How to use Nucala pre-filled pen

If you and your doctor or nurse have decided that you can inject Nucala (mepolizumab) yourself, it is important that you know how to prepare and inject it properly.

This short video shows you how to use Nucala pre-filled pen (autoinjector).

Ensure you read and follow the ‘Instructions for Use’ on how to use Nucala pre-filled pen. You should also receive training on how to use the pre-filled pen from your doctor or healthcare professional. Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or healthcare professional carefully.

Checklist of steps

1. Ensure you have within reach:
   • Nucala pre-filled pen (which may need to be removed from refrigerator)
   • Alcohol wipe
   • Cotton ball or gauze pad
   • Sharps disposal container
2. Remove pen from tray and place on clean, flat surface, at room temperature
3. Check expiry date on label of pen (do not use if this has passed)
4. Check liquid through inspection window – it should be clear and colourless to pale yellow to pale brown (do not use if liquid looks cloudy or discoloured, or has particles). It is normal to see one or more air bubbles
5. Wait 30 minutes (and no more than 8 hours) before use
6. Choose injection site – this may be your thigh or abdomen. If someone else gives you the injection, they can also use your upper arm
7. Wash your hands with soap and water
8. Clean injection site with alcohol wipe and let it air dry
9. Remove clear needle cap from pen
10. Holding pen with inspection window facing you and yellow needle guard facing down, place pen straight onto injection site with yellow needle guard flat against surface of skin at a 90-degree angle
11. Push pen down all the way and hold. A first click tells you the injection has started, and the yellow indicator will move down through inspection window
12. Continue to hold until you hear the second click, and stopper and yellow indicator have stopped moving and fill inspection window
13. Continue to hold while you count to 5
14. If you do not hear the second click:
    • Check inspection window is filled with yellow indicator
    • If you aren’t sure, hold pen down for another 15 seconds to ensure injection is complete
15. Lift pen away from skin
16. If there is a small drop of blood at the site, press a cotton ball or gauze on the area for a few moments if necessary
17. Dispose of used pen in sharps disposal container
18. Dispose of cap and other used supplies in household rubbish

Other important information

• Keep pen refrigerated (2-8°C) before use (do not freeze)
• Keep pen in carton to protect from light
• If necessary, pen may be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C) for no more than 7 days when stored in original carton (discard if not used within 7 days)
• Do not share or shake the pen
• Also do not:
  • remove needle cap until you are ready to inject
  • touch yellow needle guard with your fingers
  • put needle cap back onto pen once removed
• Do not use pen if:
  • dropped onto a hard surface or appears damaged
  • security seal on carton is broken
  • expiry date has passed
  • left out of the carton for more than 8 hours
• Do not inject:
  • within 5 cm of belly button
  • where skin is bruised, tender, red or hard

Other medicines

See our complete How-to video library for other injectable medicines and how to use them.

Acknowledgement

Thanks to Ms Ceri Banks, Asthma and Respiratory Educator, and the patient who participated in this film clip.

Development of this How-to video was supported by GSK Australia. The National Asthma Council Australia retained editorial control.

Disclaimer

Although all care has been taken, this video is a general guide only, which is not a substitute for assessment of appropriate courses of treatment on a case-by-case basis. The National Asthma Council Australia expressly disclaims all responsibility (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or personal injury resulting from reliance on the information contained herein.