Nucala Patient Counseling Information

Step by step instructions for using the pre-filled pen: Follow these instructions on how to use the pre-filled pen. Failure to follow these instructions may affect proper function of the pre-filled pen. You should also receive training on how to use the pre-filled pen. Nucala pre-filled pen is for use under the skin only (subcutaneous).
Before you use Nucala: The pre-filled pen should be used only once and then discarded.
Do not share your Nucala pre-filled pen with another person. Do not shake the pen. Do not use the pen if dropped onto a hard surface. Do not use the pen if it appears damaged. Do not remove the needle cap until just before your injection.
Prepare: 1. Get ready what you need.
Find a comfortable, well-lit and clean surface. Make sure you have within reach: Nucala pre-filled pen; Alcohol wipe (not included); Gauze pad or cotton wool ball (not included). Do not perform the injection if you do not have all these.
2. Take out your pre-filled pen.
Take the carton out of the refrigerator. Remove the tray from the carton. Peel back the film cover from the tray. Holding the middle of the pen, carefully take it out of the tray. Place the pen on a clean, flat surface, at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and out of the reach of children. Do not remove the needle cap at this stage.
3. Inspect and wait 30 minutes before use.
Check the expiry date on the label of the pen. Look in the inspection window to check that the liquid is clear (free from cloudiness or particles) and colourless to pale yellow to pale brown. It is normal to see one or more air bubbles. Wait 30 minutes (and no more than 8 hours) before use.
Do not use if the expiry date has passed. Do not warm the pen in a microwave, hot water, or direct sunlight. Do not inject if the solution looks cloudy or discoloured, or has particles. Do not use the pen if left out of the carton for more than 8 hours. Do not remove the needle cap during this step.
4. Choose your injection site.
You can inject Nucala into your thighs or abdomen. If someone else gives you the injection, they can also use your upper arm. If you need more than one injection to complete your dose, then leave at least 5 cm between each injection site.
Do not inject where your skin is bruised, tender, red or hard. Do not inject within 5 cm of your navel (belly button).
5. Clean your injection site.
Wash your hands with soap and water. Clean your injection site by wiping the skin with an alcohol wipe and allowing the skin to air dry. Do not touch your injection site again until you have finished your injection.
Inject: 6. Remove the clear needle cap.
Remove the clear needle cap from the pen by firmly pulling it straight off. Do not worry if you see a drop of liquid at the end of the needle. This is normal. Inject straight after removing the needle cap, and always within 5 minutes.
Do not touch the yellow needle guard with your fingers. This could activate the pen too soon and may cause a needle injury.
After removal, do not put the needle cap back onto the pen, as it may accidentally start the injection.
7. Start your injection.
Hold the pen with its inspection window facing towards you, so you can see it, and with the yellow needle guard facing down. Place the pen straight onto your injection site with the yellow needle guard flat against the surface of your skin.
To start your injection, push the pen down all the way and keep it held down against your skin. The yellow needle guard will slide up into the pen. You should hear the 1st "click" to tell you your injection has started. The yellow indicator will move down through the inspection window as you receive your dose.
Do not lift the pen from your skin at this stage, as that may mean you don't get your full dose of medicine. Your injection may take up to 15 seconds to complete.
Do not use the pen if the yellow needle guard doesn't slide up as described. Dispose of it (see Step 9 as follows), and start again with a new pen.
8. Hold the pen in place to complete your injection.
Continue to hold the pen down until you hear the 2nd "click", and the stopper and yellow indicator have stopped moving and fill the inspection window. Continue to hold the pen in place while you count to 5. Then lift the pen away from your skin.
If you do not hear the 2nd "click": Check that the inspection window is filled with the yellow indicator. If you are not sure, hold the pen down for another 15 seconds to make sure the injection is complete. Do not lift the pen until you are sure you have completed your injection.
You may notice a small drop of blood at the injection site. This is normal. Press a cotton wool ball or gauze on the area for a few moments if necessary. Do not rub your injection site.
Dispose: 9. Dispose of the used pen.
Dispose of the used pen and needle cap according to local requirements. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if necessary. Keep your used pens and needle caps out of the sight and reach of children.