Mepolizumab Vials

Generic name: Mepolizumab Vials [ me-poe-LIZ-ue-mab ]
Brand name: Nucala
Drug class: Interleukin inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 1, 2024.

Uses of Mepolizumab Vials:

• It is used to treat asthma.
• It is used to treat eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).

For asthma:

• Do not use this medicine (mepolizumab vials) to treat an asthma attack. Use a rescue inhaler. Talk with your doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Mepolizumab Vials?

• If you are allergic to this medicine (mepolizumab vials); any part of this medicine (mepolizumab vials); 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 this medicine (mepolizumab vials) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Mepolizumab Vials?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (mepolizumab vials). 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 this medicine (mepolizumab vials). Most of the time, allergic reactions happen within hours after this medicine (mepolizumab vials) was given. Sometimes, they can happen days after this medicine (mepolizumab vials) was given. Talk with the doctor.
• Herpes zoster (shingles) has happened with this medicine (mepolizumab vials). Talk with the doctor to see if a vaccine is needed before getting this medicine (mepolizumab vials).
• Some people at high risk for parasite infections have gotten a parasite infection after taking this medicine (mepolizumab vials). 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.
• 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 (Mepolizumab Vials) best taken?

Use this medicine (mepolizumab vials) 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.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

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.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Mepolizumab Vials?

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 Mepolizumab Vials?

• If you need to store this medicine (mepolizumab vials) at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

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.
• 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.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (mepolizumab vials), 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.

Biological Products Related to mepolizumab

Find detailed information on biosimilars for this medication.

Frequently asked questions

• How long does it take for Nucala to work?
• Can Nucala cause weight gain?
• Can Nucala be self-administered? How is it injected?
• How does Nucala (mepolizumab) work? What is the MOA?
• What is Nucala (mepolizumab) used for and how is it given?

View more FAQ

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer