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Overview: Dupixent is used for several conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), atopic dermatitis, and others. It is injected under the skin. It works by blocking certain substances in your body that can lead to swelling (inflammation). Common side effects can vary depending on the condition being treated, but may include pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site, common cold symptoms, and headache. Tell your health care provider if you have any new or worsening eye problems or joint pain, as these could be symptoms of a serious side effect. Before starting Dupixent, talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. 

Uses

What is Dupixent used for?

Dupixent (dupilumab) is commonly used for certain people with the following conditions.

Learn more about how Dupixent treats the following conditions.

Dupixent may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Dupixent work (mechanism of action)?

Dupixent blocks two substances in your body, called interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), from working. Too much IL-4 and IL-13 activity can cause swelling (inflammation) in parts of your body that lead to asthma, COPD, eczema, and other conditions. Blocking IL-4 and IL-13 from working can decrease the swelling that causes these conditions.

How is Dupixent supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Dupixent

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 300 mg/2 mL (150 mg/mL) solution for injection, single-dose pre-filled syringe or pen
  • 200 mg/1.14 mL (175 mg/mL) solution for injection, single-dose pre-filled syringe or pen

How should I store Dupixent?

Dupixent should be kept in its original carton to protect it from light. It must be stored in a refrigerator. Keep it between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). If needed, you can store it at room temperature up to 77 F (25 C) for up to 14 days. After you take Dupixent out of the refrigerator, you must use it within 14 days or throw it out. Do not heat, freeze, or shake Dupixent or expose it to direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Dupixent?

The most common side effects of Dupixent are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site, which usually goes away
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Eye problems, such as redness, swelling, and itching of the eyes, sometimes with blurry vision, or dry eyes (see below)
  • Cold sores in the mouth or on the lips
  • High eosinophil levels (see below)
  • Infections, including kidney or bladder infections
  • Back, muscle, or joint pain (see below)
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Throat or stomach pain
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Toothache
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of Dupixent that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Dupixent?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Dupixent are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Dupixent can cause allergic reactions, including skin reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Dupixent and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash, including a rash that can be painful, look like a bullseye, or have pus-filled spots
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Eye Problems. Tell your health care provider if you have any new eye problems or if your eye problems get worse while using Dupixent. Examples of eye problems include eye pain, vision changes, or blurry vision.

High Eosinophil Levels. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that helps to fight disease. In some people, Dupixent can cause eosinophil levels to rise. Small increases in eosinophil levels do not usually cause any symptoms. However, large increases in eosinophil levels can cause serious side effects, including swelling (inflammation) of the lungs or blood vessels. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of these conditions.

  • Chest pain
  • Cough (worse than normal)
  • Fever
  • Numbness or feeling pins and needles in the arms or legs
  • Skin rash
  • Shortness of breath (worse than normal)
  • Brown or dark-colored pee 

Joint Pain. People using Dupixent may have joint pain or aches. In some cases, these joint problems can make it hard to walk or move. Some people had to go to the hospital for these problems. Tell your health care provider if you have any new joint pain or problems, or if these get worse while using Dupixent. 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Dupixent?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Dupixent.

  • Dupilumab
  • Dupixent
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Dupixent.

What should I know about Dupixent before using it?

Do not use Dupixent unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Dupixent with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Dupixent out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

This medicine is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Dupixent. Read and follow the instructions that come with the medicine. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

If you are using Dupixent for asthma or COPD, it should be used on a regular schedule to prevent symptoms. Do not use it when a quick response to breathing problems is needed. Certain inhaled medicines, sometimes called rescue inhalers, should be used to treat sudden symptoms. Get medical help right away if your breathing does not get better after using a rescue inhaler.

If you are already using other medicines to treat the condition that you will be using Dupixent for, do not stop taking those medicines. Tell your health care provider which medicines you are using. Your health care provider will work with you on a plan to either continue or stop your other medicines.

If you are using Dupixent for either asthma or eczema, you may be at risk for a condition called psoriasis. Talk to your health care provider if you get any new or worsening skin problems, even months after starting this medicine.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Dupixent?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Dupixent is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Eye Problems. Tell your health care provider about your recent and current eye problems.

Parasitic Infection. Tell your health care provider if you have or recently had a worm (helminth) infection.

Asthma. If you are thinking about using Dupixent for another condition, tell your health care provider if you have asthma. Also tell your health care provider if you are using medicines for asthma. Do not stop or change any medicines for asthma without talking with your health care provider.

Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using Dupixent. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Dupixent could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Dupixent, you can register for the Dupixent Pregnancy Registry by calling 877-311-8972 or at mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/dupixent-dupilumab. This registry collects safety information about the use of Dupixent during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Dupixent passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Dupixent while breastfeeding.

Corticosteroid Medicines. Tell your health care provider if you are using certain medicines called corticosteroids. Not all of these medicines come in pill form. Some are used by injecting, inhaling, or putting them in the eyes or nose, or on the skin. Tell your health care provider about all of these medicines that you are using. Do not stop or change how you use them without talking with your health care provider.

How can I get more information about Dupixent?

For more information about Dupixent, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.dupixent.com or call them at 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936).

Interactions

Does Dupixent interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Dupixent and foods or drinks. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Dupixent.

Does Dupixent interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Dupixent may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Dupixent?

If you or someone else has used too much Dupixent, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Dupixent?

If you miss a dose, follow the instructions below. What you should do if you miss a dose depends on your dosing schedule. Ask your health care provider if you are not sure what to do.

If you normally use Dupixent once a week: give the dose as soon as possible, then start a new once-a-week schedule starting from that dose.

If you normally use Dupixent once every 2 weeks and it is within 7 days of the missed dose: give the missed dose right away, then continue with your next usual scheduled dose.

If you normally use Dupixent once every 2 weeks and it is more than 7 days after the missed dose: give the dose as soon as possible, then start a new twice-a-week schedule starting from that dose.

If you normally use Dupixent once every 4 weeks and it is within 7 days of the missed dose: give the missed dose right away, then continue with your next usual scheduled dose.

If you normally use Dupixent once every 4 weeks and it is more than 7 days after the missed dose: give the dose as soon as possible, then start a new every-4-week schedule starting from that dose.