blood test helped identify patients whose asthma was more likely to respond to treatment with NUCALA.1

See how NUCALA targets eosinophils to help reduce airway inflammation*

* The mechanism of action of NUCALA is not fully understood.

arrow left long

See what

left arrow long NUCALA

can do.

Learn about NUCALA
arrow
discussion guide list

Ready to talk to your doctor?

Download the doctor discussion guide to keep the conversation on track.
Important Safety Information:

Do not use NUCALA if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to mepolizumab or any of the ingredients in NUCALA.

Do not use to treat sudden breathing problems.

The most common side effects of NUCALA are headache, injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, itching, or a burning feeling at the injection site), back pain, and fatigue.

Tell your doctor or get emergency help right away if you think you are having an allergic reaction to NUCALA.

Any information provided on this website should be discussed with a healthcare professional and does not replace a healthcare professional's advice.

References:
  1. Data Sheet GlaxoSmithKline New Zealand. Nucala Data Sheet. GSK NZ; 2022. Available at http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/dsform.asp
  2. Consumer Medicine Information GlaxoSmithKline New Zealand. Nucala Consumer Medicine Information. GSK NZ; 2023. Available at https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Medicines/infoSearch.asp
  3. Global Initiative for Asthma. Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention 2022. Available from: www.ginasthma.org
  4. Bernstein D, Pavord ID, Chapman KR et al. Usability of mepolizumab single-use prefilled autoinjector for patient self-administration. J Asthma 2019;28:1-12
Nucala (mepolizumab 100 mg) is a Prescription Medicine, available as a 100 mg powder for injection (100 mg/ mL after reconstitution) and as a 100 mg/mL pre-filled pen (auto-injector). Nucala is used as an add-on treatment for; severe eosinophilic asthma in patients 12 years and over, severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) with an inadequate response to intranasal corticosteroids in adult patients 18 years and older, relapsing or refractory Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA) in adult patients aged 18 years and over, and in adult patients with inadequately controlled hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) without an identifiable non-haematologic secondary cause. Nucala is given by injection under your skin (subcutaneous). Nucala is fully funded for severe eosinophilic asthma only; Special Authority criteria apply. Use strictly as directed. Nucala has risks and benefits. Do not stop taking your other asthma medications including inhaled and /or oral steroid asthma medications. Tell your doctor if: you have a parasitic (helminth) infection; you are taking prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements; you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Nucala does not treat acute asthma symptoms, such as sudden asthma attack. Tell your healthcare professional or get emergency help immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: swelling of your face, mouth, and tongue, breathing problems, fainting, dizziness, feeling light-headed (low blood pressure), rash or hives. Side effects: headache, injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, itching, or a burning feeling at the injection site), back pain, and fatigue. Serious side effects may include allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, including anaphylaxis. Serious allergic reactions can happen after you get your injection of Nucala. Allergic reactions can sometimes happen hours or days after you get a dose of Nucala. Herpes zoster infections that can cause shingles have happened in people who received Nucala. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health care professional. For more information, see Nucala Consumer Medicine Information at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Ask your doctor if Nucala is right for you. Normal doctor's charges apply.

This website is intended for residents of New Zealand only.