What Are The Possible Side Effects
The most common side effects of Dupixent include:1
- Injection site reactions
- Inflammation of the stomach lining
- Parasitic infections
Dupixent may also cause serious side effects, including:1
- Allergic reactions, including breathing problems swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat hives itching fainting or dizziness
- Eye problems, including blurred vision
- Inflammation of blood vessels, including rash, fever, chest pain, and numbness in the arms or legs
- Joint aches and pains
Stop taking Dupixent and contact your doctor right away if you have any signs or symptoms of serious side effects.1
These are not all the possible side effects of Dupixent. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Dupixent. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Dupixent.
How To Use Metered
With metered-dose inhalers being the most widely used among all inhaler types, this might be the kind you might be familiar with. Here are the steps to use a metered-dose inhaler:
Step 1: Take off the cap of the inhaler and shake the inhaler well.
Step 2: Hold the inhaler in an upright position and stand up or sit up straight.
Step 3: Exhale and breathe out all the air in your lungs as you tilt your head slightly backwards.
Step 4: Hold the mouthpiece between your teeth, close your lips around to achieve a proper seal.
Step 5: Start breathing in slowly through the mouth and press down the canister fully to release one spray. Continue breathing in slowly and deeply. This coordination is important to follow to ensure the proper dose of the medication is delivered.
Step 6: Remove the inhaler from your mouth.
Step 7: Hold your breath for ten seconds, or as long as you comfortably can, and breathe out slowly.
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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. To find current prices for Dupixent in your area, visit WellRx.com.
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 if they have 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 12 years and older. These types of asthma include:
Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps
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How Do Prednisone And Systemic Steroids Work To Increase Asthma Control
Using systemic steroids such as methylprednisolone, prednisone, and prednisolone helps to treat severe asthma episodes, allowing people to gain better asthma control. Prednisone and other steroid drugs may be used to help control sudden and severe asthma attacks or in rare cases to treat long-term, hard-to-control asthma.
Most often, prednisone or another steroid is taken in high doses for a few days for more a severe asthma attack.
Side effects of systemic steroids can include weakness, acne, weight gain, mood or behavior changes, upset stomach, bone loss, eye changes, and slowing of growth. These side effects rarely occur with short-term use, such as for an acute asthma attack.
For in-depth information, see WebMDâs article on Prednisone and Asthma.
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What Is A Biologic Drug
Biologic drugs or biologics are genetically engineered from proteins derived from living cells or tissues. Biologics are designed to target specific parts of the immune system that contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases such as atopic dermatitis.
Biologics take an inside out approach to treating inflammatory conditions by addressing the issue at the immune system level, the root cause of many diseases. You can find a more complete explanation here.
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Asthma Holding Chamber Or Spacer
A valved holding chamber is a handheld device that attaches to a metered-dose inhaler and captures the medicated mist as it sprays out. The medication is trapped long enough inside the holding chamber to be inhaled at your own speed. It also pulls out large particles of medication and prevents them from settling in your mouth or throat.
A spacer is similar to a valved holding chamber, but it does not suspend the medication, so when using it you must coordinate your breath to begin slightly before actuating the MDI.
Holding chambers are available for use with and without masks. Masks are often essential for children, the elderly or disabled people who cannot close their lips securely around the mouthpiece or who need to take several breaths to inhale the medication fully.
How to use a spacer or holding chamber
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Side Effects And Risks
Dupixent and Xolair have some similar side effects and others that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.
More common side effects
These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Dupixent, with Xolair, or with both drugs .
- Can occur with Dupixent:
* Occurs only if youve been exposed to the herpes virus
Serious side effects
These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Dupixent, with Xolair, or with both drugs .
- Can occur with Dupixent:
- eosinophilic conditions, including pneumonia and vasculitis
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Eczema Studies With Dupixent
Eczema studies were conducted for 16 weeks in children, teens and adults with moderate or severe eczema . These studies looked at skin improvement and reduction in itching.
Adults
In clinical trials in over 2,100 adults with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eczema , clearer skin was seen in 16 weeks of treatment with Dupixent.
- Clear or almost clear skin was reported in 37% of patients taking Dupixent compared to 9% of those not using the drug, a four-fold increase. Nearly half of adult patients saw a 75% skin improvement, and some saw a 90% improvement, compared to those not using Dupixent .
- Itch reduction with Dupixent occurred rapidly, as early as 2 weeks, and was sustained. Close to 4 times more adults also had a significant reduction in itching when using Dupixent compared to those not using the drug.
- Also, in a 52-week study, 13% of patients receiving Dupixent who did not respond at week 16 were reported to have responded by week 52. Itch reduction has been shown to last through one year, as well.
Teens
For teens 12 to 17 years of age with moderate-to-severe eczema not adequately controlled with topical prescription treatments, significant results were seen 16 weeks after starting treatment.
Children
In children 6 to 11 years old using Dupixent plus a topical corticosteroid for severe eczema, who received either the 200 mg or 300 mg dose, over twice as many children saw clear or almost clear skin at 16 weeks when compared to those using a topical corticosteroid only.
How To Use Your Accuhaler
To get the most benefit, it is important to use the correct technique. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain how to use your accuhaler. Here is some guidance:
Using your accuhaler
- Open: hold the accuhaler in one hand, and with the thumb of the other hand push the thumb grip away from you until you hear a click. This reveals the mouth piece.
- Load the dose: hold the inhaler in a horizontal position. Slide the lever away from you until you hear a click.
- Breath out: breathe out, away from the accuhaler. Do not blow directly into your device.
