Is Dupixent an immunosuppressant?
No, Dupixent (dupilumab) is not an immunosuppressant or a steroid. Dupixent works by targeting a type of protein called an interleukin, that is involved in inflammation. Dupixent calms an overreactive immune system but does not suppress the immune system. This leads to fewer and less severe episodes of inflammation when used to treat conditions such as atopic dermatitis or asthma.
No study has reported so far that Dupixent reactivates latent infections, such as tuberculosis or hepatitis B, increases the risk of invasive fungal infections or unusual opportunistic infections, nor increases the progression of cancer. Most medicines that have immunosuppressive properties increase the risk of all of these.
Dupixent is a biologic that may be used to treat moderate-to-severe AD in adults and children aged 6 months and older whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. It may also be used to treat moderate-to-severe asthma in adults and children aged 6 years and older in addition to other therapies; eosinophilic esophagitis in adults and children aged 1 year and older, weighing at least 33 pounds (15 kg); chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis in adults; and to significantly reduce itch and skin lesions in adults with prurigo nodularis.
How does Dupixent work?
Dupixent is a human monoclonal IgG4 antibody that works by blocking the signaling (transmitting of messages) of two inflammatory proteins, called interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). It does this by binding to the site that these two proteins bind to, which is called the IL-4Rα subunit. When Dupixent occupies this subunit, it prevents IL-4 signaling via the Type I receptor and both IL-4 and IL-13 signaling through the Type II receptor.
Usually, interleukins play an important role in the immune system by helping to fight off invading organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. In some chronic conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), the immune system becomes over-reactive, and interleukins mistakenly attack the body. By blocking the effects of interleukins, Dupixent curbs this overreaction of the immune system, allowing the skin to repair and heal.
Research has also shown that in AD Dupixent helps to decrease colonization of a naturally occurring skin bacteria, called Staphylococcus, helping to normalize the skin microbiome. This improves the way a person’s immune system can function against infections.
How Dupixent works in asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis is not completely understood; however, it is believed to be due to an inhibition of the IL-4 and IL-13 cytokine-induced inflammatory response which reduces the release of other inflammatory substances, such as proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, nitric oxide, and IgE.
Related questions
References
- Dupixent for Atopic Dermatitis FAQ National Eczema Association https://nationaleczema.org/dupilumab-faq/
- Dupixent (dupilumab) 01/2024 sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC https://www.drugs.com/pro/dupixent.html
- Cuellar-Barboza A, Zirwas M, Feldman S, et al. Is dupilumab an immunosuppressant? Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2020: 19(2) https://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961620P0209X
- Dupixent FDA Approval History. Updated 29 January 2024 https://www.drugs.com/history/dupixent.html
Read next
Why does Dupixent cause eye problems?
Dupixent is associated with several different eye problems, including conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry eyes, itchy eyes, and keratitis. The cause of the eye problems is thought to be due to Dupixent blocking interleukin-13 (IL-13), an inflammatory protein that also stimulates the production of goblet cells. Goblet cells are responsible for creating mucus in the eye and ensuring the stability of tears. So when Dupixent blocks IL-13 it also lowers the numbers of epithelial goblet cells leading to eye inflammation and eye problems. Continue reading
Does Dupixent cause weight gain?
Yes, it does appear that Dupixent can cause weight gain, although this is not listed as a side effect in the product information. A case series of 12 people prescribed Dupixent reported an average weight gain of 6.1kg over one year – the amount of weight gained ranged from 0.1kg to 18.0kg. Anecdotally, blog sites also report weight gain as a side effect. How Dupixent causes weight gain is not known; however, people should be informed that weight gain may be a possible side effect of Dupixent. Continue reading
How long can Dupixent stay out of the fridge?
Dupixent can stay out of the fridge for a maximum of 14 days at room temperature (up to 77°F [25°C]). If you do not use it within 14 days, then it must be thrown away. Do not expose Dupixent to temperatures above 77°F and do not put it back in the refrigerator if it has been inadvertently left out and allowed to warm up to room temperature. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- Can you drink alcohol on Dupixent?
- Does Dupixent cause joint pain?
- What is Dupixent used for and how does it work?
- Does Dupixent cause hair loss?
- Can Dupixent cure eczema?
- How do you inject Dupixent?
- Can you take Dupixent a day early?
- How does Dupixent help with asthma?
- How do you use Dupixent?
Drug information
- Dupixent Information for Consumers
- Dupixent prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Dupixent (detailed)
Related support groups
- Dupixent (24 questions, 62 members)
