Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Mepolizumab may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
Nucala contains the active substance mepolizumab, a monoclonal antibody, a type of protein designed to recognise a specific target substance in the body. It is used to treat severe asthma in adults, adolescents and children aged 6 years and older. Some people with severe asthma have too many eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood and lungs. This condition is called eosinophilic asthma – the type of asthma Nucala can treat. Nucala can reduce the number of asthma attacks, if the child is already using medicines such as high dose inhalers, but their asthma is not well controlled by these medicines. If the child is taking medicines called oral corticosteroids, Nucala can also help reduce the daily dose they need to control their asthma. Mepolizumab, the active substance in Nucala, blocks a protein called interleukin-5. By blocking the action of this protein, it limits the production of eosinophils from the bone marrow and lowers the number of eosinophils in the bloodstream and the lungs. 2.
e Nucala
Do not use Nucala: if the child you are caring for is allergic to mepolizumab or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
Check with your doctor if you think this applies to the child. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor before using this medicine. Worsening asthma Some people get asthma-related side effects, or their asthma may become worse, during treatment with Nucala. Tell your doctor or nurse if the child's asthma remains uncontrolled, or gets worse, after starting Nucala treatment. Allergic and injection site reactions Medicines of this type (monoclonal antibodies) can cause severe allergic reactions when injected into the body (see section 4, 'Possible side effects'). If the child may have had a similar reaction to any injection or medicine: Tell your doctor before you give Nucala. Parasitic infections Nucala may weaken the child's resistance to infections caused by parasites. If they already have a parasitic infection; it should be treated before they start treatment with Nucala. If they live in a region where these infections are common or if they are travelling to such a region: Check with your doctor if you think any of these may apply to the child. Children and adolescents This medicine is not intended for use in children below 6 years of age. Other medicines and Nucala Tell your doctor if the child is taking, has recently taken or might take any other medicines. Other medicines for asthma
Don't suddenly stop giving the child's preventer medicines for their asthma once they have
started Nucala. These medicines (especially ones called oral corticosteroids) must be stopped gradually, under the direct supervision of your doctor and dependent on their response to Nucala.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding Patients who are pregnant, think they may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, must ask their doctor for advice before using this medicine. It is not known whether the ingredients of Nucala can pass into breast milk. Patients who are breast-feeding must check with their doctor before using Nucala. Driving and using machines The possible side effects of Nucala are unlikely to affect the ability to drive or use machines. Nucala contains polysorbate This medicine contains 0.08 mg of polysorbate per 40 mg dose. Polysorbates may cause allergic reactions. Tell your doctor if the child has any known allergies. Nucala contains sodium
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 40 mg dose, i.e., that is to say essentially "sodium-free". 3.
Nucala
Nucala is given by injection just under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Your doctor or nurse will decide if you can inject Nucala for the child you are caring for. If appropriate, they will then provide training to show you the correct way to use Nucala. The recommended dose for children aged 6 to 11 years old is 40 mg. You will give 1 injection every four weeks. Instructions for using the pre-filled syringe are given on the other side of this leaflet. If you use more Nucala than you should If you think you have injected too much Nucala, contact your doctor for advice. If a dose of Nucala is missed You can inject the next dose of Nucala as soon as you remember. If you do not notice that you have missed a dose until it is already time to give the next dose, then just inject the next dose as planned. If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. Stopping treatment with Nucala Do not stop injections of Nucala unless your doctor advises you to. Interrupting or stopping the treatment with Nucala may cause the child's asthma symptoms and attacks to come back. If the child's asthma symptoms get worse while receiving injections of Nucala: Call your doctor If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. 4.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The side effects caused by Nucala are usually mild to moderate but can occasionally be serious. Allergic reactions Some people may have allergic or allergic-like reactions. These reactions may be common (they can affect up to 1 in 10 people). They usually occur within minutes to hours after the injection, but sometimes symptoms can start up to several days later. Symptoms can include: • chest tightness, cough, difficulty breathing • fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (due to a drop in blood pressure) • swelling of eyelids, face, lips, tongue or mouth • hives • rash
Seek medical attention immediately if you think the child may be having a reaction. If the child may have had a similar reaction to any injection or medicine: Tell your doctor before the child is given Nucala Other side effects include: Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people
How to store Nucala
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use Nucala after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Store in the original package in order to protect from light. The Nucala pre-filled syringe can be removed from the refrigerator and kept in its unopened carton for up to 7 days at room temperature (up to 30°C), when protected from light. Discard if left out of the refrigerator for more than 7 days. 6.
