Key takeaways
Nucala (mepolizumab) and Dupixent (dupilumab) are both injectable medications used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but they belong to different medication classes. Nucala is an interleukin antagonist that specifically targets interleukin-5 (IL-5) to reduce eosinophil levels and inflammation, while Dupixent is a monoclonal antibody that blocks multiple interleukin proteins responsible for inflammation. In addition to asthma and COPD, Nucala is FDA-approved for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), and hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). Dupixent is additionally approved for moderate-to-severe eczema, sinus congestion with nasal polyps, and eosinophilic esophagitis, among other conditions. Nucala is typically administered once a month, whereas Dupixent is given every other week or monthly, depending on the condition. Nucala is available as a prefilled autoinjector and syringe, while Dupixent comes in pre-filled pens and syringes. Common side effects of Nucala include headache and injection-site reactions, while Dupixent may cause injection site reactions and eye inflammation. Both medications require careful monitoring for allergic reactions and interactions with other medications.
