What To Ask Your Doctor
If you have certain forms of eczema, asthma, or sinusitis, your doctor may prescribe Dupixent for you.
When youre considering using Dupixent, its important to talk with your doctor about your treatment plan. Its common to continue using other treatments for eczema, asthma, or sinusitis with Dupixent. Be sure that you understand which treatments you should continue using. And ask your doctor if there are any you should stop using.
You may also want to discuss other ways to manage your symptoms besides using medication. For example, with eczema, these may include avoiding certain triggers and choosing natural remedies.
Here are some other questions to ask when talking with your doctor:
- If Dupixent works well for my condition, will I need to continue it for the rest of my life?
- Are there any vaccines that I should get before starting Dupixent?
- Do my other medical conditions increase my risk for side effects with Dupixent?
- Can I take ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory pain relievers with Dupixent?
Sign up for Healthlines allergy and asthma newsletter to get updates on new treatment options and other helpful information.
Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
How Does Dupixent Compare With Fasenra And Nucala
Dupixent, Fasenra, and Nucala are similar in that theyre all monoclonal antibodies drugs. These three medications are used for some of the same conditions, but they also have some different uses. And they contain different active drugs.
For instance, theyre all used to treat eosinophilic asthma in adults and some children.
Nucala is also used to treat other conditions, such as:
- eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis
- hypereosinophilic syndrome in some people
And Dupixent is also used for:
For more information on Dupixents uses, see the What is Dupixent used for? section above.
Your healthcare professional can discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment options that are best for your condition.
Recommended Dosage For Atopic Dermatitis
Dosage in Adults
The recommended dosage of Dupixent for adult patients is an initial dose of 600 mg , followed by 300 mg given every other week .
Dosage in Pediatric Patients 6 Months to 5 Years of Age
The recommended dosage of Dupixent for pediatric patients 6 months to 5 years of age is specified in Table 1.
| Body Weight | Initial* and Subsequent Dosage |
|---|---|
|
|
| 5 to less than 15 kg | 200 mg every 4 weeks |
| 15 to less than 30 kg | 300 mg every 4 weeks |
Dosage in Pediatric Patients 6 Years to 17 Years of Age
The recommended dosage of Dupixent for pediatric patients 6 years to 17 years of age is specified in Table 2.
| Body Weight | |
|---|---|
| 600 mg | 300 mg every other week |
Concomitant Topical Therapies
Dupixent can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. Topical calcineurin inhibitors may be used, but should be reserved for problem areas only, such as the face, neck, intertriginous and genital areas.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Prevent Spreading Herpes
Ways To Reduce Your Risk Of Eczema Herpeticum
If you or one of your family members has eczema, you can help reduce the risk of developing eczema herpeticum by following these protective measures.
Additional reporting byAshley Welch.
Injection For Subcutaneous Usesingle
Read this Instructions for Use before using the Dupixent Pre-filled Syringe. Do not inject yourself or someone else until you have been shown how to inject Dupixent. Your healthcare provider can show you or your caregiver how to prepare and inject a dose of Dupixent before you try to do it yourself the first time. Keep these instructions for future use. Call your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
This device is a Single-Dose Pre-filled Syringe . It contains 300 mg of Dupixent for injection under the skin .
The parts of the Dupixent Syringe are shown below:
Step 1: Remove
Remove the Dupixent Syringe from the carton by holding the middle of the Syringe Body.
Do not pull off the Needle Cap until you are ready to inject.
Do not use the Dupixent Syringe if it has been dropped on a hard surface or damaged.
Step 2: Prepare
Ensure you have the following:
- the Dupixent Pre-filled Syringe
- 1 cotton ball or gauze*
- a sharps disposal container*
*Items not included in the carton
Step 3: Check
When you receive your Dupixent Syringes, always check to see that:
- you have the correct medicine and dose.
- the expiration date on the Single-Dose Pre-filled Syringe has not passed.
Do not use the Dupixent Syringe if the expiration date has passed.
Step 4: Inspect
Look at the medicine through the Viewing Window on the Dupixent Syringe:
Check to see if the liquid is clear and colorless to pale yellow.
Note: You may see an air bubble, this is normal.
