All medications

Biologics

Mepolizumab

Brand names: Nucala

An IL-5 blocker that lowers eosinophils, used for EGPA and severe asthma.

Video lesson

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Mepolizumab
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Animated explainer

Immune cellTarget cellIL-5Medicine
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How it works · Blocking IL-5
Immune cells release IL-5

IL-5 is a chemical messenger. Overactive immune cells release it to call in more inflammation.

What it’s used for

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, severe eosinophilic asthma and nasal polyps.

How it works

It neutralizes IL-5, the messenger eosinophils need to grow and survive.

How it’s taken

A monthly injection under the skin.

Side effects

Headache, injection-site reactions and back pain. Rarely, allergic reactions or shingles.

Monitoring

Eosinophil counts and asthma control.

Good to know

It can reduce relapses and steroid needs in EGPA.

← Canakinumab

Tofacitinib →

At a glance

Class

Biologics

Brand names

Nucala

Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR

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