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Compare Nucala vs. Fasenra

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Nucala (mepolizumab) and Fasenra (benralizumab) are both interleukin antagonists used to treat severe asthma, specifically targeting eosinophilic inflammation. They work by blocking interleukin-5 (IL-5), which helps reduce eosinophil levels and inflammation. However, they differ in several ways. Nucala is approved for additional conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), and hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), while Fasenra is only approved for severe eosinophilic asthma. Nucala is typically injected once a month, whereas Fasenra is injected monthly for the first three months and then every two months. Nucala is available as a prefilled autoinjector or syringe, while Fasenra comes as a prefilled pen. Common side effects of Nucala include headache and injection-site reactions, while Fasenra may cause headache and sore throat, as well as injection site reactions. Both medications can cause serious allergic reactions and may affect your ability to fight infections, so it's important to monitor for symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if needed.

  • Nucala (mepolizumab)
    Fasenra (benralizumab)
  • Nucala (mepolizumab)
    Fasenra (benralizumab)

  • Summary of Nucala vs. Fasenra

    Summary for Interleukin antagonist
    Prescription only

    Nucala (mepolizumab) is an injection that treats certain inflammatory problems. This includes severe asthma in people 6 years and older. It can also treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sinus congestion with nasal polyps in adults. The medication works as an interleukin antagonist to lower inflammation. It's injected under the skin once a month. You can inject it on your own with the prefilled autoinjector or syringe. A healthcare professional can also give the injection at a medical office. Side effects include headache and injection site reactions.

    Summary for Interleukin receptor antagonist
    Prescription only

    Fasenra (benralizumab) is a brand-name injectable medication. It treats severe eosinophilic asthma in people 6 years and older. The medication can also help treat eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in adults. It works as an interleukin antagonist to lower inflammation and relieve symptoms. You inject the medication under the skin with the Fasenra autoinjector pen. For eosinophilic asthma, the usual dosing schedule is an injection every 4 weeks for the first 3 months, then once every 8 weeks after that. For EGPA, it's injected every 4 weeks. Side effects can include headache and sore throat.

  • Indications of Nucala vs. Fasenra

    Indications for
    •Severe asthma - add-on maintenance for people ages 6 years and older
    •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - add-on maintenance for adults
    •Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps - add-on maintenance for adults
    •Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) - for adults
    •Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) - for people ages 12 years and older
    Indications for
    •Severe eosinophilic asthma in people 6 years and older - as an add-on treatment
    •Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Nucala vs. Fasenra

    Pros and Const for Interleukin antagonist
    Pros
    •Only given once a month
    •Available as a prefilled autoinjector and syringe for injections at home
    Cons
    •Must give as an injection
    •Doses higher than 100 mg need more than one injection given one after another
    Pros and Const for Interleukin receptor antagonist
    Pros
    •Can inject at home after you get trained
    •Available as an autoinjector pen for easier use at home
    •Can help lower the rate of asthma attacks in people with severe eosinophilic asthma
    •Can help people who have EGPA get to remission (when symptoms go away)
    Cons
    •Must be injected under the skin
    •Not for treating asthma attacks as they're happening
    •Not approved for children under 6 years old with severe eosinophilic asthma
    •Not approved for children under 18 with EGPA

  • Common Side Effects of Nucala vs. Fasenra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (19%)
    •Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, swelling, itching, burning; 8%)
    •Back pain (5%)
    •Fatigue (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (8%)
    •Sore throat (5%)
    •Fever (3%)
    •Rash (3%)

  • Warnings of Nucala vs. Fasenra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions
    •Not for an asthma or COPD attack
    •Caution when using corticosteroids
    •Possible herpes zoster infection (shingles)
    •Unclear effect in people with parasitic worm infections
    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Not for asthma attacks
    •Avoid stopping your steroid medications suddenly
    •Get parasitic worm infections treated

  • Prices with our coupons for Nucala vs. Fasenra

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