Step 5: Wait 45 minutes
Step 7: Clean
Don’t Miss: Can Antibiotics Make Herpes Worse
How Supplied/storage And Handling
How Supplied
Dupixent Injection is a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale yellow solution, supplied in single-dose pre-filled syringes with needle shield or pre-filled pens.
The pre-filled syringe with needle shield is designed to deliver:
- 300 mg of Dupixent in 2 mL solution
- 200 mg of Dupixent in 1.14 mL solution
- 100 mg of Dupixent in 0.67 mL solution
The pre-filled pen is designed to deliver:
- 300 mg of Dupixent in 2 mL solution
- 200 mg of Dupixent in 1.14 mL solution
Dupixent is available in cartons containing 2 pre-filled syringes with needle shield or 2 pre-filled pens.
| Pack Size |
|---|
Storage and Handling
Dupixent is sterile and preservative-free. Discard any unused portion.
Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C in the original carton to protect from light.
If necessary, Dupixent may be kept at room temperature up to 25°C for a maximum of 14 days. Do not store above 25°C . After removal from the refrigerator, Dupixent must be used within 14 days or discarded.
Do not expose Dupixent to heat or direct sunlight.
Do NOT freeze. Do NOT shake.
Does Dupixent Affect The Liver
In several large randomized, placebo controlled trials, serum enzyme and bilirubin levels did not change during dupilumab therapy and there were no reported liver related serious adverse events or causes for early discontinuation.
Considering this, Do you have to use Dupixent forever? How long do I have to take Dupixent? Because of the chronic nature of atopic dermatitis, you must remain on Dupixent to continue the clinical benefits of the drug.
Who should not take Dupixent? Dupilumab should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old to treat asthma, or younger than 6 years old to treat eczema. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: eye problems a parasite infection or.
Furthermore, Can you drink alcohol while taking Dupixent? There are no known interactions with Dupixent and alcohol.
Read Also: I Was Diagnosed With Herpes And Never Had An Outbreak
What Is Eczema Herpeticum
Eczema herpeticum is a painful, blistery rash that occurs when eczema-damaged skin is infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 through skin-to-skin contact, says the NEA.
The most common symptom of HSV-1 is a cold sore on the lip or around the mouth that takes a week or two to heal. Occasionally, HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, often through oral-genital contact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Although not typical, another herpes simplex virus, HSV-2, which causes most cases of genital herpes, can also trigger eczema herpeticum.
Patients with eczema have a compromised skin barrier that puts them at a higher risk of skin infections in general, including eczema herpeticum, says Nika Finelt, MD, director of pediatric dermatology at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in New Hyde Park, New York. Eczema causes breaks in the skin, which allows the herpes virus in.
In kids and young adults with eczema, wrestling and other contact sports can increase the risk of coming into direct contact with the herpes simplex virus and developing eczema herpeticum.
People who have other conditions that cause cracking in the skins surface, such as contact dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis, can also develop eczema herpeticum, notes the NEA.
RELATED: Atopic Dermatitis Complications: What You Need to Know
Can Dupixent Cause Shingles
Whats more, nearly 2% of patients in the low-dose group reported serious infections, compared to 1.3% of the placebo group. Two patients in the high-dose group developed herpes zoster, or shingles.
Can Dupixent cause hair loss? Official Answer. Although hair loss is not reported in the product information as a side effect of Dupixent, there have been rare reports of hair loss published since the drug was approved. It is possible that Dupixent can cause hair loss in a very small number of people .
How long does it take for Dupixent to start working? Bottom Line. In adults and adolescents, Dupixent can start to work as quickly as 2 to 4 weeks to relieve itching due to eczema lead to a clear or almost clear skin improvement in 16 weeks.
Is Dupixent a steroid? Not a Steroid. DUPIXENT is something different: the only dual-targeting biologic treatement for moderate-to-severe asthma. Its taken by injection under the skin . It is taken differently than oral steroids and inhalers.
You May Like: Does Lysine Help With Genital Herpes
Perform A Safety Check Before Administering An Injection
Always check to make sure that the medicine is correct, the expiration date has not passed, and the pen injector or prefilled syringe is not damaged. Check the medicine to make sure that it is clear and either colorless or pale yellow. Do not use Dupixent if the expiration date has passed, the syringe or pen is damaged, or the medicine is discolored, cloudy, or has particles floating around in it.
