For NZ residents only

Why NUCALA?

NUCALA is indicated as an add-on treatment in adult patients (18 years and above) with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) with an inadequate response to intranasal corticosteroids2.

NUCALA can help reduce2, 3*:

Size of nasal polyps
Size of nasal polyps
Nasal congestion
Nasal congestion
Need for repeat surgery
Need for repeat surgery
*When added to current nasal polyp medication.

In a clinical study, people on NUCALA* also experienced:

Quality life

Improved quality of life

After taking NUCALA, people reported improved quality of life,† including nasal symptoms, ear and facial symptoms, fatigue, sleep, and overall emotional impact3,5

Symptom improvement

Symptom improvement

NUCALA improved nasal polyp symptoms like nasal blockage, runny nose, post-nasal discharge, and loss of smell3,5

Oral steroid medication

Steroid reduction

NUCALA reduced the need for steroids3,5‡

*Added to current nasal polyp medicines

†Effect on individual symptoms was studied but not definitively proven.

‡Oral or injectable steroids.

Common questions about NUCALA

Expand All | Collapse All

NUCALA is a biologic; it's not a steroid. It's an injection you get every 4 weeks. When NUCALA is added to your current treatment plan, it can help reduce your symptoms of CRSwNP (like nasal congestion, nasal discharge, mucus in the throat, and loss of smell) and helps prevent the need for surgery. NUCALA helps reduce the size of your nasal polyps and the use of steroids*.

*Oral or injectable steroids.

Eosinophils are a normal part of your immune system, but in higher numbers, they can cause inflammation6. NUCALA helps reduce eosinophils in the blood, so it treats a source of inflammation3. Inflammation can play a role in CRSwNP.

It is not fully understood how NUCALA works.

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

See risks and side effects green arrow

Your current treatment may not be controlling your symptoms and not addressing an underlying cause of your nasal polyps: eosinophils.

NUCALA specifically targets eosinophils, a driver of inflammation in the majority of patients with nasal polyps3.

Nasal polyps affect people differently, so it's important to talk to your doctor about all of your symptoms.

  • Tell your doctor everything you're doing to manage your symptoms, and talk about how they affect your life
  • Ask your doctor if NUCALA could help treat your nasal polyps

men-smile

The NUCALA pre-filled pen

Curious about taking your medication at home? See your options.
Learn about the pre-filled pen green arrow
green circle with list centered

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 NUCALA1.

Do not use to treat sudden breathing problems1.

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 nasal pressure1.

Tell your doctor or get emergency help right away if you think you are having an allergic reaction to NUCALA2.

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

References:
  1. GlaxoSmithKline New Zealand. Nucala Data Sheet. GSK NZ; 2024. Available at https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet (Last Accessed on Mar 2025)
  2. GlaxoSmithKline New Zealand. Nucala Consumer Medicine Information. GSK NZ; 2023. Available at https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/CMI (Last Accessed on Mar 2025)
  3. Han JK, Bachert C, Fokkens W et al. Mepolizumab for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (SYNAPSE): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Respir Med. 2021; published online April 16.
  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
  5. Kennedy JL. Sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22): a predictor of postsurgical improvement in patients with chronic sinusitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2013 Oct;111(4):246-251, E-supplement
  6. www.webmd.com/asthma/eosinophil-count-facts (Last Accessed on Mar 2025)
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.