For NZ residents only

What is Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA)?

Eosinophilic granulomatosis (gran-u-lo-ma-toe-sis) with polyangiitis (poly-angi-i-tis) (EGPA) is a condition where people have inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) associated with too many eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood and tissues.2,4,11

EGPA most commonly affects the lungs and sinuses but often affects other organs including the skin, heart, kidneys, nerves or bowels.3,11

digital recreation of eosinophils

Role of inflammation in EGPA

The inflammation associated with EGPA is believed to be caused, in part, by an increase in eosinophils. An eosinophil is a type of white blood cell that is a normal part of the body’s immune system.4,12,13,17
When you have EGPA, the percentage of eosinophils can be higher than normal. The high numbers of eosinophils may cause inflammation and damage in your body.4,12,13
Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

EGPA can affect different parts of the body3,11

Heart
Heart
Lungs
Lungs
Sinuses
Sinuses
Skin
Skin
Kidneys
Kidneys
Bowels
Bowels
Nerves
Nerves

EGPA symptoms may include

Fatigue
Fatigue (Feeling tired)5
Difficulty Breathing
Difficulty Breathing5,7
Weight Loss
Weight Loss5,9
Muscle and Joint Pain
Muscle and Joint Pain5,6
Nasal Sinus Symptoms
Nasal Sinus Symptoms5,8

So, Why NUCALA?

If you’re ready for a different kind of treatment for your EGPA, see what NUCALA can do for you.1
 
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Nucala Important Safety Information:1

Contraindications: hypersensitivity to mepolizumab or to any of the excipients.

Warnings & Precautions: EGPA: NUCALA treated patients may experience a return of EGPA symptoms upon cessation of NUCALA and other EGPA treatments may need to be increased accordingly if NUCALA is discontinued as patients may decrease their other EGPA treatments during NUCALA treatment.

Adverse Reactions: headache, joint pain, nausea, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhoea, vomiting, injection site reaction. Please refer to the Nucala Consumer Medicine Information for more details.

References:
  1. GlaxoSmithKline New Zealand. Nucala Data Sheet. GSK NZ; 2023. Available at https://medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/n/nucalainj.pdf. Last accessed 18/11/2024
  2. Fagni, F.; et al. (2021). Front Med. 24(8):627776.
  3. Fijolek, J. & Radzikowska, E. (2023). Front Med 10:1145257.
  4. Gioffredi, A.; et al. (2014). Front Immunol 5:549.
  5. Doubelt, I.; et al. (2021). ACR OpenRheumatol. 3(6): 404-412.
  6. Mohammad, N. & Ghazali, W.S.W. (2017). BMJ Case Rep.
  7. Cottin, V.; et al. (2016). Europ Respir Jour 48:1429-1441.
  8. Low, M.C.; et al. (2019). Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 10(2): 217-222.
  9. Pagnoux, C., et al. (2007). Curr Opin Rheumatol 19(1): 25-32.
  10. Wechsler M.E.; et al. (2017) N Engl J Med. 376:1921-1932.
  11. GlaxoSmithKline New Zealand. Nucala Consumer Medicine Information. GSK NZ; 2023. Available at https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/CMI. Last accessed 18/11/2024
  12. Khoury P; et al. (2014) Nat Rev Rheumatol.10;474-483.
  13. Vaglio A; et al. (2013) Allergy. 68;261-73.
  14. Steinfeld J; et al. (2019) The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 143(6);2170-2177.
  15. Wechsler ME; et al. (2017) N Engl J Med. 376;1921-1932 (supplementary).
  16. Bernstein D; et al. (2019) Journal of Asthma. 28;1-12.
  17. Klion AD; et al. (2020) Annual Review of Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease. 15;179-209
Nucala (mepolizumab 100 mg) is a Prescription Medicine, available as a 100 mg/mL pre-filled pen (auto-injector). Each pre-filled pen delivers 100 mg mepolizumab in 1 mL. 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 and EGPA 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. Adverse events involving GlaxoSmithKline products should be reported to GSK Medical Information on 0800 808 500.

This website is intended for residents of New Zealand only.

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