Nucala 2nd injection

[Headoverheels]

After a rather painful 1st injection in my thigh, I was full of trepidation yesterday having the 2nd but I need not have worried...it was painless🙃! This time I chose my arm and the difference was unbelievable. I can't help wondering why?

[CMBreath]

I’m interested in this never heard of Nucala I’m really struggling and feels like I’m on Prednisolone every 2-3 months it’s so frustrating I developed asthma in my 30’s although probably was just never really diagnosed if I’m honest. How have you been since the injections?

[Headoverheels in reply to CMBreath]

Hi CMBreathI too was relying on Prednisolone regularly as I have eosinophilic asthma. The biologic therapies (injections) are for severe Asthmas, those patients who are reliant on steroids. Have you seen a Hospital Consultant for a proper diagnosis? If not I am surprised you haven't had a referral from your GP if you are on steroids so often.

The answer to your question 'how are you? ....I feel a new woman!

I realise it's early days for me yet, but to anyone who reads this and has been offered Biologic Therapies go for it! I was offered them last year and refused until I was taken very ill and hospitalised in May....I just can't find the words to describe how elated I am.

[Mark-f in reply to CMBreath]

Hi ..

I’ve been on biological medication since 2014 , infact I was one of the first to trial

Xolair

Mepolizomab

Benralizumab

It can take a while to meet the criteria , lots of tests because it’s a very expensive cost to nhs you will need to be under a respiratory consultant to be considered

I think my Benralizumab is £3000-£4000 per month but it has been life changing for me .. I’ve gone from hardly being able to walk , phoning for ambulances every few weeks .. to living a virtually normal life ..

[Headoverheels in reply to Mark-f]

Mark-f.... it must have been quite scary to be one of the first to trial the Biologic Therapies. I wasted two years being treated for normal asthma and not getting anywhere. It wasn't until I eventually got a hospital appointment that I was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Asthma which was 5 years ago. As you so rightly say it takes time to reach the criteria for the Biologic Therapies. Many different inhalers later, years of trying to keep control and finally hospitalisation I was offered the injections.

I find it difficult to accept that the 3 monthly medications are around £2,500!

The whole Respiratory Team at Southmead Hospital are so dedicated and I can't thank them enough. It certainly is life changing and I would like to think that our posts give hope to others.

[Mark-f in reply to Headoverheels]

I just go with the flow .. I have 5 other complex medical conditions including addisons which incidentally was caused by long term prednisone usage, my asthma was so bad , life threatening at times I was on pred continuously 20/30mg every day for 5 years .. completely ruined my body osteoporosis at 45 and shut down my adrenal glands production of cortisol, so I’m now steroid dependent and can never come off, it’s a life dependent medication , I carry an emergency injection with me everywhere.

[Headoverheels in reply to Mark-f]

Oh my goodness ...5 years! I'm sorry to hear that. I can now understand the medical profession not wanting to dish out Prednisolone...that really brings it home. But I can also see the reasoning in your case as it was a lifesaver at that time. ....what would we do without Biologic Therapies?

[Starstream20]

I am on bendrazmabs injections and have always (2 years now) had them in my arm and no they dont hurt.Can I ask are you still on prednisolone daily?

I am down to 3mg per day and have just started the wean off which looks to take about 5 months as it has to be very slow.

[Headoverheels in reply to Starstream20]

No I am not on Prednisolone. I haven't been on them since coming out of hospital. I had been on a very high dose and weaned off them slowly but unfortunately not slow enough! Luckily I was in a good place when I started the injections. I shall be bitterly disappointed if I have to resort to them again.

[Mark-f]

I’ve been on this for 4 years , I’ve been self administering since 2020 .. I inject into my tummy ..

never had any issues with pain

[Headoverheels in reply to Mark-f]

I hope one day to be able to administer myself....I am not feeling confident at the moment.

[Kniterbug]

Hi. I’m on my 3 rd Nucala injection. No problems so far. Even my husband noticed I had stopped coughing. Long may it last. I got my last 2 on my stomach and no pain whatsoever good luck

[Headoverheels in reply to Kniterbug]

Thanks AngDeb999.I really can't understand why my first injection was so painful unless it was due to my anxious state. The 2nd one was a dream in comparison.

My husband also noticed my continual coughing had stopped and I had more energy....it's so life changing and as you so rightly say...long may it last!

[Kniterbug]

I hope you continue to be in good health. My physiotherapist phoned today and she’s signed me off as one of her successful patients. Glad we have something to help us now. Good luck x