Nucala and Flu-Like Symptoms: What Users Say

• Nik...
• May 24, 2019

For Asthma "After being on prednisone for years and no improvement. Nothing to lose but to try Nucala. Well, it has helped tremendously. My breathing issues, stuffy nose, and tons of mucus have stopped. However, after the first needle, I noticed I have flu-like symptoms. I thought I was having the flu. After the second needle, the doctor said to continue Nucala. While it improved my asthma, I am having severe back pain and pain all over my body. I am actually suffering in pain. Can someone please let me know if anyone else is having the same side effects, so I can prove to my doctor it is not in my head? While I like that my asthma has improved, I am suffering and cannot walk due to pain everywhere in my body. Please let me know if there is someone else experiencing this. Thanks."

• Sid...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2019

For Asthma "I have had 2 shots of Nucala over the past 5 weeks. It improved my asthma immediately. I estimate within a couple of hours the mucus, congestion, and infection in my respiratory system had gone completely. However, the side effects for me have possibly been even worse. Since the first injection, I have had constant arthritic pain in my feet, back, and jaw. I've also had the worst gout attack in my life. This pain has been nothing like I've previously experienced, and it's affected my lifestyle significantly. I also have minor flu-like symptoms. Although this is relatively mild, it's constant. I won't go away. I honestly don't know if I will be able to continue on Nucala. I'll need to make a call on that over the next 3 weeks. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?"

• Msb...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 13, 2020

For Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis "I have eosinophilic asthma and took Xolair for 10 years until it started to cause severe back pain and leg pain. I stopped the Xolair, and the pain went away entirely. I started the Nucala in January 2019, and at first, it worked like a charm for the asthma, but I always had some type of flu-like symptoms. As time went on, the Nucala became less and less effective, and I am still having what feels like a constant flu-like virus all the time, some anxiety, and constant stomach aches. After the last shot, I developed shingles within a day and a half after the shot. I truly believe these monoclonal antibody therapies (Xolair, Nucala, Fasenra, etc.) are decreasing our immune systems and creating a more immunosuppressed environment. I am not sure what I am going to do at this point, but I hope I am not doing more harm than good to my body."

• Sid...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2019

For Asthma "I have had 2 injections of Nucala, within the past 5 weeks (4 weeks apart) as part of a 6-month trial here in Sydney, Australia. I reckon within maybe 2-3 hours of the first injection, most of my asthma/respiratory infection symptoms had gone. Prior to that, I had suffered years of chronic sinus and chest infections. But... since I've had the Nucala, I've had the worst 'arthritis'-like symptoms in my feet (especially) and lower back. TBH, there are days I can hardly walk. I can't exercise at all due to the pain and inconvenience. I also have the flu-like symptoms others have mentioned on this blog. I am now thinking of removing myself from the trial, as the side effects are worse than the original problem. Keen to hear if anyone else has had a similar problem."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 26, 2020

For Asthma "I have been taking Nucala for 9 months. I have severe persistent eosinophilic asthma. My asthma had a rapid onset and began about 2 years ago. I was completely healthy prior. I was using a nebulizer every 2-3 hours around the clock and on 02 at 3-5L because my airways were so tight. 10 days after the first injection, I was no longer requiring oxygen or neb treatments. Over the course of treatment, I've had a few minor setbacks, but they've been small in comparison to what I was living prior. The first couple of months, I had bad headaches and some backaches, but both resolved with ibuprofen. I get tired and flu-like at times, but a short rest usually takes care of that. I have minor skin issues, and my hair has thinned a bit, but those are things that I'm willing to deal with to have my life back. I can take my grandbaby on walks in her stroller and not be gasping for air. Nucala has been life-changing for me."

• EDa...
• June 3, 2019

For Asthma "Nucala works as intended, keeping me from very bad exacerbations. Side effects are a bit tough for me, as I feel tired and experience flu-like symptoms. I tend to get more chest infections, like 6 a year vs. 1 a year. Maybe it's the medicine interaction in my lungs causing more sensitivity to the cold. I guess that's better than the alternative emergency room visit due to severe asthma."