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How long does it take for Nucala to work?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 28, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Nucala starts working within 48 hours; however, it may take up to 4 weeks before the maximum effect of Nucala is seen for both asthma and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). In asthma, the greatest reductions in eosinophils were seen with higher dosages, for example, a 64% reduction in eosinophils was seen with a 12.5mg SC dose and a 90% reduction was seen with a 250mg SC dose after 48 hours. When used to treat COPD, Nucala reduced the number of yearly COPD exacerbations compared to placebo (an inactive treatment).

Nucala (mepolizumab) is a biologic that is administered by subcutaneous injection once every four weeks.

It is approved as:

In trials of people with eosinophilic asthma:

In trials of people with EGPA blood eosinophil levels were reduced by 83% (down to 38 cells/mcL) with mepolizumab 300mg every 4 weeks.

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