For NZ residents only

Your first treatment

Support and information to keep your treatment journey on track

Your doctor has prescribed NUCALA for you

You took an important step by talking with your doctor about NUCALA. Through a review of your blood test results, symptoms, and medication, your doctor determined that eosinophils are a part of your severe asthma. You should know that filling your prescription will be a little different from what you may be used to.

What to expect during your first treatment2

Emergency department hospital icon

At your doctor's office

  • Your healthcare professional will prepare your injection
  • You will receive an injection just underneath your skin (subcutaneously)
  • After your injection you may be asked to stay in the office so your doctor can monitor you for serious allergic reactions
  • Sometimes serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur hours or days after administering NUCALA. See risks and side effects
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At home

  • Your doctor will provide you or your caregiver with information on injecting, including how to properly inject and education about monitoring for any allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Sometimes serious allergic reactions can occur hours or days later
  • You will inject yourself underneath your skin (subcuteaneously). Instructional videos, the full Instructions for Use, and other support for self-injection are available

A few things to keep in mind as you continue your treatment with NUCALA2

  • NUCALA is designed to work with your current asthma medications to reduce your severe asthma attacks. Don't make any changes to your medications without first consulting your doctor
  • If you receive NUCALA at your doctor's office and miss an injection appointment for any reason, talk to your healthcare provider about getting back on track as soon as possible
  • If you take NUCALA at home and miss an injection, you or your caregiver should inject a dose of NUCALA as soon as you remember. Then, continue (resume) your injections on your regular dosing schedule. If you do not notice that you have missed a dose until it is already time for your next scheduled dose, just inject the next scheduled dose as planned. If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse
Important Safety Information:

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

Do not use to treat sudden breathing problems.

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 fatigue.

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

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

References:
  1. Data Sheet GlaxoSmithKline New Zealand. Nucala Data Sheet. GSK NZ; 2022. Available at http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/dsform.asp
  2. Consumer Medicine Information GlaxoSmithKline New Zealand. Nucala Consumer Medicine Information. GSK NZ; 2023. Available at https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Medicines/infoSearch.asp
  3. Global Initiative for Asthma. Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention 2022. Available from: www.ginasthma.org
  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
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-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.