Drugs List

Therapeutic Indications

Uses

Severe eosinophilic asthma: Add-on maintenance treatment

Administration

For subcutaneous injection.

Pre-filled pen, pre-filled syringe
Following appropriate training in injection technique, mepolizumab pre-filled pens and pre-filled syringes may be self-administered by the patient into the abdomen or thigh or administered by a caregiver into the patient's upper arm.

Contraindications

Children under 6 years
Breastfeeding
Hereditary fructose intolerance

Precautions and Warnings

Susceptibility to helminth infections
Pregnancy

Not suitable for acute treatment of asthma
Avoid abrupt withdrawal of concurrent corticosteroids
Not all formulations are suitable for use in children under 12 years
Treat helminth infection before initiation of therapy
Treatment to be prescribed under the supervision of a specialist
Contains polysorbate
Preparation contains sucrose
Discard part-used vials
For single patient use only
For subcutaneous use only
Record name and batch number of administered product
Self-admin. - only if adequately trained and have access to expert advice
Monitor retreated patients for symptoms of delayed hypersensitivity
Review treatment at least every 12 months
Consider temporary discontinuation if helminth infection occurs
Advise patient to consult physician if condition worsens / does not improve

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy

Use mepolizumab with caution during pregnancy.

The manufacturer recommends mepolizumab is not used in pregnancy unless the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the foetus. At the time of writing there is limited human data available. Risks are unknown. Animal data suggest that mepolizumab crosses the placenta however there is no indication of reproductive toxicity.

Lactation

Mepolizumab is contraindicated during breastfeeding.

The manufacturer advises discontinuing breastfeeding or discontinuing mepolizumab. There is limited data regarding the excretion of mepolizumab in human milk. As per animal data report levels of mepolizumab in milk is less than 0.5% of those in plasma.

Side Effects

Anaphylaxis
Angioedema
Back pain
Bronchospasm
Eczema
Flushing
Headache
Hypersensitivity reactions
Hypotension
Local reaction at injection site
Lower respiratory tract infection
Myalgia
Nasal congestion
Pharyngitis
Pyrexia
Rash
Upper abdominal pain
Urinary tract infections
Urticaria

Presentation

Injections of mepolizumab.

Drugs List

Therapeutic Indications

Uses

Severe eosinophilic asthma: Add-on maintenance treatment

Dosage

Adults

Children

Administration

For subcutaneous injection.

Pre-filled pen, pre-filled syringe
Following appropriate training in injection technique, mepolizumab pre-filled pens and pre-filled syringes may be self-administered by the patient into the abdomen or thigh or administered by a caregiver into the patient's upper arm.

Contraindications

Children under 6 years
Breastfeeding
Hereditary fructose intolerance

Precautions and Warnings

Susceptibility to helminth infections
Pregnancy

Not suitable for acute treatment of asthma
Avoid abrupt withdrawal of concurrent corticosteroids
Not all formulations are suitable for use in children under 12 years
Treat helminth infection before initiation of therapy
Treatment to be prescribed under the supervision of a specialist
Contains polysorbate
Preparation contains sucrose
Discard part-used vials
For single patient use only
For subcutaneous use only
Record name and batch number of administered product
Self-admin. - only if adequately trained and have access to expert advice
Monitor retreated patients for symptoms of delayed hypersensitivity
Review treatment at least every 12 months
Consider temporary discontinuation if helminth infection occurs
Advise patient to consult physician if condition worsens / does not improve

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy

Use mepolizumab with caution during pregnancy.

The manufacturer recommends mepolizumab is not used in pregnancy unless the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the foetus. At the time of writing there is limited human data available. Risks are unknown. Animal data suggest that mepolizumab crosses the placenta however there is no indication of reproductive toxicity.

Lactation

Mepolizumab is contraindicated during breastfeeding.

The manufacturer advises discontinuing breastfeeding or discontinuing mepolizumab. There is limited data regarding the excretion of mepolizumab in human milk. As per animal data report levels of mepolizumab in milk is less than 0.5% of those in plasma.

Side Effects

Anaphylaxis
Angioedema
Back pain
Bronchospasm
Eczema
Flushing
Headache
Hypersensitivity reactions
Hypotension
Local reaction at injection site
Lower respiratory tract infection
Myalgia
Nasal congestion
Pharyngitis
Pyrexia
Rash
Upper abdominal pain
Urinary tract infections
Urticaria

Overdosage

It is strongly recommended that the UK National Poisons Information Service be consulted on cases of suspected or actual overdose where there is doubt over the degree of risk or about appropriate management.

The following number will direct the caller to the relevant local centre (0844) 892 0111

Information may be obtained if you have access to ToxBase the primary clinical toxicology database of the National Poisons Information Service. This is available via password on the internet ( www.toxbase.org ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( www.toxbasebackup.org ).

Further Information

Last Full Review Date: November 2020

Reference Sources

Summary of Product Characteristics: Nucala 100 mg powder for solution for injection. GlaxoSmithKline Trading Services Limited. Revised August 2020.

Summary of Product Characteristics: Nucala 100 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen. GlaxoSmithKline Trading Services Limited. Revised August 2020.

Summary of Product Characteristics: Nucala 100 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe. GlaxoSmithKline Trading Services Limited. Revised August 2020.