Compare
Nucala vs. Xolair

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.

• 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

• Headache (19%)
• Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, swelling, itching, burning; 8%)
• Back pain (5%)
• Fatigue (5%)

• 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

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.

• 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

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%)

• 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