Mepolizumab 100mg Injection: Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or worsening asthma symptoms after injection.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Rash, hives, or itching all over the body.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
- Chest pain, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat.
- Signs of infection such as fever, chills, or persistent cough.
- Painful rash with blisters, often on one side of the body (shingles).
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is nucala injection used for?
This medicine is a prescription biologic injection containing mepolizumab 100 mg. It is used for severe eosinophilic asthma, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and hypereosinophilic syndrome. It works by reducing eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that causes inflammation. It is given as a subcutaneous injection once every 4 weeks by a healthcare professional.
- Generic Name: Mepolizumab (100mg)
- Manufacturer: Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 nucala injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा मेपोलिज़ुमाब 100 मिलीग्राम इंजेक्शन के रूप में उपलब्ध है। यह गंभीर इओसिनोफिलिक अस्थमा, इओसिनोफिलिक ग्रैनुलोमैटोसिस विद पॉलीएंजाइटिस (ईजीपीए) और हाइपरइओसिनोफिलिक सिंड्रोम (एचईएस) के इलाज के लिए इस्तेमाल की जाती है। यह दवा शरीर में इओसिनोफिल नामक श्वेत रक्त कोशिकाओं की संख्या को कम करती है, जो सूजन पैदा करती हैं। यह दवा त्वचा के नीचे इंजेक्शन द्वारा दी जाती है, आमतौर पर हर 4 हफ्ते में एक बार। यह दवा केवल डॉक्टर की सलाह पर ही ली जानी चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में सिरदर्द, इंजेक्शन स्थल पर दर्द, लालिमा, सूजन या खुजली, पीठ दर्द और थकान शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में एलर्जी प्रतिक्रियाएं जैसे चकत्ते, पित्ती, चेहरे, होंठ, जीभ या गले में सूजन, सांस लेने में कठिनाई या चक्कर आना शामिल हो सकते हैं। दाद (शिंगल्स) भी हो सकता है। यदि आपको कोई भी नया या बिगड़ता लक्षण दिखे तो तुरंत अपने डॉक्टर को बताएं।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल एक स्वास्थ्य पेशेवर द्वारा दी जानी चाहिए। बिना प्रशिक्षण और डॉक्टर की मंजूरी के इसे स्वयं न लगाएं। अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी एलर्जी, संक्रमण या हृदय की समस्याओं के बारे में बताएं। इस दवा के साथ लाइव टीके न लगवाएं। यदि आप गर्भवती हैं, गर्भवती होने की योजना बना रही हैं या स्तनपान करा रही हैं तो अपने डॉक्टर को बताएं। नियमित जांच के लिए अपॉइंटमेंट लेते रहें। डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना दवा बंद या डोज न बदलें। अपना इमरजेंसी कार्ड हमेशा साथ रखें। यदि आपको खुराक छूट जाए तो डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें। इस दवा को 2°C से 8°C पर रेफ्रिजरेटर में रखें। जमने न दें। बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।
💊 nucala injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Severe eosinophilic asthma","description":"Used as add-on maintenance treatment for patients with severe asthma and elevated blood eosinophils who remain uncontrolled on high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus another controller.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA)","description":"Used for the treatment of adult patients with EGPA, a rare autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of blood vessels and eosinophilia.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES)","description":"Used for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with HES for at least 6 months without an identifiable non-hematologic secondary cause.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps","description":"Sometimes prescribed off-label for severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in patients with eosinophilic inflammation.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Eosinophilic esophagitis","description":"Occasionally used off-label in refractory eosinophilic esophagitis, but evidence is limited.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Severe eosinophilic asthma
Also treats: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES)
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Mepolizumab (100mg) |
| Brand Name | nucala injection |
| Manufacturer | Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | RESPIRATORY |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Parenteral (subcutaneous injection) |
| Storage | Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Keep the pre-filled pen or syringe in its original carton to protect from light. If needed, the pre-filled pen or syringe may be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 7 days. Once removed from the refrigerator, do not return to the refrigerator. Discard if not used within 7 days. |
| Shelf Life | Refer to the expiry date on the packaging. Do not use after the expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to interleukin-5 (IL-5). IL-5 is a key cytokine responsible for the growth, activation, and survival of eosinophils. By binding to IL-5, this medicine prevents IL-5 from interacting with its receptor on eosinophils, thereby reducing eosinophil production and survival. This leads to a decrease in blood and tissue eosinophil levels, which reduces eosinophilic inflammation in the airways and other organs. The reduction in eosinophils helps control asthma exacerbations and improves symptoms in eosinophilic disorders.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take nucala injection
Strength: 100 mg/1 mL single-dose pre-filled pen or syringe for subcutaneous injection.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The recommended dose of this medicine for adults is 100 mg administered subcutaneously once every 4 weeks. For some conditions, a dose of 300 mg every 4 weeks may be used. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the specific indication, patient's age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and clinical response. Do not self-administer unless trained and approved by your doctor. |
| Pediatric Dosage | For asthma, the safety and efficacy of this medicine in pediatric patients under 6 years of age have not been established. For HES, the safety and efficacy in pediatric patients under 12 years of age have not been established. For EGPA, the safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established. Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | No dose adjustment is required for elderly patients based on age alone. However, elderly patients may have reduced renal or hepatic function and should be monitored accordingly. The dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | No dose adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment. However, as with any medicine, caution should be exercised in patients with severe renal impairment. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No dose adjustment is required for patients with hepatic impairment. However, as with any medicine, caution should be exercised in patients with severe hepatic impairment. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended dose is 300 mg every 4 weeks for certain indications. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of nucala injection
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Live vaccines | Major |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Live vaccines
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
There is no known interaction between this medicine and alcohol. However, alcohol may worsen asthma symptoms or interact with other medicines. Consult your doctor about safe alcohol consumption.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to mepolizumab or any excipient in the formulation."]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine should not be used to treat acute asthma symptoms or acute exacerbations. Patients should have a rescue inhaler available at all times.","Do not discontinue systemic or inhaled corticosteroids abruptly when starting this medicine. Corticosteroid doses should be reduced gradually under medical supervision.","Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and urticaria, can occur. Administer in a setting where appropriate medical treatment is available.","Herpes zoster has been reported. Consider vaccination against varicella-zoster virus before starting treatment if appropriate.","This medicine may not be effective in all patients. Continue regular monitoring of asthma control.","The safety and efficacy in pediatric patients under 6 years for asthma and under 12 years for HES have not been established."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether this medicine is excreted in human breast milk. Because many medicines are excreted in human milk, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the medicine, taking into account the benefit of breastfeeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
