For NZ residents only

Insurance Information for NUCALA

Get information about NUCALA coverage, cost and assistance

Understanding your insurance

NUCALA is not currently funded for CRSwNP in New Zealand. Patients with medical insurance should contact their insurer directly to understand whether NUCALA is covered within existing policies.
In support of patient access GSK continues to work with PHARMAC regarding future access to GSK medicines.

Who can access funded NUCALA in New Zealand?

NUCALA is fully funded for severe eosinophilic asthma. Special Authority criteria apply. Discuss this with your doctor for further advice.
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What is severe eosinophilic asthma?

Curious about how NUCALA can help treat severe eosinophilic asthma?

What is severe eosinophilic asthma?
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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; 2023. Available at https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet
  2. GlaxoSmithKline New Zealand. Nucala Consumer Medicine Information. GSK NZ; 2023. Available at https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/CMI
  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-counts-facts (Last Accessed on Dec 2023)
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.