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.
This website is intended for residents of New Zealand only.