Nucala
• • • •
Keep refrigerated before use. Do not freeze Keep the pre-filled syringe in the carton to protect from light. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Know the pre-filled syringe Before Use
After Use
White plunger White finger grip Stopper Inspection window (medicine inside) Automatic needle guard Needle cap inside)
(needle After use, the automatic needle guard is activated and pulls up (retracts) the needle
Prepare 1. Get ready what you need Find a comfortable, well-lit and clean surface. Make sure you have within reach:
2. Take out the pre-filled syringe Security seals
Peel off the plastic cover
Make sure the security seals are not broken
Take the syringe out of the tray
3. Inspect and wait 30 minutes before use
Exp: Month-Year
Check the expiry date
Check the medicine
Wait 30 minutes
Do not use if the expiry date has passed. Do not warm the syringe in a microwave, hot water, or direct sunlight. Do not inject if the solution looks cloudy or discoloured, or has particles. Do not use the syringe if left out of the carton for more than 8 hours. Do not remove the needle cap during this step.
4. Choose the injection site
Inject the child's upper arm or abdomen or thighs
5. Clean the injection site
Do not touch the cleaned injection site again until you have finished the injection.
Inject 6. Remove the needle cap
Pull off the needle cap
Do not let the needle touch any surface. Do not touch the needle. Do not touch the plunger at this stage, as you can accidentally push liquid out and will not give the full dose. Do not expel any air bubbles from the syringe. Do not put the needle cap back onto the syringe. This could cause a needle injury.
7. Start the injection
45°
Slowly push down
Make sure the white plunger is Slowly raise your thumb fully down
Dispose
9. Dispose of the used syringe
What Nucala contains The active substance is mepolizumab. Each 0.4 mL pre-filled syringe contains 40 mg of mepolizumab. The other ingredients are sucrose, sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, citric acid monohydrate, polysorbate 80 (E 433), disodium edetate, water for injections. What Nucala looks like and contents of the pack Nucala is supplied as a 0.4 mL clear to opalescent, colourless to pale yellow to pale brown solution in a single use pre-filled syringe. Nucala is available in a pack containing 1 pre-filled syringe or in multipacks comprised of 3 x 1 pre-filled syringes. Marketing Authorisation Holder GlaxoSmithKline UK Limited 79 New Oxford Street London WC1A 1DG United Kingdom Manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline Manufacturing S.P.A Strada Provinciale Asolana, No 90 43056 San Polo di Torrile, Parma Italy Or Glaxo Operations UK Ltd Harmire Road Barnard Castle County Durham, DL12 8DT United Kingdom Other formats: To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:
0800 198 5000 (UK Only) Please be ready to give the following information: Product name Nucala 40mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe Reference number 19494/0303 This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People. This leaflet was last revised in 03/2025 Trademarks are owned by or licenced to the GSK group of companies. © 2025 GSK group of companies or its licensor.
7. Step by step instructions for using the 40 mg pre-filled syringe Administer once every 4 weeks. Follow these instructions on how to use the pre-filled syringe. Failure to follow these instructions may affect proper function of the pre-filled syringe. You must also receive training on how to use the pre-filled syringe. Nucala pre-filled syringe is for use under the skin only (subcutaneous).
