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-thecounter
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.