Nucala Injection Side Effects
Recently I was recommended by my asthma doctor, to start getting the Nucala injection. I had severe asthma as a child, grew out of it at 18 and then it returned a few years ago at the age of 62. I have been on allergy shots for many years and continue to get them. My asthma symptoms are under control but, only while I'm on 10 mg. of prednisone daily along with Breo inhaler.
I'm nervous about getting the Nucala injection because of the possible side affect of shingles. I had chicken pox as a kid and I have not had the shingles vaccine.
Since Nucala is new, I want to know about its success rate thus far and if shingles has been reported after starting Nucala or after getting the shingles accident?
Hi needsairtobreath - we hear you! Interesting that you had severe asthma as a child and 'grew out of it' at age eighteen. Several members in our community have had similar experiences about 'growing out' of their asthma, so you're not alone.
We understand your concern about starting on something new, in this case the Nucala injections. If you haven't as yet, I thought you might find it helpful to look over this published material on that particular medication: https://asthma.net/treatment/nucala/ I'm sure this will provide some additional insight for you.
Please check back with us and let us know how you're doing.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator)Thank you for your quick reply on Nucala. I have researched this drug throughly and my biggest fear is shingles. I had the blood test to see if I was a candidate for the shot and my numbers were very high. My white blood count is an excellent match for this shot. Even with that result, I am still worried about shingles.
My stresss levels are minimal right now and have been for several months after making my daughter move out. I haven't had an attack nor have I gotten sick with bronchitis since she moved out. So I have not moved forward with my doctors recommendation that I begin the Necala injections. I am taking the wait and see approach until I have enough evidence to make a decision. If I remain feeling good like I've been in the last few months, and I can lower my daily dose of prednisone from 10 mg to 5 mg, I will be very satisfied. I continue to give myself allergy injections weekly and I am mindful of the daily triggers like mold, tree pollen, damp air, etc. The only thing I don't have a handle on is my weight, which has gone up due to the prednisone.
What I hoped to get out of this forum was... stories from patients who have had success with Nucala; in case my system goes haywire like it did when my doctor suggested Nucala.
Hi needsairtobreath -I have experience with Nucala. I was able to fully come off my prednisone ( from 12.5mg to zero) over the course of 18 months. It is important to note that my experience was in a clinical trial before Nucala came to market. However, the same dosage I was on , is the one that was approved. I did not experience shingles. The most annoying side effect was a mild headache. It is important to note that experiences are individual. You may want to revisit the discussion with your doctor, expressing your concerns.
All the best.
Hello Dia SWS,
That is good that you have been able to get off of prednisone. Taking 18 months to get off of it, is a long time!
Are you still on Nucala and if so, how long have you been getting the injections? During the clinical trial, was shingles brought up in conversations? It would be awful to trade one major problem for another; is my biggest concern.
I am doing well for right now and will be tapering my prednisone to 5 mg daily for the next few months.
Thank you for responding and I hope to continue open dialogue about this new drug.
