Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about NUCALA

Need more information? Along with the help of your doctor, our nurses are here to talk to you about NUCALA. 844-4-NUCALA (844-468-2252).

General At-home administration Autoinjector Prefilled syringe

General

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  • What is NUCALA?

    NUCALA is a prescription medicine for the treatment of hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) in people who are 12 years old or older.

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  • What are the benefits of NUCALA for HES?

    If you and your doctor decide on NUCALA to treat your hypereosinophilic syndrome, it can help:

    • Protect you from flares*
    • Reduce fatigue†

    Results may vary.

    *Flares were defined as worsening of signs and symptoms of HES or an increase in blood eosinophils (on at least 2 exams) that required increased steroids or increase/addition of other HES therapy.
    †In a study, patients reported an improvement in their worst level of fatigue compared to those not taking NUCALA.

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  • Why might I need NUCALA?

    NUCALA targets one of the key causes of HES: eosinophils. Together, you and your doctor will decide if NUCALA is right for you.

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  • I’m already taking other medicines. Can I also be on NUCALA?

    NUCALA is a prescription medicine that may be used with other medicines for the treatment of HES. You should talk to your doctor about all medicines you are taking.

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  • What are the side effects of NUCALA?

    NUCALA can cause serious side effects, including:

    • Allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, including anaphylaxis. Serious allergic reactions can happen after you get your NUCALA injection. Allergic reactions can sometimes happen hours or days after you get a dose of NUCALA. Tell your doctor or get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:
      • Swelling of your face, mouth, and tongue
      • Breathing problems
      • Fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure)
      • Rash
      • Hives
    • Herpes zoster infections that can cause shingles have happened in people who received NUCALA

    The most common side effects of NUCALA include: headache, injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, itching, or a burning feeling at the injection site), back pain, and tiredness (fatigue).

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  • What information should I share with my doctor before taking NUCALA?

    Before receiving NUCALA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you: 

    • Are taking oral or inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Do not stop taking your other medicines, including your corticosteroid medicines, unless instructed by your doctor because this may cause other symptoms to come back.
    • Have a parasitic (helminth) infection.
    • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if NUCALA may harm your unborn baby.
    • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You and your doctor should decide if you will use NUCALA and breastfeed. You should not do both without talking with your doctor first.
    • Are taking prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

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  • What happens when you have hypereosinophilic syndrome?

    When you have HES, your eosinophils [ee-uh-sin-uh-fils] are elevated. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that is a normal part of your immune system. Elevated levels of eosinophils can cause inflammation throughout your body. This inflammation can worsen and cause an HES flare.

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At-home administration

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  • Whom do I contact if I need help with my injection?

    Your doctor will be able to help you with any more questions you might have.

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  • What do I do if I miss a dose?

    You or your caregiver should inject a dose (300 mg, administered as 3 separate 100-mg injections) of NUCALA as soon as you remember. Then, continue (resume) your injection on your regular dosing schedule. If you do not notice that you have missed a dose until it is time for your next scheduled dose, then just inject the next scheduled dose as planned. If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.

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  • How do I store my Autoinjector/prefilled syringe?

    Store in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Keep in the original carton until time of use to protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not shake. Keep away from heat. If necessary, an unopened carton can be stored outside the refrigerator at up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 7 days. Safely throw away the Autoinjector/prefilled syringe if the unopened carton is left out of the refrigerator for more than 7 days. Autoinjectors/prefilled syringes must be used within 8 hours after you take them out of the carton. Safely throw away if not used within 8 hours. Keep NUCALA and all medicines out of the reach of children.

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  • What if I’m going on a trip or vacation and need to take my NUCALA with me?

    Store in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Keep the original carton until time of use to protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not shake. Keep away from heat. If necessary, an unopened carton can be stored outside the refrigerator at up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 7 days. Safely throw away the Autoinjector/prefilled syringe if the unopened carton is left out of the refrigerator for more than 7 days.

    Autoinjectors/prefilled syringes must be used within 8 hours after you take them out of the carton. Safely throw away if not used within 8 hours. Keep NUCALA and all medicines out of the reach of children.

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  • What should I do if a security seal on the carton is broken?

    Do not use the Autoinjector/prefilled syringe. Contact GSK at 1-888-825-5249.

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Autoinjector

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Prefilled syringe

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Injections

The NUCALA Autoinjector

Curious about taking your medication at home? Learn about the at-home administration option.

See the Autoinjector