Drug Detail:Nucala (Mepolizumab [ mep-oh-liz-ue-mab ])
Generic Name: Mepolizumab Auto-Injectors and Prefilled Syringes [ me-poe-LIZ-ue-mab ]
Drug Class: Interleukin inhibitors
Uses of Nucala:
- It is used to treat asthma.
- It is used to treat eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).
For asthma:
- Do not use Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes) to treat an asthma attack. Use a rescue inhaler. Talk with your doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Nucala?
- If you are allergic to Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes); any part of Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
Related/similar drugs
Dupixent, Fasenra, Xolair, prednisone, Symbicort, Breo Ellipta, VentolinWhat are some things I need to know or do while I take Nucala?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Call your doctor right away if your breathing problems get worse.
- If you use a rescue inhaler, call your doctor right away if your rescue inhaler does not work as well or if you need to use it more often.
- Allergic reactions have happened with Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes). Most of the time, allergic reactions happen within hours after Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes) was given. Sometimes, they can happen days after Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes) was given. Talk with the doctor.
- Herpes zoster (shingles) has happened with Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes). Talk with the doctor to see if a vaccine is needed before getting Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes).
- Some people at high risk for parasite infections have gotten a parasite infection after taking Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes). Your doctor may test your stool to see if you have a parasite infection. Talk with your doctor.
- If you are also taking an oral or inhaled steroid, talk with your doctor. Do not stop taking it without talking with your doctor.
- Do not share pen or cartridge devices with another person even if the needle has been changed. Sharing these devices may pass infections from one person to another. This includes infections you may not know you have.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is this medicine (Nucala) best taken?
Use Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh, belly area, or upper arm.
- If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- To make the injection feel better, take Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes) out of the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for up to 30 minutes before use. Do not remove the cap or cover. Do not heat Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes).
- Do not shake.
- Do not give into tender, bruised, red, or hard skin.
- Do not give into skin within 2 inches of the belly button.
- Do not rub the site where you give the shot.
- If your dose is more than 1 injection, you may give in the same body part. However, do not give injections within 2 inches of each other.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
- This medicine is colorless to slightly yellow or slightly brown. Do not use if the solution changes color.
- Each prefilled pen or syringe is for one use only.
- Throw away any part left over after the dose is given.
- Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- If you drop Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes) on a hard surface, do not use it.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, call your doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Dizziness or passing out.
- Very bad headache.
- Flushing.
- Feeling hot or cold.
- Shortness of breath.
What are some other side effects of Nucala?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Headache.
- Back pain.
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Redness or swelling where the shot is given.
- Pain or burning where the drug was used.
- Irritation where the shot is given.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Nucala?
- Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
- Store in the original container to protect from light.
- If needed, you may store at room temperature for up to 7 days. Write down the date you take Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes) out of the refrigerator. If stored at room temperature and not used within 7 days, throw Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes) away.
- Protect from heat.
- Use within 8 hours after taking out of the carton. If not used within 8 hours after taking out of the carton, throw Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes) away.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Nucala (mepolizumab auto-injectors and prefilled syringes), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take for Nucala to work?
- Can Nucala cause weight gain?
- Can Nucala be self-administered?
- What is Nucala (mepolizumab) used for and how is it given?
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