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.