MEPOLIZUMAB - INJECTION

MEPOLIZUMAB - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (ME-poe-LIZ-ue-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Nucala

GENERIC NAME(S): mepolizumab

Uses

USES: This medication is used along with other medications to control and prevent symptoms (such as wheezing and shortness of breath) caused by asthma. Controlling symptoms of asthma helps you do your normal activities and decreases time lost from work or school. Mepolizumab works by reducing swelling (inflammation) of the airways in the lungs to make breathing easier. Mepolizumab is also used to treat a certain immune system disease (eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis-EGPA). It helps to control and prevent symptoms (such as wheezing, shortness of breath, runny nose, facial pain) caused by the disease. It works by reducing swelling (inflammation) of the blood vessels and also decreasing the amount of certain white blood cells (eosinophils) which may cause the disease. This medication must be used regularly to be effective. It does not work right away and should not be used to relieve sudden asthma attacks or breathing problems. If an asthma attack occurs, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed.


How to use MEPOLIZUMAB - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using mepolizumab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by injection under the skin into the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually once every 4 weeks. If you are regularly using a corticosteroid medication, you should not stop using it unless directed by your doctor. You may have withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly stopped. Some conditions (such as asthma, allergies) may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. To prevent withdrawal symptoms (such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, muscle pain, headache, tiredness, dizziness), your doctor may direct you to slowly lower the dose of your corticosteroid medication after you begin using this product. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar when you need to receive it each month. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Pain/redness/swelling at injection site or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: muscle ache/pain/spasms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using mepolizumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: infection due to a parasite. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

Reviews

No Reviews Yet


Faq for MEPOLIZUMAB - INJECTION

Mepolizumab is a prescription medication that is used to treat severe eosinophilic asthma, a type of asthma that is characterized by high levels of a certain type of white blood cell called eosinophils.

Mepolizumab works by reducing the number of eosinophils in the blood, which helps to decrease inflammation in the airways and improve asthma symptoms.

Mepolizumab is given as an injection under the skin, usually once every four weeks.

The common side effects of Mepolizumab include headache, injection site reactions, back pain, fatigue, and upper respiratory tract infection.

The effects of Mepolizumab may vary from person to person, but some patients may start to see an improvement in their asthma symptoms within a few weeks of starting treatment.

Yes, Mepolizumab is approved for use in children aged 6 years and older with severe eosinophilic asthma.

The safety of Mepolizumab during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-established, and it is recommended to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider before using this medication.

The duration of Mepolizumab treatment will depend on your individual condition and response to the medication. It is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and continue taking the medication as prescribed.

Yes, Mepolizumab can be used along with other asthma medications such as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators. However, it is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking to avoid any potential drug interactions.

Mepolizumab injection is used to treat severe eosinophilic asthma, a type of asthma characterized by high levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood and airways.

Mepolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets and blocks the activity of interleukin-5 (IL-5), a protein involved in the growth and activation of eosinophils. By reducing the levels of IL-5, Mepolizumab helps to decrease the inflammation and symptoms associated with severe eosinophilic asthma.

Mepolizumab is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once every 4 weeks. It should be administered by a healthcare professional or as directed by your doctor.

The common side effects of Mepolizumab injection may include headache, injection site reactions (such as pain, itching, or redness), back pain, fatigue, and upper respiratory tract infection. It is important to contact your doctor if you experience any severe or persistent side effects.

The response to Mepolizumab injection varies among individuals. Some people may experience improvement in their asthma symptoms within a few weeks, while others may take longer. It is important to continue taking other prescribed asthma medications as directed by your doctor.

Yes, Mepolizumab injection is also approved for use in children aged 6 years and older with severe eosinophilic asthma. The dosage and administration may vary based on the child's weight.

There is limited data on the use of Mepolizumab injection in pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is recommended to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor before using this medication.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.