Recurrent Nasal Polyposis is No Longer Fate: A New Era with Mepolizumab (Nucala)
Nasal congestion, loss of smell, postnasal drip, headache…
Have you undergone endoscopic sinus surgery multiple times but your polyps have returned?
Breaking this cycle is now possible!
In recent years, biological (smart) drugs have made a breakthrough in the treatment of recurrent nasal polyposis.
One of these drugs, Mepolizumab (Nucala), is now licensed and accessible in Turkey. This treatment, administered once a month, can shrink polyps, restore the sense of smell, and reduce the need for surgery.
What is Nasal Polyposis?
Nasal polyposis is a disease characterized by benign soft tissue formations that develop on the inner surfaces of the nose and sinuses. Allergies, asthma, chronic sinusitis, and genetic predisposition are among the main causes of the disease. As polyps grow, they make breathing difficult, lead to loss of smell, and seriously affect quality of life. In some patients, despite surgical interventions, polyps can reform quickly. The reason for this is the excessive inflammatory response given by the immune system through cells called eosinophils.
What is Mepolizumab (Nucala) and How Does It Work?
Mepolizumab is a biological drug in the form of a monoclonal antibody targeting the protein called IL-5. By blocking IL-5, it prevents the excessive production and accumulation of eosinophil cells.
In this way, it reduces inflammation in the nasal mucosa, stops the growth of polyps, and reduces the risk of recurrence.
Usage and Administration
- Dose: 100 mg subcutaneously once a month
- Form: Ready-to-use, single-dose injection pen
- First administration: Under supervision at a healthcare facility
- Subsequent doses: Can be administered at home with physician approval
Since it is now licensed in Turkey, patients can access Nucala without the need to bring it from abroad.
Who Is It Suitable For?
Mepolizumab can be an effective option for patients with the following characteristics:
- Have undergone multiple endoscopic sinus surgeries,
- Polyps recur despite steroid treatment,
- Experience persistent nasal congestion and loss of smell,
- Patients with evidence of eosinophilic inflammation
It can also provide benefits in the presence of accompanying eosinophilic asthma or allergic rhinosinusitis.
Expected Benefits from Treatment
Clinical studies have shown that Mepolizumab treatment provides the following effects:
- Significant reduction in nasal congestion
- Shrinkage in polyp volume
- Return of sense of smell
- Reduction in recurrent surgical requirements
- Reduction in the need for corticosteroid use
The majority of patients have reported significant improvement in breathing and sense of smell after a few doses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1- ) Does Mepolizumab completely eliminate polyps?
The goal is to reduce polyp volume and bring the disease under control. In some patients, they may regress completely, while in others, significant shrinkage is achieved.
2- ) How long does it take to respond to treatment?
Most patients notice a difference after the first few injections. Improvement in sense of smell and nasal patency usually begins within 2–3 months.
3- ) Is Mepolizumab an alternative to surgery?
Yes, it can eliminate the need for surgery in some patients. However, in very advanced cases, it may need to be combined with surgery.
4- ) Are the side effects of the drug serious?
They are generally mild. Redness at the injection site, headache, or mild rash are the most commonly observed. Severe allergic reactions are very rare.
5- ) Do polyps come back if treatment is stopped?
Immune response varies from person to person. Regular follow-up with physician decision and continued treatment when necessary reduces the risk of recurrence.
6- ) I also have asthma, does it provide benefits at the same time?
Yes. Mepolizumab is effective on both eosinophilic asthma and nasal polyposis; it can control both conditions together.
7- ) How can I access Nucala in Turkey?
It is now licensed in Turkey. When prescribed by your ENT or Pulmonology specialist, it can be obtained through pharmacies or hospital channels.
8- ) New Hope in the Fight Against Polyps
Recurrent nasal polyposis is no longer fate. Thanks to Mepolizumab (Nucala), the disease can be controlled, quality of life improves, breathing becomes easier again. This treatment, planned individually with specialist evaluation, can be the key to breaking the recurrent polyp cycle.
Prof. Dr. Elif Aksoy
Ear Nose Throat Diseases Head and Neck Surgery Specialist
