For NZ residents only

Why NUCALA?2

NUCALA is used to treat asthma by reducing the frequency of asthma flare ups in patients aged 12 and over who are already receiving asthma medicines, but whose asthma flare ups are not well controlled by medicines such as high-dose corticosteroid inhalers or beta-agonist inhalers.
NUCALA can also be used to help reduce the daily dose of oral corticosteroids in patients taking these medicines to control asthma symptoms and flare ups.

Let's talk about the data1

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Protection from severe asthma attacks*

53% fewer asthma attacks in NUCALA patients.†‡

Up to 75% fewer asthma attacks in NUCALA patients with higher eosinophil levels.‡§

Emergency department hospital
Fewer asthma-related hospital visits*

61% fewer severe asthma attacks requiring hospital or ED visits in NUCALA patients.†‡

Oral steroid medication
Less need for oral steroids*†

The majority of patients reduced or eliminated their oral steroid use while maintaining asthma control

emergency department cross symbol within heart
Improvement in daily life

NUCALA could also help improve daily life. In a study, people with severe asthma stated they had a better health-related quality of life after taking NUCALA.||

Results may vary.

*When NUCALA was added to current asthma medicines.

†Compared to those not taking NUCALA.

‡In a clinical study of patients with ≥150 cells/mcL blood eosinophil (a type of white blood cell).

§A trend of greater reduction in asthma attacks in patients with increasing blood eosinophil levels, including a 75% reduction in patients with higher eosinophil levels (≥500 cells/mcL). Based on limits of the analysis, results are descriptive and your experience may differ.

In a clinical study, 64% of NUCALA patients reduced or eliminated their daily oral steroid use vs 44% of patients not taking NUCALA. The study showed 14% of NUCALA patients eliminated daily steroid use vs 8% of patients not taking NUCALA. Based on limits of the analysis, results are descriptive and your experience may differ.

||Based on the limits of the study, the results are descriptive, and your experience may or may not be the same.

What else should I know about NUCALA?2

Nucala is not an inhaler
It's NOT an inhaler
Nucala is not a steroid
It's NOT a steroid
NUCALA is a different kind of treatment for your severe asthma. It's an injection you get every 4 weeks in addition to your current asthma medicines. You can get your NUCALA injection in your doctor's office or self-administer at home.

How can NUCALA help severe asthma?

NUCALA may decrease airway inflammation that can cause severe asthma attacks. It works by targeting eosinophils, one source of inflammation, so it treats more than just your symptoms of severe asthma. Find out more about how NUCALA works.
The mechanism of action of NUCALA is not fully understood.

How do I know if NUCALA is an option for me?1

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.

Interested in NUCALA? Here's what to do next

If you're wondering whether NUCALA can help prevent your severe asthma attacks, start by talking to your doctor. We'll help you get started:
1

Tell your doctor when your symptoms get worse. Your symptoms may require you to see a specialist.

2

Tell your doctor everything you're doing to manage your severe asthma, and talk about how your asthma is affecting your life.

3

Ask for a blood test to see if you have severe eosinophilic asthma and if NUCALA may be right for you.

4

Ask if referral to a specialist may be appropriate for you.

Severe Eosinophilic asthma patient in front of food truck Severe Eosinophilic asthma patient in front of food truck
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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.