An injection for severe itch in eczema and prurigo nodularis
Nemolizumab
A specialist antibody injection used to relieve severe itch in atopic eczema and prurigo nodularis.
What is Nemolizumab?
Nemolizumab is a specialist biologic medicine used to relieve severe itch in skin conditions such as atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) and prurigo nodularis. It is an antibody that blocks the receptor for interleukin-31, a chemical messenger that drives itching. It is given as an injection under the skin. The most common side effects are reactions where the injection is given. It can sometimes worsen asthma or other allergic conditions, and the team checks for infection, so any new breathing problems or signs of infection should be reported.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Nemolizumab — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Nemolizumab is a biologic medicine — an antibody — used to treat the intense itch that comes with certain skin conditions, particularly atopic eczema and prurigo nodularis (a condition with very itchy lumps on the skin). It is used when the itch and skin disease are moderate to severe and have not responded well enough to other treatments. It works by blocking the receptor for interleukin-31, an immune signal closely linked to itching. It is given as an injection under the skin, often by the person themselves after training, under the care of a skin specialist.
How it works
Much of the itch in eczema and prurigo nodularis is driven by an immune signal called interleukin-31, which acts on nerves in the skin to produce the urge to scratch. Nemolizumab is an antibody that blocks the receptor this signal acts on, so the itch is reduced. As the itching settles, the scratching that keeps the skin inflamed and damaged also lessens, allowing the skin to calm and heal. Because it works on part of the immune and allergic response, it can occasionally affect related conditions such as asthma, which the team keeps an eye on.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A specialist biologic medicine used in the UK to treat severe itch in conditions such as atopic eczema and prurigo nodularis.
What it treats
Conditions Nemolizumab is used for
Practical use
How to take Nemolizumab
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Give it as an injection under the skin, on the schedule your specialist team sets, after being trained.
- Keep using your usual skin care, such as moisturisers, alongside it for the best results.
- Report any new or worsening breathing problems, wheeze or chest tightness, as it can sometimes affect asthma.
- Tell your team about any signs of infection, as the team checks for these during treatment.
- Rotate where you inject and follow the storage advice you are given for the injection.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Nemolizumab
Advantages
- Targets and reduces the severe itch in eczema and prurigo nodularis, which can be very distressing.
- As itch and scratching settle, the skin can calm and heal.
- Given as an injection under the skin that can often be self-given at home after training.
Disadvantages
- Commonly causes reactions where the injection is given.
- Can sometimes worsen asthma or other allergic conditions.
- Needs specialist supervision, regular injections, and checking for infection.
Practical use
Good to know
The most useful thing to know about nemolizumab is that it targets the itch specifically, which can bring real relief in conditions where the itching is the most distressing part. The most common side effects are reactions where the injection is given, such as redness, swelling or pain, which usually settle. Two safety points worth knowing are that it can sometimes worsen asthma or other allergic (atopic) conditions, so any new or worsening breathing problems, wheeze or chest tightness should be reported, and that, like other immune-acting medicines, the team checks for infection and any signs of infection should be mentioned. It is given as an injection under the skin, often self-given after training, and it works best alongside good general skin care such as regular moisturisers.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to nemolizumab should not use it.
- It is used with care in people with asthma or other allergic conditions, which it can sometimes worsen.
- It is used with care in pregnancy and under specialist guidance, weighing the benefits and risks.
Monitoring
- Reviewing how well the itch and skin condition respond to treatment.
- Watching for any worsening of asthma or other allergic conditions.
- Checking for signs of infection and injection-site reactions.
Side effects
- Redness, swelling, pain or other reactions where the injection is given.
- A worsening of asthma or other allergic conditions in some people.
- Headache, or signs of infection, which should be reported to the team.
Key interactions
- Live vaccines are generally avoided with immune-acting medicines, so check with your team before vaccinations.
- Tell your team about other medicines for your skin, asthma or allergies so treatment can be coordinated.
- There are few well-established routine medicine interactions, but a full medicines list helps.
Available as: A solution for injection under the skin, often given by the patient.
Answers
Nemolizumab: frequently asked questions
What is nemolizumab used for?
It is a biologic medicine used to relieve severe itch in conditions such as atopic eczema and prurigo nodularis, by blocking an immune signal that drives itching.
How does it help the itch?
It blocks the receptor for interleukin-31, a chemical messenger that acts on skin nerves to cause itch, so the urge to scratch is reduced and the skin can heal.
Can it affect my asthma?
It can sometimes worsen asthma or other allergic conditions, so report any new or worsening breathing problems, wheeze or chest tightness to your team.
How is it given?
It is given as an injection under the skin, often by the person themselves at home after their specialist team has trained them.
Do I still need my creams?
Yes. It works best alongside good general skin care such as regular moisturisers, which help keep the skin in better condition.
The wider class
About Biologic (anti-IL-31-receptor antibody)
Nemolizumab belongs to the biologic (anti-il-31-receptor antibody) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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