Nucala 100mg injection contains the active compound Mepolizumab. It falls under the category of monoclonal antibodies. This drug treats specific respiratory conditions, specifically severe eosinophilic asthma and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), also known as Churg-Strauss syndrome. Severe eosinophilic asthma is characterized by elevated eosinophils (type of white blood cell). Despite regular treatment, it leads to recurring asthma attacks. EGPA, on the other hand, is a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels and infiltration of eosinophils into different organs. This condition results in respiratory symptoms, systemic manifestations, and potential organ damage.
Nucala 100mg injection is not intended to treat acute asthma attacks or acute exacerbations. It is a maintenance therapy to manage chronic eosinophilic asthma and prevent future exacerbations. It may suppress the immune system, making avoiding its use during active bacterial or viral infections important. This medication is not approved for children under the age of 6 years. It is advisable to ask a doctor regarding vaccination schedules and appropriate timing.
Uses of Nucala 100mg Injection
Therapeutic Effects of Nucala 100mg Injection
Nucala 100mg injection exerts its therapeutic effects by targeting and blocking interleukin-5 (IL-5), a protein involved in the production and activation of eosinophils. By inhibiting IL-5, this medication reduces the eosinophils numbers in the blood, lungs, and tissues. This eosinophil reduction helps alleviate inflammation and symptoms associated with severe eosinophilic asthma and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).
Interaction of Nucala 100mg Injection with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Nucala 100mg injection and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Nucala 100mg Injection
How to consume Nucala 100mg Injection
Nucala 100mg injection is given as an injection by healthcare professionals. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the individual's condition and response to the medication and should be determined by a healthcare provider.
Safety Advices for Nucala 100mg Injection
Pregnancy
The safety of using Nucala 100mg injection during pregnancy has not been established. Limited studies are available regarding the use of this medication in pregnant women, so it is recommended to use caution and consult a doctor before considering its use during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Whether Nucala 100mg injection is excreted in milk is unknown. So it is better to consult a healthcare provider if you are a breastfeeding mother before taking this medication.
Lungs
If you have a lung or respiratory disorders history, it is important to consult your healthcare provider before taking Nucala 100mg injection.
Liver
Nucala 100mg injection is primarily metabolized in the liver, and its safety has not been extensively studied in individuals with severe liver impairment. Communicating any pre-existing liver conditions or changes in liver function to your healthcare provider is crucial to ensure safe and effective use.
Alcohol
It is generally recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Nucala 100mg injection. Alcohol can interact with this medication and potentially increase the risk of side effects.
Driving
Patients receiving Nucala 100mg injections should be advised to avoid driving or operating machinery if they experience side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, or blurred vision, impairing a patient's ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Side Effects of Nucala 100mg Injection
Nucala 100mg injection can cause side effects like all medications, although not everyone who takes it will experience them.
Serious:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Anaphylaxis (a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction)
Common:
- Headache
- Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, swelling)
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea
- Muscle pain (myalgia)
- Influenza (flu)-like symptoms
Word of Advice
Attend all scheduled appointments and follow-up visits to monitor your response to treatment and address any concerns or side effects. Tell your doctor about your medical history, any previous infection, liver disease, and kidney disease. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe allergic reactions or other serious side effects. Avoid close contact with an infected person. Do not change your Nucala 100mg injection treatment or corticosteroid dose without consulting your healthcare professional. Inform your doctor's provider. Avoid taking any vaccines during treatment. The safety and efficacy in children below six years of age group have not been established.
FAQs
Q 1. Can I stop taking my other asthma medications once I start Nucala 100mg injection?
Nucala 100mg injection is not intended to replace other asthma medications, including inhalers or oral medications. It is typically used as an add-on treatment for individuals with severe eosinophilic asthma who require additional control of their symptoms. Your healthcare professional should discuss and determine the use of other asthma medications.
Q 2. Can I receive vaccinations while on Nucala 100mg injection?
Discussing vaccination schedules and specific vaccines with your healthcare professional while on Nucala 100mg injection is recommended. It may affect the effectiveness of certain vaccines, particularly live vaccines. Your healthcare professional can guide the appropriate timing and administration of vaccinations.
Q 3. Will Nucala 100mg injection cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not commonly reported as a side effect of Nucala 100mg injection. However, individual responses to medication can vary, and some may experience weight gain due to other factors. If you have concerns about weight changes while on taking it, discuss them with your healthcare professional.
Q 4. How long does it take for Nucala 100mg injection to start working?
The response to Nucala 100mg injection can vary among individuals. Some people may experience improved symptoms, such as reduced asthma exacerbations or improved lung function, within a few weeks of starting treatment. However, it may take several months to observe the full benefits ofthis medication. Regular follow-up with your healthcare professional is important to assess your response to treatment.
Q 5. Can Nucala 100mg injection be used in older adults?
Considering their overall health and potential interactions with other medications, Nucala 100mg injection can be used in older adults with severe eosinophilic asthma or EGPA. However, individual assessment and monitoring by a healthcare professional are important to determine the suitability and safety of this medication in older adults.
Fact Box of Nucala 100mg Injection
Molecule name: Mepolizumab | Therapeutic class: Anti-asthmatic agent |
Pharmacological class: Monoclonal Antibodies | Indications: 1. Eosinophilic asthma 2. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) |