How do you inject Dupixent?

Dupixent (generic name: dupilumab) is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection into the thigh or stomach area by the patient or a caregiver. It can also be given in the outer area of the upper arm by a caregiver.

It comes as a pre-filled syringe or a pre-filled autoinjector pen.

• The Dupixent pre-filled pen is used only in adults and children 2 years of and older. The Dupixent pre-filled syringe is for use in children 6 months and older and adults.
• In children 12 years of age and older, it is recommended that the pen or syringe be given by an adult, or under the supervision of an adult.
• The Dupixent syringe should only be administered by an adult caregiver in children 6 months to less than 12 years of age.
• Do not try to inject Dupixent until you’ve been properly trained by your healthcare provider.
• Your doctor will tell you how often to inject Dupixent and which dose you will use.

If you and your doctor decide the injections can be given at home, your healthcare provider will give you proper training on preparing and injecting. Do not inject yourself or someone else with Dupixent until you have been shown how to inject the medicine by a health care provider and understand what to do.

Read the "Instructions for Use" supplied with your medicine before using the Dupixent pre-filled syringe or pen for the first time. Keep your "Instruction for Use" for future reference, or ask your pharmacist for a copy if you need one.

Dupixent is a approved by the FDA to treat asthma, atopic dermatitis (eczema), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, prurigo nodularis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and eosinophilic esophagitis.

Learn more: What is Dupixent used for and how does it work?

Can I inject Dupixent at home?

Yes, the Dupixent pre-filled autoinjector pen or the pre-filled syringe can be both be administered at home, in certain age groups and after adequate training.

The Dupixent pre-filled autoinjector pen can be used at home after proper training. The single-dose pre-filled pen (200 mg or 300 mg) is available for people 2 years of age and older.

• An autoinjector is a device that usually contains one pre-filled dose of medicine with a spring-loaded mechanism.
• These devices allow patients or caregivers to more conveniently self-inject the medicine at home or if traveling.

Many patients prefer autoinjectors over syringes as they are easier to use and may cause less hesitation or fear. Your healthcare provider can teach you how to use this device if it agreed that home administration is the best option. Your healthcare professional can still administer your dose if needed, or if you prefer.

The pre-filled syringe can also be used for home injection and is for use in children 6 months to less than 12 years of age. In this age group, the syringe should only be administered by an adult caregiver. The pre-filled syringe is available in a 200 mg or 300 mg strength.

• See Dupixent Dosage (in more detail)

How do you inject Dupixent into your stomach or thigh?

Before using the Dupixent Syringe or Pen for Injection fully review the manufacturer “Instructions for Use” that contains information and diagrams on how to inject Dupixent. You can find this information in the Dupixent carton that contains your syringes or pens.

The manufacturer also supplies videos on their website to demonstrate Dupixent injection.

Your health care provider should train you on how to administer the medication by injection prior to your first dose. If you still have questions, contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Prior to using the syringe or pen, be sure you have the following:

• the Dupixent syringe or pen
• one alcohol wipe
• one cotton ball or gauze
• an approved sharps disposal container.

Use a clean flat workspace for your supplies.

Before injection, always wash your hands well with soap and water. Clean the injection site prior to injection with an alcohol pad. Do not touch the site or blow on it before the injection.

Check the expiration date on the syringe or pen to be sure it has not passed. If it has, do not use the medicine and call your doctor for a new prescription. Double check the injection strength, too.

Do not:

• reuse Dupixent syringes or pens.
• use the pre-filled pen if the window is solid yellow.
• inject Dupixent in damaged skin, such as tender, bruised or scarred areas, or into areas with visible veins. Do not inject through your clothes.
• use the pen or syringe if the solution appears discolored, cloudy or contains particles or flakes. You may see an air bubble, but this is normal.
• use if the cap is missing or not securely attached.
• use if damaged or has been dropped on a hard surface.
• put the needle cap back on after injection.
• rub your skin after the injection.
• place syringes or pens in your household trash.
• use if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients in Dupixent.

Dispose of the needle, syringes or pen, and caps as directed by the manufacturer in an approved sharps container. If you do not have a sharps container, the manufacturer can supply one for free. Do not recycle your used puncture-resistant container.

Keep pens and syringes out of the reach of children and pets.

How do I use the Dupixent pre-filled syringe?

The Dupixent pre-filled syringe is for use in adults and children 6 months of age and older. It should only be given by an adult caregiver in children 6 months to 12 years of age. Injection in children 12 years and older should be given or supervised by an adult.

The syringe comes as a single dose in a pre-filled syringe (200 mg or 300 mg) with a needle shield.

