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Compare Nucala vs. Xolair

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

Key takeaways

Nucala (mepolizumab) and Xolair (omalizumab) are both injectable medications used to treat asthma and nasal polyps, but they belong to different medication classes. Nucala is an interleukin antagonist that blocks interleukin-5 (IL-5) to reduce inflammation, while Xolair is an immunoglobulin E (IgE) monoclonal antibody that targets IgE to reduce the immune system's allergic response. Nucala is also approved for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), whereas Xolair is used for chronic urticaria and to lower the risk of severe food allergy reactions. Nucala is typically given once a month, while Xolair is administered every 2 or 4 weeks, with dosing based on factors like body weight and IgE levels. Both medications can be self-administered at home with proper training. Common side effects of both medications include headache and injection-site reactions.

  • Nucala (mepolizumab)
    Xolair (omalizumab)
  • Nucala (mepolizumab)
    Xolair (omalizumab)

  • Summary of Nucala vs. Xolair

    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 Immunoglobulin E (IgE) monoclonal antibody
    Prescription only

    Xolair (omalizumab) is a prescription injection used to treat allergic asthma, chronic hives, and nasal polyps. It's also approved to help lower the risk of food allergy reactions if you or your child are accidentally exposed to a trigger. Xolair (omalizumab) is a monoclonal antibody that works by calming your immune system to reduce inflammation and allergy symptoms. You'll get it as a shot under the skin the every 2 or 4 weeks. Common side effects include headache, stomach pain, and dizziness.

  • Indications of Nucala vs. Xolair

    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
    •Moderate-to-severe allergic asthma - people 6 years and older
    •Chronic rhinosinusitis (sinus inflammation) with nasal polyps - adults only
    •To prevent food allergy reactions after accidental exposure - people 1 year and older
    •Chronic hives - people 12 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Nucala vs. Xolair

    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 Immunoglobulin E (IgE) monoclonal antibody
    Pros
    •Injected once every 2 or 4 weeks
    •Can be given at home for some people
    •Helps to prevent allergies from many different foods
    Cons
    •Commonly causes headache, joint pain, and infections
    •Risk of severe allergic reactions
    •Can take months to see the full effects

  • Common Side Effects of Nucala vs. Xolair

    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

    Allergic asthma:

    •Joint pain (8%)
    •Body pain (7%)
    •Leg pain (4%)
    •Dizziness (3%)
    •Tiredness (3%)

    Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps:

    •Headache (8%)
    •Injection site reactions (5%)

    Chronic hives:

    •Headache (up to 12%)
    •Common cold symptoms (up to 9%)
    •Sinus inflammation (up to 5%)

    Prevention of food allergy reactions:

    •Injection-site reactions (16%)
    •Fever (6%)

  • Warnings of Nucala vs. Xolair

    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
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Cancer risk
    •Not for an asthma attack
    •Don't stop corticosteroids suddenly
    •Inflammation of blood vessels
    •Fever, muscle pain, and rash
    •Parasitic infections
    •Not for emergency treatment

  • Prices with our coupons for Nucala vs. Xolair

    Learn more about Nucala
    Learn more about Xolair

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