Nucala 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe comes as injection containing 40mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Nucala 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe is mepolizumab.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Nucala 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Nucala is indicated as an add-on treatment for severe refractory eosinophilic asthma in children aged 6 to 11 years old (see section 5.1).
Nucala should be prescribed by physicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of severe refractory eosinophilic asthma.
Posology
Children aged 6 to 11 years old
The recommended dose of mepolizumab is 40 mg administered subcutaneously once every 4 weeks.
Nucala is intended for long-term treatment. The need for continued therapy is to be considered at least on an annual basis as determined by physician assessment of the patient's disease severity and level of control of exacerbations.
Special populations
Renal and hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment is required in patients with renal or hepatic impairment (see section 5.2).
Paediatric population
Children aged 6 to 11 years old
Nucala 100 mg powder for solution for injection and 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe are appropriate for administration to this population.
Nucala 100 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen and 100 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe are not indicated for administration to this population.
Children less than 6 years old
The safety and efficacy of mepolizumab in children less than 6 years old have not yet been established.
No data are available.
Method of administration
The pre-filled syringe must be used for subcutaneous injection only.
Nucala must be administered by a healthcare professional or a caregiver. It may be administered by a caregiver if a healthcare professional determines that it is appropriate, and the caregiver is trained in injection techniques.
The recommended injection sites are the upper arm, abdomen or thigh.
Comprehensive instructions for subcutaneous administration of Nucala in a pre-filled syringe are provided in the instructions for use in the package leaflet.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Traceability
In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.
Asthma exacerbations
Mepolizumab should not be used to treat acute asthma exacerbations.
Asthma-related adverse symptoms or exacerbations may occur during treatment. Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if their asthma remains uncontrolled or worsens after initiation of treatment.
Corticosteroids
Abrupt discontinuation of corticosteroids after initiation of mepolizumab therapy is not recommended. Reduction in corticosteroid doses, if required, must be gradual and performed under the supervision of a physician.
Hypersensitivity and administration-related reactions
Acute and delayed systemic reactions, including hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis, urticaria, angioedema, rash, bronchospasm, hypotension), have occurred following administration of mepolizumab. These reactions generally occur within hours of administration, but in some instances have a delayed onset (i.e., typically within several days). These reactions may occur for the first time after a long duration of treatment (see section 4.8). In the event of a hypersensitivity reaction, appropriate treatment as clinically indicated must be initiated.
Parasitic infections
Eosinophils may be involved in the immunological response to some helminth infections. Patients with pre-existing helminth infections should be treated before starting therapy. If patients become infected whilst receiving treatment with mepolizumab and do not respond to anti-helminth treatment, temporary discontinuation of therapy should be considered.
Excipients
This medicinal product contains polysorbate 80 (see section 2), which may cause allergic reactions.
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per 100 mg dose,that is to say essentially “sodium-free”.
No interaction studies have been performed.
Cytochrome P450 enzymes, efflux pumps and protein-binding mechanisms are not involved in the clearance of mepolizumab. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-6), via interaction with their cognate receptors on hepatocytes, have been shown to suppress the formation of CYP450 enzymes and drug transporters, however, elevation of systemic pro-inflammatory markers in severe refractory eosinophilic asthma is minimal and there is no evidence of IL-5 receptor alpha expression on hepatocytes. The potential for interactions with mepolizumab is therefore considered low.
Pregnancy
There is a limited amount of data (less than 300 pregnancy outcomes) from the use of mepolizumab in pregnant women.
Mepolizumab crosses the placental barrier in monkeys. Animal studies do not indicate reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). The potential for harm to a human fetus is unknown.
As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of Nucala during pregnancy. Administration of Nucala to pregnant women should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the fetus.
Breast-feeding
There are no data regarding the excretion of mepolizumab in human milk. However, mepolizumab was excreted into the milk of cynomolgus monkeys at concentrations of less than 0.5% of those detected in plasma.
A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue Nucala therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.
Fertility
There are no fertility data in humans. Animal studies showed no adverse effects of anti-IL5 treatment on fertility (see section 5.3).
