Mepolizumab
About
Mepolizumab belongs to the class of 'immunomodulators', primarily used to treat asthma. Asthma is a respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. Mepolizumab is used as an add-on maintenance treatment in severe asthma patients above six years of age and in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. It is also used in the treatment of hypereosinophilic syndrome and eosinophilic granulomatosis.
Mepolizumab consists of Mepolizumab as an active ingredient, which binds itself to interleukin-5 (IL-5) and stops it from attaching to its receptor on the surface of eosinophil white blood cells, specifically the alpha subunit of the receptor. It works by preventing the body's natural production of certain chemicals that increase asthma symptoms, like coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties.
Mepolizumab may cause common side effects such as fever, back pain, itching, headache, sore throat, and breathing difficulty. These side effects resolve over time. Inform your doctor if any of these side effects bother you. Mepolizumab will be administered by a healthcare professional. Do not self-administer
Avoid taking Mepolizumab and inform your doctor if you are allergic to any component present in it. Before starting Mepolizumab, inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney disease or active parasitic infections and are taking any inhaled corticosteroids. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should inform the physician before starting treatment with Mepolizumab. This medicine is contraindicated in cases of bronchospasm or status asthmaticus.
Uses of Mepolizumab
Medicinal Benefits
Mepolizumab contains Mepolizumab, which is a humanized recombinant IgG1 (Immunoglobulin G1) monoclonal antibody. It works by preventing the body's natural production of certain chemicals that increase asthma symptoms, like coughing, wheezing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Mepolizumab
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Fever
- Itching
- Back pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Pain at the site of injection
- Injection site reactions
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Mepolizumab for the period that your doctor has prescribed. Avoid taking Mepolizumab if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Inform your doctor if you have any liver or kidney diseases, active parasitic infections, and are taking any inhaled corticosteroids before receiving Mepolizumab. Avoid close contact with people who have infections that can be easily spread. Mepolizumab is not recommended in children below six years of age as safety and efficacy are not established. Mepolizumab may cause severe allergic reactions, herpes zoster infections, and parasitic infections and reduce the effect of corticosteroid medicines. Hence, inform your doctor about your complete medication and medical history before taking Mepolizumab.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Mepolizumab may interact with anti-cancer drugs (ritlecitinib, deucravacitinib), vitamin supplements, and other medicines.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking while being treated with Mepolizumab.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Mepolizumab should be used with caution in cases of liver or kidney diseases, weak immune systems, and active parasitic infections.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Mepolizumab interacts with alcohol or not. Consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Mepolizumab. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if Mepolizumab passes into the breastmilk when used by a breastfeeding mother. Your doctor will prescribe Mepolizumab only if the benefit outweighs the risk.
Driving
not applicableMepolizumab does not affect your driving ability.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before receiving this medicine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney problems, tell your doctor before receiving this medicine.
Children
cautionMepolizumab is not recommended in children below six years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain proper weight by following a healthy and well-balanced diet.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Try to avoid stress by practising meditation or yoga.
- Try including selenium-rich food sources like Brazil nuts, yellowfin tuna, rice, beans, whole-wheat bread, dairy products, ham, chicken, turkey, beef, eggs, pork, baked beans, mushrooms, oatmeal, and spinach.
- Include zinc-rich sources like meat, shellfish, legumes, hemp seeds, nuts, eggs, dairy products, whole grains, potatoes, kale, and dark chocolate in your diet.
- Cut down on sugar, salt and processed foods.
- Drink plenty of water.
Special Advise
The doctor may suggest some tests to know the root cause of the respiratory disorder, such as Spirometry (check the narrowing of bronchial tubes) and Peak flow (check how difficult it is to exhale).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Asthma: It is a chronic (long-term) respiratory condition in which airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, leading to difficulty in breathing. The symptoms of asthma include wheezing (whistling sound while breathing), shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough, especially at night. The treatment for asthma includes medication, breathing exercises and self-care.
FAQs
Mepolizumab contains Mepolizumab, which reduces the synthesis of pro-inflammatory markers called cytokines. Thus, it helps in decreasing inflammation.
