How do you use Dupixent?
Dupixent (dupilumab) is a prescription injection used to treat eczema, asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, eosinophilic esophagitis, and prurigo nodularis.
Dupixent is used for the treatment of:
- atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults and children aged 6 months and older
- asthma in adults and children aged 6 years and older
- chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis in adults
- eosinophilic esophagitis in adults and children aged 1 year and older
- prurigo nodularis in adults.
Dupixent is administered via subcutaneous injection every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks.
Dupixent is available in pre-filled pens and pre-filled syringes.
Dupixent pre-filled pen is only for use in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older. In adolescent patients, the dose should be administered by, or under the supervision of an adult.
Dupixent pre-filled syringe is for use in children 6 months and older. The dose should be administered by a caregiver.
The injection can be administered into the thigh or stomach, except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around the belly button. If a caregiver injects the dose, they can also use the outer area of the upper arm.
Choose a different injection site for each injection. DO NOT inject Dupixent into skin that is tender, damaged, bruised, or scarred.
- See Dupixent Dosage
Related questions
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Instructions for Use
Single-Dose Pre-filled Pen
The Dupixent Pre-filled Pen is a single-dose device for use in adults and children aged 12 years and older.
Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe. Let your skin dry before injecting. Remove the green cap.
Hold the pen so that you can see the window. Place the yellow needle cover on your skin at approximately a 90-degree angle.
Press and hold the Dupixent Pre-filled Pen firmly against your skin until you cannot see the yellow needle cover. There will be a “click” when the injection starts, and the window will start to turn yellow.
Keep pressing the Dupixent Pre-filled Pen against your skin and watch the window. The window will turn completely yellow, and you will hear a 2nd “click”. Keep pressing the pen against your skin and count to 5 to make sure you get your full dose.
After you have completed your injection pull straight up to remove the pen from the skin. The yellow needle cover will cover the needle. If you see any blood at the site, lightly dab a cotton ball or gauze pad. Do not rub your skin after the injection.
If the window does not turn completely yellow, remove the pen and call your healthcare provider. Do not give yourself a second dose without speaking to your healthcare provider.
Put your used Dupixent Pre-filled Pens, and green caps in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use. Do not dispose of (throw away) pens and green caps in your
household trash.
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
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. 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
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Drug information
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