New Zealand / Health

New drug: 'It's made a huge difference,' asthma sufferer says

16:03 pm on 12 March 2020

Hundreds of severe asthma sufferers will have access to a new medicine from next month.

Mepolizumab is also known as Nucala. Photo: msd.com

Drug buying agency Pharmac said the drug, Mepolizumab, would be available to patients and would be injected every four weeks by a health professional.

It said it would be used alongside preventers, such as steroids and inhalers.

A severe asthma sufferer, Alex, has been taking steroids for over 30 years.

Four weeks ago, she had her first injection of Mepolizumab.

"I haven't coughed in four weeks or had a severe attack and Mepolizumab has already made a huge difference to my asthma - I am no longer breathless," she said.

Pharmac said the medication would likely result in fewer hospital visits and life-threatening attacks.