Key takeaways
Nucala (mepolizumab) and Singulair (montelukast) are both used to manage asthma, but they work differently and are used in different ways. Nucala is an injection given once a month and is an interleukin antagonist that lowers inflammation by blocking a protein called interleukin-5 (IL-5). It's used for severe asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), and hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). On the other hand, Singulair is an oral medication taken daily and is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that blocks substances called leukotrienes to reduce inflammation. Singulair is used for asthma, seasonal and year-round allergies, and exercise-induced asthma. While Nucala can be self-administered at home with training, Singulair is available in various forms, including tablets, chewable tablets, and granules, making it easier for children to take. Nucala may cause injection-site reactions and requires refrigeration, whereas Singulair can cause mental health disturbances and is available as a lower-cost generic. Both medications are not suitable for treating sudden asthma attacks.
