Nucala (Mepolizumab) for COPD

Overview
Nucala is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an add-on maintenance treatment for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have an eosinophilic phenotype (a type of inflammation characterized by high levels of eosinophils, a kind of white blood cell). It is intended for individuals whose COPD is not adequately controlled by standard therapies. Nucala is not approved for the treatment of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus (severe asthma attacks that do not respond to standard treatments). Nucala is also known by its drug name, mepolizumab.

Nucala is an interleukin-5 (IL-5) antagonist monoclonal antibody. It works by targeting IL-5, a protein that plays a key role in the development and survival of eosinophils. By reducing eosinophil levels, Nucala may help decrease airway inflammation and prevent COPD flare-ups in people with the eosinophilic type of the disease.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Nucala is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once every four weeks. It should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Nucala in people with COPD include back pain, diarrhea, and cough.

Rare but serious side effects may include hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction), angioedema (swelling beneath the skin), bronchospasm (airway tightening), hypotension (low blood pressure), and rash. Nucala may also increase the risk of herpes zoster (shingles) infections. A person should not abruptly stop using systemic or inhaled corticosteroids when starting Nucala; any tapering should be done gradually under medical supervision. People with helminth (parasitic worm) infections should be treated before starting Nucala. If they become infected during treatment and do not respond to antiparasitic therapy, Nucala should be stopped until the infection is resolved.

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Label: Nucala — Mepolizumab Injection, Powder, for Solution; Nucala — Mepolizumab Injection, Solution — DailyMed