Mepolizumab - Medication Detail

Medication Type:  Long-term Control, should be given as prescribed

Generic Names:  Mepolizumab

Brand Names:  Nucala®

Description:  This medication is injected every 4 weeks as an add-on medication for controlling severe allergic asthma that is not well controlled on standard therapies such as inhaled glucocorticoid with a long-acting beta agonist). It works overtime by decreasing the body’s response to allergens.

Delivery

Injection under the skin (subcutaneous)

Dosage

Adults and children ≥ 12 years

  • Injection: 100mg administered every 4 weeks by injection into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen by a healthcare professional. After proper training, self-injection may be an option.

Children ≥6 years to 11 years

  • Injection: 40 mg administered every 4 weeks by injection into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen by a healthcare professional.

A minimum of 3-6 months of therapy is recommended to determine if the medication is working.

Proper Use

Nucala should be administered by a healthcare professional.

Precautions

  • Do NOT use this medication to treat an asthma attack.
  • Allergic reactions to this drug have been reported. You may need to stay in your doctor’s office for at least 20 minutes after each dose is given to make sure you do not have a serious allergic reaction. Your doctor’s office will tell you how long you need to stay after each dose.
  • Do not stop taking your other asthma medicines or reduce their doses without your doctor’s approval.
  • Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding should talk with their doctor about the risks and benefits of using this drug.
  • Some patients developed shingles (herpes zoster) while taking this medicine; talk to your doctor about the need for the shingles (Varicella or Shingrix) vaccine before you start taking this drug.

Common Interactions

There are no known significant drug interactions with this medication.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your medications and health problems so they can look for potential interactions.

Possible Side Effects

Possible side effects include bruising, redness, pain, or irritation where the shot is given, dizziness, headache, runny nose, and fever.

Tell your doctor or get medical help if you notice any sign of an allergic reaction (rash, itching, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swelling of the mouth, face, lips tongue, or throat, or feeling faint).

Proper Storage

This drug will be given to you in a hospital or doctor’s office. You will not store it at home.