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Nucala Side Effects

Generic name: mepolizumab

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 18, 2023.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Nucala Side Effects associated with mepolizumab. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Nucala.

Applies to mepolizumab: subcutaneous powder for solution, subcutaneous solution.

Common side effects of Nucala

Some side effects of mepolizumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • back pain
  • bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
  • difficulty in moving
  • headache
  • joint pain
  • muscle pain or stiffness
  • sore throat

Less common side effects

  • bladder pain
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • chills
  • diarrhea
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • fever
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • loss of appetite
  • lower back or side pain
  • muscle aches or spasms
  • nausea
  • runny nose
  • shivering
  • skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing
  • sweating
  • trouble sleeping
  • upper abdominal or stomach pain
  • vomiting

Serious side effects of Nucala

Along with its needed effects, mepolizumab (the active ingredient contained in Nucala) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking mepolizumab:

Incidence not known

  • blurred vision
  • chest tightness
  • confusion
  • cough
  • difficulty with breathing
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • fast heartbeat
  • hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • noisy breathing
  • painful blisters on the trunk of the body
  • redness of the skin
  • sweating
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
Managing side effects (general information)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to mepolizumab: subcutaneous powder for injection, subcutaneous solution.

General adverse events

The more commonly reported side effects were headache, injection site reactions, and back pain.[Ref]

Nervous system

Dizziness occurred in at least 3% of patients treated with this drug in a controlled, long-term clinical study.[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Many systemic reactions occurred on the day of dosing. Systemic reactions occurred in 10% of patients treated with this drug compared to 7% of placebo-treated patients. Non-allergic reactions occurred in 2% of patients given this drug versus 3% of patients with placebo; allergic systemic reactions occurred in 1% and 2% of patients given this drug or placebo, respectively.

Allergic rhinitis occurred in at least 3% of patients treated with this drug in a controlled, long-term clinical study.[Ref]

Local

Injection site reactions occurred in 8% and 3% of patients given this drug or placebo, respectively. The reactions more commonly occurred within the first 3 injections, with a decrease in frequency on subsequent injections.[Ref]

Immunologic

In a clinical trial, 6% of patients developed anti-mepolizumab antibodies; these antibodies were shown to slightly increase drug clearance, but the clinical relevance is unknown.

Viral infection occurred in at least 3% of patients treated with this drug in a controlled, long-term clinical study.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Rash and herpes zoster occurred in at least 3% of patients treated with this drug in a controlled, long-term clinical study.[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal pain occurred in at least 3% of patients treated with this drug in a controlled, long-term clinical study.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Gastroenteritis, abdominal pain, nausea, toothache, and vomiting occurred in at least 3% of patients treated with this drug in a controlled, long-term clinical study.[Ref]

Other

Asthenia, ear infection, and pyrexia occurred in at least 3% of patients treated with this drug in a controlled, long-term clinical study.[Ref]

Genitourinary

Respiratory

Bronchitis, dyspnea, lower respiratory tract infection, nasal congestion, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, and viral respiratory tract infection occurred in at least 3% of patients treated with this drug in a controlled, long-term clinical study.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Renal

Cystitis occurred in at least 3% of patients treated with this drug in a controlled, long-term clinical study.[Ref]

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

3. (2015) "Product Information. Nucala (mepolizumab)." GlaxoSmithKline

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Nucala side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer