Dupilumab and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2021

Dupilumab for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps "Started Dupixent in October 2021. In 2013, I was diagnosed with chronic sinus polyps. I had some removed in 2014. I had a CAT scan in 2016, and the image was completely white!! I was full, so full I had vertigo, could not sleep, I was absolutely exhausted. Went for surgery in November 2016. That was the best gift ever - in 2019, the polyps came back. I did a round of prednisone - and was on Pulmicort applied by laying back as it was shot up my nasal cavity. Lots of steroids. I went to an allergist and found out I was allergic to pollen and grass. In 2020, the polyps got worse, and I was booked for surgery. In August of 2021, my ENT told me about Dupixent - I applied for it and started in October - I had 2 shots so far. My sense of smell came back in one week. I can feel it working, and my sinuses are opening up. However, the side effects I am having include headaches, insomnia (very bad), dryness of my nasal passages, and dry mouth. It’s only been 2 weeks so far. I’ll post an update in a month or so."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2019

Dupilumab for Eczema "I’m 25 years old. I have had severe eczema since I was 18 months old. I was placed in multiple studies for new medications when they came out (ex. Protopic), which worked for a couple of years and then I built a tolerance and my skin got worse. Off and on steroids pretty much every month. I tried Dupixent for about 4 months, late 2017-2018. It cleared my skin completely, no restless nights, no scratching, no bleeding. It was perfect!! Until my eyes started flaring up. I don’t have perfect vision anymore, and the doctor suggested I get off the medicine in order to save my sight. I’ve been off of this medicine for about a year and a half. My skin is much worse now, and I'm contemplating going back on this medicine but staying in close contact with my eye doctor. I’m losing sleep again due to scratching and always exhausted. My skin is miserable and hurts to the touch, so I think it might be worth trying again."

• Lis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 24, 2023

Dupilumab for Atopic Dermatitis "I have had eczema since I was a young child. I am now 49. My skin cleared up within the first 3 months of using Dupixent, however, after that, my eyes started bothering me, and I had a heart attack. I have now had cataract surgery on both eyes, not to mention all the specialists I have seen to try and figure out what caused so many things to happen all at once. My skin did clear up, but I have had conjunctivitis, heart attack, my white blood count was always high, insomnia, blood vessels bursting, and now I have something going on with my tongue! I also would like to say I have never had a side effect from any other drug in my life."

• sur...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 18, 2019

Dupilumab for Atopic Dermatitis "I started Dupixent in August 2017 to replace the cyclosporine, and it helped cosmetically with my skin but does very little to stop the itch. My AD is severe, and after reading the trials, it was only about as effective as cyclosporine but without the side effects. I scratch throughout the day - not 24/7 but enough to suffer from sleep deprivation and the social stigma of scratching and having skin come off due to how vigorous I scratch. Sheets changed weekly with blood spots from the bleeding."

• Den...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2020

Dupilumab for Asthma, Maintenance "I'm a long-standing moderate asthma patient currently on several meds, but not oral steroids. I recently started Dupixent injections that were prescribed by my asthma doctor. After 2 months, my asthma seems somewhat better. I've had few exacerbations since starting Dupixent. The only side effects I've experienced are insomnia. Almost to the point of stopping the treatments."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2022

Dupilumab for Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps "10/10 excellent results. Dupixent was effective within a couple of weeks, peak effectiveness now at 6 months. Couldn’t sleep, sing, difficulty eating, hard to understand me because I couldn’t enunciate clearly, smell and taste returned. Improved asthma significantly, no nasal symptoms. Truly a miracle drug for me. More energy and finally a clear head!"

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2021

Dupilumab for Atopic Dermatitis "I received my 1st injection of Dupixent. I developed itchy eyelids. Three days later, I had a red rash on one of my arms. That went away. The eczema itch really hasn't changed any. In fact, the eczema looks worse, I am not that impressed with this drug. This is rather disappointing. I received my 3rd injection, and I am now suffering from terrible insomnia. I also have started itching on different parts of my body. The eczema looks a lot worse. I still am not impressed with this medication. I was hoping that this would help me. I really doubt that this medication is going to. I feel like I am going to be stuck with this."

• nom...
• July 5, 2017

For Eczema "I can still remember that appointment where I started laughing by myself like a crazy person at the doctor's office because the itch was finally gone, all those sleepless nights, all the sleeping drugs, all the oozing, bleeding, cleaning the floors several times a day were gone!!! I got my life back!!!! I certainly do not miss the bleach baths!! I suffered severe eczema for 5 years with no diagnosis for 3, no answer with any medication. I am one of the lucky ones who entered the clinical trials since July 2014, felt the difference after the first dosage, clear skin after a month. I know my skin will never be normal, but thanks to this drug I have a normal life again!!! So blessed."

• chu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2023

Dupilumab for Eczema "I had initial doses less than a week ago, and I feel 'odd.' Some of the itching has already lessened, but I have noticed I am feeling more anxious today and had some trouble sleeping last night. I can tell it is starting to work for sure. I think it will be a lot better once I get to a single dose and my body gets used to it."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2022

Dupilumab for Eczema "I have suffered from eczema since birth and have used steroid creams/tablets, all the suggested washes, moisturizers, and washing detergents. I seem to get flare-ups and debilitating symptoms in the area I currently live in. The dermatologist recommended Dupixent, and I have now been on it for approximately 3 months. Didn't really notice any great improvements and still have flare-ups, and my skin feels like it's sunburnt. I thought this was the answer, but I'm not confident that continued use will provide relief. I am scratching less, which is a bonus, but sleepless nights still and ongoing pain. Just hope I don't have issues with my eyesight, as I have read in other reviews. Going back for a review tomorrow and will ask to stop and revert back to previous preventive measures. Happy for those that Dupixent has worked for, but it seems it's not for everyone."

• oce...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2024

Dupilumab for Eczema "I inherited bad eczema from my mum. I finally started Dupixent. I stuffed up one of the injection sites. Now it's bruised with a big lump... four weeks ago. Still the same. I find it flares up really bad for two days. Chronic gastro, headaches, itching, hot and cold sweats, insomnia, however, the massive patches of scaly red skin have faded and will take a while to heal 100%. My third round of the injections, I hope the company keeps continuing to tweak for those suffering from eye problems. It's only $7.70 here in Australia. Dosage: 4 mls every two weeks. Showed my flatmate how to inject, he nearly passed out, lol. He did one injection yesterday but too fast. It really hurt because I can't reach the left side of my stomach at a 45-degree angle. I tried my thigh, but it went straight into muscle. Didn't work, so the only fat I can find is a bit on my"

• nav...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 18, 2025

For Eczema "I see no point to this drug. My main problem is very bad eye flares, itching, and redness, lack of sleep due to this. The side effects of this drug are the very thing I was trying to cure. I am having to use steroid creams much more than I was."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 30, 2025

Dupilumab for Atopic Dermatitis "It works in some ways. I still flare up and have some itching. But I don’t have as much itching as I did before taking Dupixent. It was itching all the time, and before I started Dupixent, I used ice and Noxzema to calm things down. I still have to use clobetasol when it really flares. The injection is fine. Learned how to do that properly with the aid of the nurse team. As for side effects, I am dealing with fatigue, insomnia, and muscle aches. The main beef I have with Dupixent is that Medicare would not pay or even help pay for it. The only way I could receive a reasonable copay was when I got a second insurance coverage."