Mepolizumab (1 brand name, 1 dosage form, 2 routes)
Available dosage forms: INJECTABLE.
Routes of administration: SUBCUTANEOUS LYOPHILIZED POWER, SUBCUTANEOUS.
Brand Names
- NUCALA
Contraindications
NUCALA is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to mepolizumab or excipients in the formulation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Description (11)].
Adverse Reactions
The following adverse reactions are described in greater detail in other sections: •Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] •Opportunistic infections: herpes zoster [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
Drug Interactions
Formal drug interaction trials have not been performed with NUCALA.
Mechanism of Action
Mepolizumab is an IL-5 antagonist (IgG1 kappa). IL-5 is the major cytokine responsible for the growth and differentiation, recruitment, activation, and survival of eosinophils. Mepolizumab binds to IL-5 with a dissociation constant of 100 pM, inhibiting the bioactivity of IL-5 by blocking its binding to the alpha chain of the IL-5 receptor complex expressed on the eosinophil cell surface. Inflammation is an important component in the pathogenesis of asthma, CRSwNP, COPD, EGPA, and HES. Multiple cell types (e.g., mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes) and mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, cytokines) are involved in inflammation. Mepolizumab, by inhibiting IL-5 signaling, reduces the production and survival of eosinophils; however, the mechanism of mepolizumab action in asthma, CRSwNP, COPD, EGPA, and HES has not been definitively established.
Overdosage
There is no specific treatment for an overdose with mepolizumab. If overdose occurs, the patient should be treated supportively with appropriate monitoring as necessary. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.