Nucala (Mepolizumab) for Asthma

Overview
Nucala is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat severe asthma in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Nucala is also known by its drug name, mepolizumab.

Nucala is a member of a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. Nucala is believed to work by binding to a proinflammatory cytokine (chemical messenger) known as IL-5. This binding prevents the maturation of eosinophils, which are white blood cells that release leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are chemicals involved in airway swelling, smooth muscle contraction, and other processes associated with the symptoms of asthma. Inhibiting (holding back) their release helps to relieve these symptoms.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Nucala is given as a subcutaneous (under your skin) injection by a health care professional. Nucala is usually given in a health clinic or doctor’s office once every four weeks. It should be administered according to the frequency specified by the physician.

Nucala is available only as a subcutaneous injection.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Nucala lists common side effects including headache, fatigue, injection-site reactions, and back pain.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Nucala include severe allergic reactions and parasitic infections.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Nucala — GSK
https://www.nucala.com/

Mepolizumab (Subcutaneous Route) — Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/me...