What is Dupixent (Eczema) Dupixent?
Dupixent (dupilumab) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of moderate-to-severe eczema (or atopic dermatitis) in adults and children aged 6 months and older who have uncontrolled eczema despite receiving other treatments. It is a monoclonal antibody that works by blocking a type of protein in the body called interleukin-4 and -13 that cause inflammation.
Dupixent is administered through a subcutaneous injection and can be self-administered at home after receiving appropriate training from a healthcare professional. The recommended dosage for adults is an initial dose of 600mg followed by 300mg every other week, while children receive a lower dosage based on their weight.
The drug has been found to be effective in reducing eczema symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. It has also been shown to improve patients' quality of life, and reduce the need for other treatments such as topical steroids. However, as with any medication, Dupixent may have side effects such as injection site reactions, allergic reactions, and eye problems in some cases.
Overall, Dupixent is an important treatment option for individuals suffering from moderate-to-severe eczema who have not responded adequately to other treatments. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if Dupixent is the right treatment for an individual's specific condition and medical history.
Frequently Asked Questions about dupixent (eczema) dupixent
DUPIXENT helps prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and can improve your breathing. DUPIXENT may also help reduce the amount of oral corticosteroids you need while preventing severe asthma attacks and improving your breathing. DUPIXENT is not used to treat sudden breathing problems.
Each pre-filled syringe delivers 300 mg dupilumab in 2 mL which also contains L-arginine hydrochloride (10.5 mg), L- histidine (6.2 mg), polysorbate 80 (4 mg), sodium acetate (2 mg), sucrose (100 mg), and water for injection, pH 5.9.
Dupixent (Dupilumab) First Biologic Drug Approved for Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, is a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterized by skin rash and itching.
Dupixent has fast become a blockbuster product for both Sanofi and Regeneron since its first approval in 2017. Several rival companies, among them Pfizer, AbbVie and Eli Lilly, are developing competitors they hope are more effective against an array of conditions like eczema and several types of arthritis.
Allergic reactions. DUPIXENT can cause allergic reactions that can sometimes be severe.
- breathing problems or wheezing.
- fast pulse.
- fever.
- general ill feeling.
- swollen lymph nodes.
- swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat.
- hives.
Dupixent could cause ocular (eye-related) side effects, including: pink eye. blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
Many studies have reported that Dupixent does not cause any serious effects on the liver. No study has reported clinically apparent acute liver injury attributed to dupilumab therapy. Dupilumab is a human monoclonal antibody and is unlikely to damage the liver.
Studies haven't found any increased risk of cancer in people who receive Dupixent. There is an increased risk of cancer with certain immunosuppressant medications used to treat severe eczema or asthma. Immunosuppressants reduce certain functions of your immune system, which is your body's defense against disease.
Allergic reactions. DUPIXENT can cause allergic reactions that can sometimes be severe.
- breathing problems or wheezing.
- fast pulse.
- fever.
- general ill feeling.
- swollen lymph nodes.
- swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat.
- hives.
Dupixent's cost may also be higher because it's an injectable medication and may only be available through specialty pharmacies. And in some cases, you need to visit your doctor to receive a dose. To learn more about ways to save on the cost of Dupixent, see the “Can I get help paying for Dupixent?” section below.
As with other medications, Dupixent can interact with certain other drugs and vaccines. However, Dupixent is not known to interact with alcohol, supplements, or foods.
Dermatologists consider dupilumab to have a good safety profile and to be less likely to cause renal adverse effects. However, we describe a case in which decreased renal function became apparent after starting dupilumab treatment.
