About
Dupixent's mechanism of action involves targeting and blocking two key inflammatory proteins in your body, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) which control inflammatory signalling pathways and substances such as proinflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, and IgE (immunoglobulin E). This targeted approach helps control inflammation in conditions like atopic dermatitis, asthma, and other inflammatory diseases, see What is Dupixent used for and how does it work?
Dupixent is not an immunosuppressant, it calms down an overreactive immune system, rather than fully suppressing it, relieving inflammation (see Is Dupixent an immunosuppressant?).
What is Dupixent used for?
- Dupixent is used to treat 6 different conditions with inflammation as a symptom. Dupixent reduces inflammation, relieving symptoms of eczema, asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, COPD, eosinophilic esophagitis, and prurigo nodularis. FDA approval is granted under the following criteria.
- Eczema. Dupixent is used for eczema (atopic dermatitis) that is moderate to severe in adults and children 6 months and older whose condition is not well controlled with prescription treatments used on the skin (topical) or who cannot use topical therapies. Dupixent for eczema can be used with or without topical corticosteroids.
- Asthma. In adults and children aged 6 and older Dupixent treats moderate-to-severe eosinophilic or oral-corticosteroid-dependent asthma in addition to other asthma maintenance treatments. Dupixent will NOT treat an acute asthma attack or status asthmatics (an extreme form of acute asthma).
- Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Dupixent is used for inadequately controlled chronic rhinosinusitis (a long-standing inflammation of the sinuses) with nasal polyps, as an add-on maintenance treatment in adults and children aged 12 years and older.
- COPD. In adults, Dupixent can be used for inadequately controlled COPD with an eosinophilic phenotype as an add-on maintenance treatment.
- EOE. Dupixent is also used for eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) in adults and children 1 year of age and older, who weigh at least 33 pounds (15 kg).
Common side effects of Dupixent
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, burning, irritation)
- Upper respiratory tract infections (stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat)
- Eye-related problems (inflammation, redness, swelling, itching, blurred vision)
- Herpes virus infections and cold sores
- Elevated white blood cell counts (eosinophilia)
- Musculoskeletal issues (back pain, muscle/joint pain)
- Respiratory symptoms (rhinitis, throat pain)
- Digestive issues (diarrhea, gastritis)
- General symptoms (dizziness, insomnia, headache)
- Other infections (parasitic, urinary tract)
- Facial rash or redness
FAQs of DUPIXENT 300MG(DUPILUMAB)
Q1: What is Dupixent used for?
A: Dupixent is prescribed to reduce inflammation in several chronic conditions, including eczema (atopic dermatitis), asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, COPD (with eosinophilic phenotype), eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE), and prurigo nodularis. It helps manage symptoms when other treatments are not effective or suitable.
Q2: How does Dupixent work?
A: Dupixent works by blocking two key proteins (IL-4 and IL-13) involved in inflammation. This helps calm an overactive immune system without fully suppressing it, reducing symptoms like skin irritation, breathing difficulty, and sinus inflammation.
Q3: Is Dupixent an immunosuppressant?
A: No, Dupixent is not an immunosuppressant. Instead, it specifically targets the pathways that cause excessive inflammation, helping control symptoms while maintaining normal immune function.
Q4: What are the common side effects of Dupixent?
A: Some patients may experience injection site reactions, eye problems (redness, itching, swelling), respiratory symptoms (stuffy nose, sore throat), herpes virus infections, or digestive issues like diarrhea. If side effects are severe or persistent, consult your healthcare provider.