Why do Dupixent injections hurt so much?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on March 7, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Dupixent (dupilumab) injections can cause discomfort for some people. Factors affecting pain levels include:

Medication temperature – Cold injections may be more painful.
Injection technique – Proper technique can reduce discomfort.
Pain tolerance – Individual sensitivity varies.

A healthcare professional will guide you on the correct injection method to help minimize pain.

What can you do to make Dupixent hurt less?

To reduce discomfort during and after your Dupixent injection, try these strategies:

Let it warm up: Remove Dupixent from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature (45 minutes for the 300 mg/2 mL pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen, and 30 minutes for the 200 mg/1.14 mL pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen).
Rotate injection sites: Choose a different site to inject Dupixent each time.
Use an ice pack: Apply for 15 minutes before injecting to numb the area.
Consider numbing cream: Ask your doctor about topical anesthetics.
Avoid rubbing the skin: This can worsen irritation.
Wear loose clothing: Prevents additional pressure on the injection site.

For further guidance on how to reduce discomfort from Dupixent injections, consult your healthcare provider.

Where Is the Least Painful Spot to Inject Dupixent?

Dupixent is a subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected under the skin. The recommended injection sites are:

Self-injection: Thigh or stomach (excluding the 2-inch area around your belly button).
Caregiver-assisted injection: Outer upper arms.

Pain levels vary by individual. Avoid injecting into bruised, scarred, or sensitive skin.

Can You Inject Dupixent Incorrectly?

Yes, incorrect injection technique may reduce effectiveness or increase pain. Follow these steps:

Get trained: A healthcare professional should demonstrate proper administration.
Wash hands and clean the site: Use an alcohol swab to prevent infection.
Inject correctly: Dupixent should be injected under the skin (subcutaneously), not into a vein or muscle.
Never inject through clothing.

If you have concerns, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or Dupixent MyWay Nurse Educators at 1-844-DUPIXENT.

This is not all the information you need to know about Dupixent for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Dupixent (dupilumab) [package insert]. Revised April 2024. Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC. Accessed 05/28/24 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=595f437d-2729-40bb-9c62-c8ece1f82780

Dupixent.com. Updated March 2024. Injection Support Center. Accessed 05/28/2024 at https://www.dupixent.com/taking-dupixent/injection-support-center

How effective is Dupixent for COPD?

Dupixent represents a significant new option for adults with COPD characterized by type 2 inflammation and frequent exacerbations despite standard therapy. Its effectiveness is supported by robust clinical trial data and long-term real-world evidence showing meaningful reductions in exacerbations, improved lung function, better quality of life, and lower mortality.

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

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 eczema, asthma, COPD, rhinosinusitis, esophagitis, chronic urticaria, prurigo nodularis, and bullous pemphigoid.

Why do Dupixent injections hurt so much?

What can you do to make Dupixent hurt less?

Related questions

Where Is the Least Painful Spot to Inject Dupixent?

Can You Inject Dupixent Incorrectly?

Read next

How effective is Dupixent for COPD?

Does Dupixent cause weight gain?

Is Dupixent an immunosuppressant?

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