What is Dupixent? Uses, warnings & side effects
Dupixent is used to treat eczema, asthma, COPD, nasal congestion with nasal polyps, inflamed esophagus, and itchy, bump skin. It is a monoclonal antibody that works by blocking a substance in the body that causes inflammation. Dupixent is an injection that’s typically given once every other week or once every month.
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Dupixent overview
BRAND NAMES:
Dupixent
Generic Names:
Dupilumab
Uses:
Treats atopic dermatitis, asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, prurigo nodularis, and uncontrolled COPD in adults with an eosinophilic phenotype
Therapeutic Classes:
Monoclonal antibody
Forms:
Injectable
How it’s taken:
By injection
What is Dupixent used for?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Dupixent for:
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Asthma*
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (long-term nasal congestion with nasal polyps)*
Eosinophilic esophagitis (inflamed esophagus)
Prurigo nodularis (a condition that causes itchy, crusty bumps on the skin)
Inadequately controlled COPD in adults with an eosinophilic phenotype*
* Dupixent should be used along with other medications for these uses.
Key takeaways
A healthcare provider will train you before you use Dupixent. Be sure to read the Instructions For Use that come with your prescription to know how to administer Dupixent properly.
Dupixent is given as an injection under the skin. It can be injected under the skin of the thigh, stomach, or outer arm. But avoid any areas within 2 inches of your belly button. Choose a different injection site each time you use a dose.
Check the medication in the viewing window before you use it. It should be a clear to pale yellow color. Do not use it if it’s discolored, cloudy, or contains particles.
Before administering Dupixent, take it out of the refrigerator and lay it on a flat surface for at least 30 to 45 minutes to come to room temperature.
What form(s) does Dupixent come in?
Pre-filled syringe
1.14 mL of 200 mg
2 mL of 300 mg
Pre-filled pen
1.14 mL of 200 mg
2 mL of 300 mg
What are common Dupixent dosages?
Atopic dermatitis
Adults: The recommended starting dosage is 600 mg (two 300 mg injections) injected under the skin as a single dose. Afterwards, the recommended maintenance dosage is 300 mg injected every other week.
Children ages 6 to 17 years old: The recommended dosage depends on the child’s body weight:
15 kg to 29 kg: initial dosage of 600 mg (two 300 mg injections); maintenance dosage of 300 mg once per month
30 kg to 59 kg: initial dosage of 400 mg (two 200 mg injections); maintenance dosage of 200 mg every other week
60 kg or more: initial dosage of 600 mg (two 300 mg injections); maintenance dosage of 300 mg every other week
Children ages 6 months to 5 years old: The recommended dosage depends on the child’s body weight:
5 kg to 14 kg: 200 mg every 4 weeks
15 kg to 29 kg: 300 mg every 4 weeks
Asthma
Adults and children 12 years of age and older
Option 1: The recommended starting dosage is 400 mg (two 200 mg injections) injected under the skin once as a single dose. Afterwards, the recommended maintenance dosage is 200 mg every 2 weeks.
Option 2: The recommended starting dosage is 600 mg (two 300 mg injections) injected under the skin once as a single dose. Afterwards, the recommended maintenance dosage is 300 mg every 2 weeks.
Children ages 6 to 11 years old: The recommended dosage depends on the child’s body weight:
15 kg to 29 kg: 300 mg every 4 weeks
30 kg or more: 200 mg every other week
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis
The recommended dosage for adults is 300 mg injected under the skin every other week.
Eosinophilic esophagitis
The recommended dosage for adults and children ages 12 years and older, weighing at least 40 kg, is 300 mg injected under the skin every week.
Prurigo nodularis
The recommended starting dosage for adults is 600 mg (two 300 mg injections) injected under the skin once as a single dose. Afterwards, the recommended maintenance dosage is 300 mg injected once every other week.
Dupixent images - What does Dupixent look like?
Dupixent
1.14ml of 200mg/1.14ml penDupixent
2ml of 300mg/2ml penDupixent
0.67ml of 100mg/0.67ml syringeDupixent
1.14ml of 200mg/1.14ml syringeDupixent
2ml of 300mg/2ml syringe
How to take Dupixent
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Dupixent should be injected under the skin of the thigh, stomach, or outer arm. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not inject into skin areas that are tender, damaged, bruised, or scarred.
If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect the medicine from light. Keep your medicine and supplies in the original packages until you are ready to use them. You may also keep it at room temperature for up to 14 days. Use the medicine within 14 days after removing it from the refrigerator.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
What to do if you miss a dose of Dupixent
If you administer Dupixent once every week and you miss a dose, administer the dose as soon as possible. You can start a new weekly schedule based on this date.
If you administer Dupixent once every other week and you miss a dose, administer the dose as soon as possible if it’s within 7 days from the missed dose. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it has been more than 7 days, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule.
If you administer Dupixent every 4 weeks and you miss a dose, administer the dose as soon as possible if it’s within 7 days from the missed dose. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it has been more than 7 days, administer the dose as soon as possible. You can start a new weekly schedule based on this date.
Dupixent contraindications - Who shouldn't take Dupixent?
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dupilumab or any other ingredients in the drug.
Dupixent warnings
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Increased risk for eye infections, including conjunctivitis or keratitis
Eosinophilia, including pneumonia or vasculitis (swelling of the blood vessels)
Joint pain
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
This medicine will not stop an asthma attack that has already started. Your doctor may prescribe another medicine for you to use in case of an asthma attack. Tell your doctor right away if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have eye or vision problems, lung or breathing problems, heart problems, or a parasite infection.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
RELATED: Dupixent alternatives
Dupixent interactions & what to avoid when taking Dupixent
This medicine may interfere with certain vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
If you are using a steroid medicine for your asthma, do not suddenly stop taking it without first checking with your doctor. You may need to decrease your dose slowly before stopping it completely.
Dupixent side effects - How does Dupixent make you feel?
Dupixent may cause mild to severe side effects.
If you develop any of the following side effects, contact your doctor right away. Serious side effects can include:
Fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, chest pain, cough
Redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid
Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Burning, dry, or itching eyes, discharge, excessive tearing
Less serious side effects may include:
Injection site reactions: pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given
Sources:
Dupilumab injection, Medline Plus (2022)
Dupixent–dupilumab injection, solution, Food and Drug Administration (2023)
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