There is no specific antidote for overdose with this medicine. In case of overdose, monitor the patient for any signs or symptoms of adverse effects and provide supportive treatment as necessary. Contact a poison control center or emergency department for advice.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, contact your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Your doctor will advise you on the next appropriate dose.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine must be given by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer unless you have been trained and your doctor has approved. Inform your doctor if you have a history of allergies, infections, or heart problems. Do not receive live vaccines while on this medicine without consulting your doctor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Keep all appointments for monitoring. Do not stop or change the dose without consulting your doctor. Carry your emergency card at all times. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for advice. Store this medicine in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
No dose adjustment is required for elderly patients based on age alone. However, elderly patients may have reduced renal or hepatic function and should be monitored closely. The safety and efficacy of this medicine in patients over 65 years are supported by clinical trial data, but individual response may vary.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor before starting or continuing this medicine. There are limited data on its use in pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks. Effective contraception is recommended during treatment if you are of childbearing potential.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medicine before any surgery. There is no specific guidance on stopping this medicine before surgery, but your doctor will advise based on your condition. Monitor for any signs of infection after surgery.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. There is no known interaction with dental anesthetics or procedures. Maintain good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of infections.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Regular physical activity is encouraged, but avoid exercising in cold, dry air or areas with high pollution. Warm up before exercise and cool down afterward. If exercise triggers asthma symptoms, use your rescue inhaler as prescribed. Consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to work or drive. However, if you experience fatigue or dizziness after injection, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you feel well. You may need to schedule your monthly injection around your work schedule. Discuss any work-related concerns with your doctor.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine without consulting your doctor. If you experience serious side effects or your condition worsens, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will decide whether to continue, adjust, or stop the treatment based on your response and any adverse effects.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine has been studied in clinical trials for up to several years. It is generally well tolerated. Continued monitoring of asthma control, eosinophil counts, and any signs of infection or allergic reactions is recommended. There is no evidence of cumulative toxicity. However, long-term suppression of eosinophils may theoretically affect immune responses to certain infections. Regular follow-up with your doctor is essential.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
First-line controller therapy for asthma. This medicine is added when asthma is not controlled on these.
Evidence: Well-establishedUsed for acute exacerbations and severe asthma, but long-term use has significant side effects. This medicine can help reduce oral corticosteroid dependence.
Evidence: Well-establishedAlternative biologic therapies targeting different pathways in severe asthma.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
Live vaccines should not be administered during treatment with this medicine. Inactivated vaccines are generally safe, but consult your doctor for appropriate timing. Consider vaccination against varicella-zoster virus before starting treatment if you are at risk of shingles.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze.
✅ DO
Keep the pre-filled pen or syringe in its original carton to protect from light.
❌ DON'T
Do not remove the cap until ready to administer.
✅ DO
If needed, keep at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 7 days.
❌ DON'T
Do not return to the refrigerator after warming to room temperature.
✅ DO
Discard if not used within 7 days after removal from the refrigerator.
❌ DON'T
Do not use if the medicine is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling with this medicine, carry it in its original packaging with the prescription label. Keep it in a cool, insulated bag with ice packs to maintain refrigeration between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze. Carry a copy of your prescription and a doctor's letter explaining the need for the medicine, especially for air travel. Check with the airline about carrying injectable medicines. If crossing time zones, consult your doctor about adjusting the dosing schedule. Do not leave the medicine in a hot car or in checked luggage.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: Reduction in blood eosinophils can be seen within 24 hours, but clinical improvement in asthma may take several weeks. You may notice fewer exacerbations after 2 to 3 months of treatment.
A: This medicine is given as a subcutaneous injection, usually in the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. It is typically administered by a healthcare professional once every 4 weeks.
A: Common side effects include headache, injection site reactions, back pain, and fatigue. These are usually mild and resolve on their own.
A: There are limited data on the use of this medicine in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Consult your doctor.
A: The safety and efficacy in children under 6 years for asthma and under 12 years for HES have not been established. Consult a pediatrician.
A: Contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
A: This medicine has no known major interactions with other medicines, but live vaccines should be avoided. Always inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
A: Store in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep in the original carton to protect from light. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 7 days if needed.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for nucala injection
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can be used as a rescue inhaler during an asthma attack.
Fact: This medicine is not a rescue medicine. It is a maintenance treatment and should not be used to relieve sudden breathing problems. Always use your rescue inhaler for acute symptoms. - Myth: This medicine can cure asthma.
Fact: This medicine helps control asthma symptoms and reduces exacerbations, but it does not cure asthma. It should be used as part of a comprehensive asthma management plan. - Myth: This medicine weakens the immune system and causes frequent infections.
Fact: This medicine targets a specific pathway involved in eosinophilic inflammation. It does not broadly suppress the immune system. However, it may slightly increase the risk of certain infections like shingles.