Mepolizumab
Generic name: mepolizumab [ MEP-oh-LIZ-ue-mab ]
Brand names: Nucala, Nucala Prefilled Autoinjector, Nucala Prefilled Syringe
Dosage forms: subcutaneous powder for injection (100 mg); subcutaneous solution (100 mg/mL)
Drug class:Interleukin inhibitors
What is mepolizumab?
Mepolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that works by reducing levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell). High eosinophil levels can contribute to certain disorders.
Mepolizumab is used to help prevent flare-ups or reduce symptoms of high eosinophil levels (hypereosinophilic syndrome, or HES) in adults and children at least 12 years old.
Mepolizumab is also used in adults to help control symptoms and reduce flares of a rare autoimmune disorder called eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EPGA).
Mepolizumab is also used together with other medicines to help control severe asthma in adults and children who are at least 6 years old. Mepolizumab is not a rescue medicine for asthma attacks.
Mepolizumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use mepolizumab if you are allergic to it.
Mepolizumab is not approved for use by a child younger than 6 years old. Mepolizumab should not be used to treat HES in anyone younger than 12 years old, or EPGA in anyone younger than 18 years old.
Tell your doctor if:
you also use steroid asthma medication;
you have a history of parasite infection (such as roundworms or tapeworms); or
you have a history of herpes zoster (also called shingles).
You may be given a zoster (shingles) vaccine before you start using mepolizumab.
If you also use an oral or inhaled steroid medication, you should not stop using it suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of mepolizumab on the baby.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using mepolizumab. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How is mepolizumab given?
Your doctor may perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using mepolizumab.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sh...
