Dupixent is an injectable prescription medicine used to treat a number of inflammatory conditions. It works by inhibiting the inflammatory response through its binding activity to the protein interleukin-4 receptor alpha subunit (IL-4Ra), which causes inflammation. Dupixent is used to treat a range of conditions, such as moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children six months and older, asthma in adults and children six years and older, chronic rhinosinusitis in adults, eosinophilic esophagitis in adults and children 12 years of age and older, and prurigo nodularis in adults.
Dupixent can be used with or without topical corticosteroids for eczema treatment and with other asthma medications for asthma treatment. However, as with any medication, it is essential to follow all directions on the label and package insert and to inform healthcare providers of all medical conditions, allergies, and medications in use.
It is vital to note that Dupixent has specific age restrictions for each condition, and patients should not use it without a doctor’s prescription. It is also crucial to use Dupixent correctly and to seek medical attention if breathing problems worsen quickly, or asthma medication appears ineffective.
Dupixent is injected under the skin, usually every two to four weeks, with the first dose given in two injections. Patients should not use Dupixent if they are allergic to Dupilumab or younger than six months old for eczema treatment, younger than six years old for asthma treatment, under 12 years of age, and weighing at least 88 pounds (40 kilograms) for eosinophilic esophagitis treatment, or younger than 18 years of age for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis or prurigo nodularis treatment.
Patients should also inform their doctors if they have eye problems, a parasite infection, or are scheduled to receive any vaccine. Dupixent is available in pre-filled syringes and injection pens, which must be stored in the original carton in the refrigerator, protected from light and not frozen. Each prefilled syringe or injection pen is for one use only, and it must be disposed of in a puncture-proof “sharps” container, following state or local laws. Patients should keep it out of reach to avoid accidents.
