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EspañolNucala (mepolizumab) is a prescription injection used as a maintenance treatment in patients with severe asthma that involves the presence of eosinophils. Nucala can also be used to treat people who have sinus conditions involving nasal polyps, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
This is a limited availability drug and is not available at most pharmacies
We recommend contacting your insurance company about the availability of this drug.
About Nucala
Nucala (mepolizumab) is a prescription injection used as a maintenance treatment in patients with severe asthma that involves the presence of eosinophils. Nucala can also be used to treat people who have sinus conditions involving nasal polyps, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA; a rare form of vasculitis), or hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). Nucala is a specialty drug and is either given by a healthcare professional at a healthcare facility or self-administered by the patient at home and provided by a specialty pharmacy rather than your local pharmacy.
About Nucala
Nucala (mepolizumab) is a prescription injection used as a maintenance treatment in patients with severe asthma that involves the presence of eosinophils. Nucala can also be used to treat people who have sinus conditions involving nasal polyps, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA; a rare form of vasculitis), or hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). Nucala is a specialty drug and is either given by a healthcare professional at a healthcare facility or self-administered by the patient at home and provided by a specialty pharmacy rather than your local pharmacy.
Nucala FAQs
How much does Nucala cost without insurance?
The list price for one dose of Nucala for self-injection is about $3,581, according to the manufacturer. However, the dose and cost depend on the condition you are treating. The manufacturer also notes that the list price is not the price that most people pay.
How much does Nucala cost with insurance?
You will start by signing up for the MyNucala Patient Support Program. After enrollment, the program will assist with coverage and cost information, help determine eligibility for financial assistance programs, provide support from a nurse, and send mobile text reminders.
Your cost for Nucala will vary based on your individual insurance plan, its formulary, and the coverage state you are in. The Gateway to Nucala program works with patients to understand coverage details and estimate out-of-pocket costs.
Where can I get Nucala?
You will get this medication either at a healthcare provider’s office or from a specialty pharmacy. There are various specialty pharmacies that participate in the specialty pharmacy network for Nucala. The specific pharmacy will depend on your insurance.
Does Medicare cover Nucala and how much does it cost?
Medicare prescription drug programs may or may not cover Nucala. In most cases, the doctor will need to fill out paperwork for prior authorization to prove that the medicine is medically necessary. Medicare Part B may cover part of the cost if you receive Nucala in a healthcare facility. When you register with the MyNucala Patient Support Program, they will provide more information about costs with your specific Medicare insurance plan.
Is there a generic of Nucala?
Nucala is a brand-name prescription injection administered by a healthcare professional or self-administered. There is no generic version (or biosimilar) of mepolizumab, the active ingredient in Nucala. Nucala was approved by the FDA in 2015. GlaxoSmithKline is the manufacturer of Nucala.
What is Nucala?
Nucala is a prescription injection medication used as a maintenance treatment in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma, which is asthma that is characterized by a large amount of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the lungs. Eosinophils produce chemicals that cause swelling and airway constriction during an asthma attack.
Nucala does not treat sudden breathing problems.
Consult your healthcare provider for more information, questions, concerns, and medical advice about this medication.
How does Nucala work?
Mepolizumab, the active ingredient in Nucala, is a monoclonal antibody that reduces the number of eosinophils in the blood.
How do I use Nucala?
Nucala is available as an injection or autoinjector pen for subcutaneous (under the skin) injection and is administered every four weeks. Patients who self-inject will receive extensive training on how to prepare and administer Nucala injection. Nucala may be administered by a healthcare professional. It is also supplied by certain specialty pharmacies as a self-injection kit.
What are the side effects of Nucala?
Injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, swelling, itching, and/or burning) are common side effects. Other common side effects of Nucala include, but are not limited to, headache, fatigue, flu symptoms, back pain, abdominal pain, urinary tract infection, and muscle spasms.
Serious side effects of Nucala may include opportunistic infections such as herpes zoster (shingles). Ask your healthcare provider if and when you should get the shingles vaccine.
Allergic reactions to Nucala are rare but could be serious, so if you have hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, get emergency medical help.
This is not a full list of side effects, and others may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for more information about side effects.