Mepolizumab is used to treat a severe form of asthma that is caused by high levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood and airways of the lungs.
This medicine may also be used to treat eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (a condition in which there are too many eosinophils in the blood and tissues with inflammation of the blood vessels).
Mepolizumab may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Mepolizumab is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen area).
Your doctor or nurse may administer the injection for you. If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
This medicine is available as a pre-filled syringe or autoinjector. It is also available as a powder for injection, but this preparation may only be prepared and administered by a healthcare professional.
If you are using the pre-filled syringe or autoinjector, remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. If more than 1 injection is to be administered at a time, separate each injection by at least 5 cm apart. Do not inject near the navel (belly button).
Do not administer into moles, or areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, scarred, or affected by psoriasis (a type of skin disease that allows the skin cells to rapidly build up causing itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales).
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type of your condition and your response to the medication.
Mepolizumab must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Mepolizumab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine and missed a dose, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
Do not use Mepolizumab if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you have an existing parasitic infection or are living in a region with common parasitic infections. Existing infections should be treated before starting therapy with Mepolizumab.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child.
This medicine is not used for the treatment of sudden or worsening symptoms of asthma. Inform your doctor if your asthma remains uncontrolled or has worsened after starting Mepolizumab treatment.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine lung function tests may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and worsening of asthma may also be needed.
Mepolizumab may cause any of the following side effects: headache, stuffy nose, sore throat, stomach pain, tiredness, muscle spasms, and pain, swelling, itching, and burning sensation at the injection site.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
Do not freeze Mepolizumab otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Keep the injection in the original packaging to protect it from light. Keep away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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