What Does Dupixent Cost
Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use.
If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Dupixent manufacturers website to see support options.
Dupixent treats these conditions by targeting a very specific part of your immune system. Read on to learn more about these conditions and how Dupixent is used for them.
Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
Dupixent is used for eczema in adults and kids ages 6 years and older. Its prescribed when medications applied on the skin are not working well to control eczema symptoms. Its also an option to try when those drugs cant be used.
With eczema, you have dry, itchy skin patches that can flare up into rashes. Certain triggers, such as scented soaps or detergents, can cause eczema flare-ups. Eczema is a skin condition thats most common in children, but it can also continue into adulthood.
To treat eczema, Dupixent can be used alone or with corticosteroids applied to the skin.
Moderate to severe asthma
Dupixent is used as an add-on treatment for certain types of asthma in adults and children ages 6 years and older. These types of asthma include:
- eosinophilic asthma, which is asthma associated with high levels of eosinophils in your body
- asthma that must be treated with corticosteroids taken by mouth, such as prednisone
Also Check: Does Tea Tree Oil Help With Herpes
Other Side Effects Of Dupixent
Some side effects of dupilumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the original container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store dupilumab injection in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 14 days. Do not freeze. Keep the syringes and pens in their original cartons to protect them from light.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
You May Like: How Soon Can Herpes Be Detected
Is Dupixent An Immunosuppressant Does It Lower The Activity Of Your Immune System
No, Dupixent is not an immunosuppressant. Instead, its a monoclonal antibody drug, which works on very specific targets within your immune system.
Dupixent isnt known to weaken your immune system in a way that makes it easier for you to get infections. Instead, the drug reduces inflammation signals in your immune system that can cause eczema, asthma, and chronic sinusitis.
Keep in mind that inflammation signals are important for your immune system to respond to certain vaccines. For information about receiving vaccines during Dupixent treatment, see Interactions with vaccines in the Does Dupixent have any interactions? section below.
If you have questions about Dupixents effects on your immune system, talk with your doctor.
Follow The Instructions Given In The Injection Demonstration
A healthcare professional will demonstrate how to give an injection using either a prefilled syringe or pen injector. Make sure these instructions are fully understood. If not, dont leave the demonstration until your questions are answered. Slowly and carefully reread the illustrated instructions for use before giving each injection. Youll find these instructions packaged with the medicine.
Read Also: How To Eliminate Herpes Forever
Can I Take Dupixent While Im Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
It isnt known if Dupixent is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If youre pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning either, talk with your doctor. They can recommend the safest way to treat your condition during this time.
If you use Dupixent while pregnant, you might consider joining the drugs pregnancy registry. A pregnancy registry monitors the health of people who take a certain drug during pregnancy. You can call 877-311-8972 or visit the registrys website for more information or to sign up. You can also talk with your doctor.
Does Dupixent Present A Higher Threat Of Lymphoma Compared To Other Medications
When it comes to evaluating the risks associated with different treatments, it can be difficult to weigh up all the factors and decide which one is safest. A new medication called Dupixent has been released onto the market, and many people are concerned about whether or not this drug could increase their chances of developing lymphoma.
To answer this question, one must look at various studies that have been conducted on Dupixent and its effects on lymphoma. While no clinical trials have been conducted specifically assessing the risk of developing lymphoma from Dupixent use, data from other trials suggest that any increased risk would be quite minimal.
For example, a retrospective analysis from 2017 found that among patients taking dupilumab , no cases of lymphoma were reported during a 24-week time period1. Similarly, a study published in 2018 also found no direct link between taking dupilumab and increases in incidence of lymphoproliferative disorders such as leukemias and lymphomas2. Therefore it appears that there is little evidence for an increased risk for developing these cancers through using Dupixent compared with other medications containing similar ingredients.
1Elia M et al â “No Cases Of Lymphoma Observed In Patients Treated With Anti-Interleukin 4 Receptor Over 24 Week Study” Lancet Neurology 16 no 8 681- 701.
3WebMDâ “Questions And Answers About DUPIXENT® Du Pact Club In Adolescents 12 Years And Older With Moderateto Severe Atopic Dermatitis”.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Antivirals For Herpes