What Is Dupixent® (dupilumab)?

Dupixent® is an injectable prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. It is approved for adults and children (ages 6 months to 17 years). It is prescribed to people whose disease is not well controlled with topical therapies or who cannot use those therapies. Dupixent can be used in combination with topical corticosteroids.⁴

What are the ingredients in Dupixent?

The active ingredient in Dupixent is dupilumab.⁴

How does Dupixent work?

Dupixent is a human monoclonal antibody, a type of protein that is made to attach to a particular substance. Dupixent targets interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), two chemicals that are involved in the inflammatory response of the immune system. In people with atopic dermatitis, there is a dysfunction in the immune system, which results in an overactive, inflammatory state. By suppressing the inflammatory response, Dupixent may improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, including itching, redness, and rash.^3,4

What are the possible side effects of Dupixent?

The most common side effects experienced by people taking Dupixent include injection site reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation (including redness, swelling, and itching), and cold sores on the mouth or lips. Rarely, Dupixent may cause serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, eye pain, or vision changes. Patients should stop using Dupixent and seek immediate medical care if they experience an allergic reaction including any of the following symptoms: fever, general ill feeling, swollen lymph nodes, hives, itching, joint pain, or skin rash.⁴ This is not a complete list of side effects, so consult with your doctor if you experience anything out of the norm while taking Dupixent.

Things to know about Dupixent

Dupixent comes in a pre-filled syringe or a pre-filled pen. After training by a healthcare professional, patients or their caregivers can administer the injections. Injections should be given into the thigh or abdomen, except for the two inches around the navel. If a caregiver is administering the injection, the upper arm can be used. Injection sites should be rotated with each injection. The injection should not be given on skin that is damaged, tender, bruised, or scarred.

If a severe allergic reaction occurs, the use of Dupixent should be discontinued immediately and medical attention should be given. Patients who also have asthma should not adjust or stop their asthma treatment without talking to their doctor. People who experience new or worsening eye problems should talk to their doctor about their symptoms. While taking Dupixent, patients should not receive live vaccines.⁴

For additional information on Dupixent, read the full prescribing information.