Description

What is Dupixent?

Dupixent is used to treat eczema, eosinophilic or oral-corticosteroid-dependent asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, COPD with an eosinophilic phenotype, eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE), chronic spontaneous urticaria, prurigo nodularis, or bullous pemphigoid. Also , Dupixent injection can be self-administered subcutaneously (under the skin) every 1 to 4 weeks.

How does Dupixent work?

Mechanism of Action

Dupixent works by targeting and blocking two key inflammatory proteins in the body, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). These agents control inflammatory signaling pathways and substances like proinflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, and IgE (immunoglobulin E), which contribute to inflammation in conditions that Dupixent treats, such as eczema, asthma, COPD, chronic rhinosinusitis, and EOE.

Dupixent is not an immunosuppressant. It calms overreactive immune systems, rather than fully suppressing them (see Is Dupixent an immunosuppressant?).

Dupixent belongs to the drug class called interleukin inhibitors.

FDA approvals and indications

Dupixent is approved for the following conditions:

• Eczema. Dupixent is used for eczema (atopic dermatitis) that is moderate to severe in adults and children 6 months and older whose condition is not well controlled with prescription treatments used on the skin (topical) or who cannot use topical therapies. Can be used with or without topical corticosteroids
• Asthma. In adults and children aged 6 and older, Dupixent treats moderate-to-severe eosinophilic or oral-corticosteroid-dependent asthma in conjunction with other asthma maintenance treatments. Will NOT treat an acute asthma attack or status asthmaticus (an extreme form of acute asthma)
• Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). More so , Dupixent is used for inadequately controlled chronic rhinosinusitis (a long-standing inflammation of the sinuses) with nasal polyps, as an add-on maintenance treatment in adults and children aged 12 years and older
• COPD. In adults, Dupixent can be used for inadequately controlled COPD with an eosinophilic phenotype as an add-on maintenance treatment
• EOE. Dupixent is also use for eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) in adults and children 1 year of age and older who weigh at least 33 pounds (15 kg)
• Chronic spontaneous urticaria in adults and adolescents 12 years and older who remain symptomatic despite H1 antihistamine treatment
• Prurigo nodularis in adults
• Bullous pemphigoid (BP) in adults.

Cost

The cost of Dupixent varies based on your insurance coverage, including the type of prescription drug insurance, preferred medication status, and deductible status. For cost estimates, use the Dupixent Cost and Coverage Tool.

Dupixent MyWay provides comprehensive support, including:

• Financial assistance through copay cards for eligible patients
• Help to access the medication
• Injection training and support
• Prescription delivery coordination
• Educational resources.

See Dupixent Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance for more information.

Dupixent Side Effects

Common side effects

The most common side effects are:

• injection site reactions (pain, swelling, burning, irritation)
• upper respiratory tract infections (stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat)
• eye-related problems, including eye and eyelid inflammation, redness, swelling, itching, eye infection, dry eye, and blurred vision
• stomach problems (gastritis)
• herpes virus infections and cold sores
• elevated white blood cell counts (eosinophilia)
• musculoskeletal issues (back pain, muscle/joint pain)
• respiratory symptoms (rhinitis, throat pain)
• diarrhea
• general symptoms (dizziness, insomnia, headache)
• other infections (parasitic, urinary tract)
• facial rash or redness.