It belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies.
Mepolizumab works by blocking a specific chemical messenger called interleukin-5 (IL-5), which plays a key role in the type of inflammation associated with CRSwNP. By blocking IL-5, mepolizumab reduces the production of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) from the bone marrow and lowers the number of eosinophils in the bloodstream and tissues. Eosinophils play a major role in causing the nasal polyps responsible for symptoms in CRSwNP.
Mepolizumab is also used to treat severe type of asthma and a type of vasculitis called eosinophilc granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
Mepolizumab has been shown to effectively reduce the size of nasal polyps and improve symptoms associated with CRSwNP, such as nasal congestion, facial pressure, and loss of smell. It can also help decrease the need for oral corticosteroids and sinus surgery in some patients.
It also improves the quality of life of patients affected by CRSwNP.
Mepolizumab is administered as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). These can be self-administered or given by one of our nurses or your GP.
It is typically given as one injection every 4-weeks, but the dosage and frequency of injections may be altered by your doctor depending on your response and tolerability of the medication.
Like all medications, Mepolizumab may cause side effects in some people.
Common side effects in study trials included:
Uncommon side effects (<5%) included:
Serious side effects are rare but can occur. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
Whilst no harm on the foetus have been shown in animal studies, the effect of Mepolizumab on human pregnancy is unknown. It is category B1 medication (drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of women, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other harmful effects on the child).
Please discuss with your doctor prior to starting the medication.
Mepolizumab is excreted in breast milk in animal studies in very small amounts. Please have a discussion with your doctor about the risks and benefits of Mepolizumab to you and your child whilst breastfeeding.
