Medication Type
Long Term Control, should be given as prescribed
Generic Names
Mepolizumab
Brand Names
Nucala®
Description
This medication is an injection to treat severe persistent asthma in adults and children 6 years of age and older who are not controlled by other long acting medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids. It works over time to prevent the body’s reaction to the allergens.
Delivery
By injection into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen by patient, caregiver or healthcare professional, and is intended for use under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Dosage
- Children aged 12 years and older and adults: 100 mg administered once every 4 weeks via pre-filled pen or syringe
- Pre-filled syringe available in 40 mg for children aged 6-11 for home use
Proper Use
- Before injection, remove the Nucala pre-filled pen or pre-filled syringe from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature without removing the needle cap.
- Given as a shot in the fatty part of the skin. Patients may self-inject, or a caregiver may administer, after training has been provided by a healthcare provider on proper subcutaneous injection technique using the pre-filled pen. In children and adolescents, it is recommended that Nucala be administered by or under the supervision of an adult. Patients and/or caregivers should read the instructions for use prior to injecting: pre-filled pen or pre-filled syringe (starts on page 49).
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 varicella vaccine before you start taking this drug.
Common Interactions
Drug interactions have not been studied with this medicine.
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.
Herpes zoster infections that can cause shingles have happened in people who received Nucala.
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
- Store by refrigerating at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in the original carton to protect from light.
- If necessary, pre-filled pens may be kept at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for a maximum of 7 days. After removal from the refrigerator, use within 7 days or throw away.
- Patients and/or caregivers should throw away any unused portion.
- Do NOT freeze. Do NOT heat. Do NOT shake.