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What Is Nucala?

Nucala is a prescription biologic medication containing mepolizumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-5. It is used to treat several conditions associated with eosinophilic inflammation, including severe eosinophilic asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and selected other disorders. It is also approved as add-on maintenance treatment for certain adults with inadequately controlled eosinophilic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nucala is administered by subcutaneous injection and is not a rescue treatment for sudden breathing problems.

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What Is Nucala?

Nucala is a prescription biologic medication containing mepolizumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-5. It is used to treat several conditions associated with eosinophilic inflammation, including severe eosinophilic asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and selected other disorders. It is also approved as add-on maintenance treatment for certain adults with inadequately controlled eosinophilic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nucala is administered by subcutaneous injection and is not a rescue treatment for sudden breathing problems.

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How Does Nucala Work?

Nucala binds to interleukin-5, a signaling protein involved in the growth, activation, and survival of eosinophils. Eosinophils are white blood cells that can contribute to inflammation in the airways and other tissues. By blocking interleukin-5 activity, mepolizumab reduces eosinophil levels and helps control eosinophil-driven disease. Its effects depend on the condition being treated. Nucala does not act as a bronchodilator and cannot rapidly reverse an asthma attack.

What Conditions Does Nucala Treat?

Nucala is approved as add-on maintenance treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma in patients aged six years and older. Other indications include chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in adults, inadequately controlled eosinophilic COPD in adults, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis in adults, and hypereosinophilic syndrome in patients aged 12 years and older meeting specified diagnostic criteria. Eligibility varies by condition, age, blood eosinophil findings, and treatment history. A specialist determines whether Nucala is appropriate.

How Is Nucala Administered?

Nucala is given as a subcutaneous injection once every four weeks. For severe eosinophilic asthma, patients aged 12 years and older generally receive 100 mg, while children aged six through 11 years receive 40 mg. Adults treated for nasal polyps or eosinophilic COPD generally receive 100 mg. Patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis or hypereosinophilic syndrome receive 300 mg every four weeks. The injection device and administration instructions depend on the prescribed formulation and clinical setting.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Nucala?

Common adverse effects include headache, injection-site reactions, back pain, and fatigue, although rates vary by indication. Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur. Herpes zoster infections have also been reported. Patients with preexisting parasitic infections should generally receive appropriate treatment before starting Nucala. Corticosteroid medications should not be stopped abruptly after Nucala begins. Sudden breathing problems require the patient's prescribed rescue treatment and appropriate emergency care.

Common Questions About Nucala

Is Nucala a steroid?

No. Nucala is a monoclonal antibody that blocks interleukin-5. It is a biologic treatment rather than a corticosteroid.

Can Nucala treat severe asthma?

Yes. Nucala is approved as add-on maintenance treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma in adults and children aged six years and older.

How often are Nucala injections given?

Nucala is administered once every four weeks. The dose depends on the treated condition and, for severe asthma, the patient's age.

Can Nucala treat a sudden asthma attack?

No. Nucala is a maintenance treatment and does not provide immediate relief from sudden asthma symptoms. Patients should use their prescribed rescue medication.

References

DailyMed - NUCALA (mepolizumab) injection. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fefb887c-e4ac-431e-8893-e9d1a5a63fea. Date Accessed October 19, 2026.

Mepolizumab. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548052/. Date Accessed October 19, 2026.

Mepolizumab. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Mepolizumab. Date Accessed October 19, 2026.

Mepolizumab Injection. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615058.html. Date Accessed October 19, 2026.

Nucala. European Medicines Agency. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/nucala. Date Accessed October 19, 2026.