You can inject the Dupixent pre-filled syringe into your thigh or stomach, except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around your belly button (navel). If a caregiver injects the dose, they can also use the outer area of the upper arm. Choose a different site each time you inject Dupixent.

Lay the Dupixent Syringe on a flat surface and let it naturally warm to room temperature (less than 77°F or 25°C) for at least 30 minutes (for the 200 mg syringe) or 45 minutes (for the 300 mg syringe). Do not heat the syringe or place it in direct sunlight.

Gather your supplies as directed.

• Before injection, wash your hands well with soap and water. Clean the injection site with the alcohol pad and let it dry.
• Pull the cap of the syringe straight off. Once you have removed the cap, do not put it back on.
• Pinch a fold of skin at the injection site (thigh or stomach, except 2 inches around your belly button, or outer area of the upper arm if injected by your caregiver). Insert the needle completely into the fold of the skin at about a 45° angle (see illustration).
• Relax the pinch slightly. Push the plunger rod down slowly and steadily as far as it will go until the Dupixent Syringe is empty. Lift your thumb to release the plunger rod until the needle is covered by the needle shield and then remove the syringe from the injection site. Do not pull back on the plunger rod at any time. Do not put the needle cap back on. Do not rub your skin after the injection.
• Lightly press a cotton ball or gauze on the injection site if you see any blood (don't rub). Use a bandage if needed or call your doctor if any bleeding does not stop.
• Dispose of the syringe, needles and caps right away as directed in an FDA-approved sharps container.

Related questions

• What are the most common skin conditions? (with photos)
• Why do Dupixent injections hurt so much?
• How fast does Dupixent work?

How do I use the Dupixent pre-filled pen?

The Dupixent pre-filled pen is available for use in patients 2 years of age and older. Injection in adolescents 12 and older should be given or supervised by an adult. It is available as a single-dose pre-filled pen (200 mg or 300 mg).

Before injection, wash your hands well with soap and water. You can inject the pre-filled pen into your thigh or stomach, except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around your belly button (navel). If a caregiver injects your dose, they can also use the outer area of the upper arm. Choose a different site each time you inject Dupixent.

Lay the Dupixent pen on a flat surface and let it naturally warm to room temperature (less than 77°F or 25°C) for 30 minutes for the 200 mg pen and 45 minutes for the 300 mg pen. Do not heat the pen or place in direct sunlight.

Gather your supplies as directed.

To inject:

• Remove the cap only when you are ready to inject. Pull the cap of the pen straight off. Once you have removed the cap, do not put it back on. Do not touch or press the yellow needle cover.
• Pinch a fold of skin at the injection site (thigh or stomach, except 2 inches around your belly button, or outer area of the upper arm if injected by your caregiver). Pinching is not needed for adults and children aged 12 years and older.
• Place the yellow needle cover on your skin at approximately a 90-degree angle (see illustration). Do not cover the window that shows the medicine with your fingers or hand.
• Press and hold the Dupixent pre-filled pen firmly against your skin until you cannot see the yellow needle cover. When you hear a “click” you know the injection has begun. After you hear the second click, count to 5 to be sure you get the full dose while keeping the pen pressed down on your skin.
• After your injection is done, pull the pen straight up to remove the Dupixent pen from the skin. The yellow needle cover will cover the needle.
• Lightly press a cotton ball or gauze on the injection site if you see any blood (don't rub). Use a bandage if needed or call your doctor if any bleeding does not stop.
• Dispose of the pen and caps right away as directed in an FDA-approved sharps container.

If the window doesn’t fully turn yellow, or if it looks like medicine is still coming out of the pen, you may not have received a full dose. Dispose (throw away) the pen and contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not give yourself a second dose without talking to your doctor.

Bottom Line

Before your first Dupixent injection, be sure you have read the manufacturer's Instructions for Use and have received instructions how to properly inject the medicine from your health care provider.

The Dupixent pre-filled pen is used only in adults and children 2 years of and older. The Dupixent pre-filled syringe is for use in children 6 months and older and adults.

In children 12 years of age and older, it is recommended that the pen or syringe be given by an adult, or under the supervision of an adult. The Dupixent syringe should only be administered by an adult caregiver in children 6 months to less than 12 years of age.

You can inject the Dupixent syringe or pre-filled pen into your thigh or stomach, except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around your belly button (navel). If a caregiver injects your dose, they can also use the outer area of the upper arm.

Bring your syringe or pen to room temperature before injection, as directed. Do not heat in the microwave, hot water or direct sunlight.

These instructions are abbreviated and do not contain all the information you may need for safe and effective use of Dupixent. Review the full Dupixent information here, and discuss this information and any questions with your doctor or other qualified health care provider.