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Can Nucala cause weight gain?

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

Official Answer by Drugs.com

No, weight gain has not been reported as a side effect of Nucala during clinical trials. Corticosteroids such as betamethasone, budesonide, or prednisone, are known to cause weight gain. However, Nucala is not a corticosteroid, it is a biologic that works by binding to cytokines that are small secreted proteins that are involved in cell signaling and interactions.

However, anecdotally, some people have reported a small amount of weight gain on blog sites, although equally as many people report weight loss as well, usually because they no longer need to take as much prednisone.

If you do think you are gaining weight on Nucala, keep a diary that documents your daily diet, amount of exercise, and daily weight gain. Try to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. If there is a clear pattern of weight gain, talk with your doctor.

The most common side effects reported with Nucala were:

Rarely, allergic reactions may occur with Nucala and it may precipitate Shingles.

Nucala (mepolizumab) is approved:

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