Nucala has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Summary of the safety profile
In placebo-controlled studies in adult and adolescent patients with severe refractory eosinophilic asthma, the most commonly reported adverse reactions during treatment were headache (20%), injection site reactions (8%) and back pain (6%).
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The table below presents the adverse reactions from placebo-controlled severe eosinophilic asthma studies from patients receiving mepolizumab 100 mg subcutaneously (SC) (n= 263) and from spontaneous post-marketing reports. Safety data is also available from open-label extension studies in severe refractory eosinophilic asthma patients (n=998) treated for a median of 2.8 years (range 4 weeks to 4.5 years).
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention: very common (≥1/10); common (≥1/100 to <1/10); uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); very rare (<1/10,000); and not known (cannot be estimated from available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
System Organ Class
Adverse reactions
Frequency
Infections and infestations
Lower respiratory tract infection
Urinary tract infection
Pharyngitis
Herpes zoster**
Common
Uncommon
Immune system disorders
Hypersensitivity reactions (systemic allergic)*
Anaphylaxis**
Common
Rare
Nervous system disorders
Headache
Very common
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Nasal congestion
Common
Gastrointestinal disorders
Abdominal pain upper
Common
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Eczema
Common
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Back pain
Arthralgia**
Common
General disorders and administration site conditions
Administration-related reactions (systemic non allergic)***
Local injection site reactions
Pyrexia
Common
* Systemic reactions including hypersensitivity have been reported at an overall incidence comparable to that of placebo in the severe eosinophilic asthma studies. For examples of the associated manifestations reported and a description of the time to onset, see section 4.4.
**From spontaneous post marketing reporting.
*** The most common manifestations associated with reports of systemic non-allergic administration-related reactions from patients in the severe eosinophilic asthma studies were rash, flushing and myalgia; these manifestations were reported infrequently and in <1% of patients receiving mepolizumab 100 mg subcutaneously.
Description of selected adverse reactions
Local injection site reactions
In placebo-controlled studies the incidence of local injection site reactions with mepolizumab 100 mg subcutaneous and placebo was 8% and 3%, respectively. These events were all non-serious, mild to moderate in intensity and the majority resolved within a few days. Local injection site reactions occurred mainly at the start of treatment and within the first 3 injections with fewer reports on subsequent injections. The most common manifestations reported with these events included pain, erythema, swelling, itching, and burning sensation.
Paediatric population
Thirty-seven adolescents (aged 12-17) were enrolled in four placebo-controlled studies (25 mepolizumab treated intravenously or subcutaneously) of 24 to 52 weeks duration. Thirty -six paediatric patients (aged 6-11) received mepolizumab subcutaneously in an open-label study for 12 weeks. After a treatment interruption of 8 weeks, 30 of these patients, received mepolizumab for a further 52 weeks. The safety profile was similar to that seen in adults. No additional adverse reactions were identified.
In addition, the long-term safety of mepolizumab was assessed in 9 adolescent patients (aged 12-17) and 15 paediatric patients (aged 6-11) who were enrolled in an open-label extension study (201956). In this study, patients received mepolizumab subcutaneously and were followed for up to 6.4 years. The safety profile was similar to that seen in pivotal asthma studies. No additional adverse reactions were identified.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via:
United Kingdom
Yellow Card Scheme website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store
Single doses of up to 1,500 mg were administered intravenously in a clinical trial to patients with eosinophilic disease without evidence of dose-related toxicities.
There is no specific treatment for an overdose with mepolizumab. If overdose occurs, it is recommended that the patient be treated supportively with appropriate monitoring as necessary.
Further management should be as clinically indicated or as recommended by the national poisons centre, where available.
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
Ask anything about Nucala 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
We use essential cookies to make the site work. We would also like to set optional cookies to understand how the site is used, so we can improve it. We will not set optional cookies unless you accept. See our cookie policy and privacy policy.