- Inhale your dose: place the mouth piece in your mouth and form a seal with your lips. Breathe in deeply and forcefully through your mouth. Remove the accuhaler and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds. If you need another dose, wait for 30 seconds and then repeat the process
- Close: the inhaler by sliding the thumb grip towards you.
Cleaning and storing your accuhaler: wipe the mouthpiece with a clean dry tissue. Do not wash the mouthpiece or allow it to get wet when cleaning. Close the device when not in use. When to start a new accuhaler: there is a window on the side of the accuhaler called a dose counter. When it turns red it is time to get a new accuhaler.
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Questions About Dupixents Dosage
Below are some common questions about Dupixents dosage.
- What if I miss a dose of Dupixent? If you miss your dose of Dupixent, inject the dose within 7 days of missing it. But if you miss your dose by more than 7 days, skip the missed dose. Then, wait until its time to take your next scheduled dose of Dupixent.
- Will I need to use Dupixent long term? Dupixent is meant to be used long term. If you and your doctor decide that Dupixent is safe and effective for you, youll likely take it long term.
- How long does Dupixent take to work? Dupixent begins to work in your body after the first injection. But it may be a few weeks to months before you notice symptom relief.
Can Using Dupixent Increase Your Risk For Cancer
No, thats not likely. Studies havent found any increased risk of cancer in people who receive Dupixent.
There is an increased risk of cancer with certain immunosuppressant medications used to treat severe eczema or asthma. Immunosuppressants weaken your immune system, which is your bodys defense against disease. These medications can reduce your bodys ability to find and kill cancerous cells.
But Dupixent doesnt weaken your entire immune system. It only affects a couple of immune system proteins. So its unlikely to affect your bodys ability to find and destroy cancerous cells.
Learn more about some of the side effects Dupixent may cause.
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What Should I Know About Dupixent Vs Xolair
Dupixent and Xolair are both biologic drugs. Theyre made from living cells rather than chemicals. Both drugs are types of monoclonal antibodies. They work by targeting very specific but different parts of your immune system.
Dupixent works by blocking inflammation signals. Xolair works by blocking a protein thats involved in allergic reactions.
Dupixent and Xolair are both used to treat certain forms of asthma in adults and some children. They each have other uses, too.
You can learn more about how they are alike and different in this article. Also, be sure to talk with your doctor about which drug is better for you.
How To Use An Inhaler With A Spacer And Mouthpiece
Learning how to properly use an inhaler with a spacer and mouthpiece for asthma ensures the medicine gets deposited into the lungs. Incorrect technique can leave some of the particles from the medicine on your tongue or throat, where it is useless. Inhalers spray the medicine out so that you can breathe it deep into the lungs. A spacer, or holding chamber, is an attachment that should always be used with your inhaler. The spacer holds the medicine in place so you can breathe it in easier. If you have any further questions about inhalers, spacers or mouthpieces contact your doctors office, asthma care team or pharmacy.
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How Long Does It Take To Work
Dupixent begins to work after the first injection. However, it may take a few weeks before you notice an improvement in symptoms.
In a clinical study, more than 36% of adults with eczema had relief from itching in 16 weeks or less while taking Dupixent. In children ages 12 to 17 years old, 37% had itching relief in 16 weeks.
You should continue treatment for at least 16 weeks to determine if Dupixent works for you. If your eczema, asthma, or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps isnt responding or improving after 16 weeks, talk with your doctor. You can discuss whether you should keep taking Dupixent or switch to another treatment.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Dupixent.
How Should I Use Dupixent
Use Dupixent exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Dupixent is not a rescue medicine for asthma attacks. Use only fast-acting inhalation medicine for an attack. Seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse quickly, or if you think your asthma medications are not working as well.
Dupixent is injected under the skin, usually once every 2 to 4 weeks. Your first dose may be given in 2 injections.
A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you dont understand all instructions.
Do not shake the prefilled syringe or injection pen. Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Store this medicine in the original carton in the refrigerator. Protect from light and do not freeze.
Take a syringe or pen out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before injecting your dose. Leave the needle cap on until you are ready to inject your dose.
You may store a prefilled syringe or injection pen at cool room temperature for up to 14 days. Throw the medicine away if not used within 14 days. Do not put it back into the refrigerator.
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How Do These Medicines Work Together
Quick-relief medicines are important during a flare-up because they help you breathe more easily right away. If your doctor has prescribed quick-relief medicine, you should always have it with you at school, on the basketball court, at the mall, and even on vacation.
But quick-relief medicines wear off quickly. And they donât do anything to help prevent a flare-up from happening in the first place. Thatâs where long-term control medicine comes in. You might not notice long-term control medicine doing anything, but itâs working behind the scenes to keep you from getting asthma flare-ups.
As the name suggests, long-term control medicine is important for controlling asthma on a regular basis. If your doctor thinks youâre needing quick-relief medicine too often, he or she might also prescribe long-term control medicine.
Some people with mild asthma use only quick-relief medicines. Most people who have more severe asthma have to take long-term control medicine every day, as well as use quick-relief medicine when they have asthma symptoms. Your doctor will decide what type of medicine you need and how often you need to take it.
Drug Forms And Administration
Dupixent comes in single-dose prefilled syringes and pens, which are each available in the following strengths:
- 200 mg/1.14 milliliters
Dupixent syringes also come in a strength of 100 mg/0.67 mL.
When used to treat asthma in adults and children ages 6 years and older, Dupixent is injected every other week or every 4 weeks.
Usually, the first dose of Dupixent is two 200-mg injections. Then, you get one 200-mg injection every other week.
However, the doses may be higher for people who also take corticosteroids or who have both asthma and eczema. In these people, two 300-mg injections are given the first week. After that, they get one 300-mg injection every other week.
Xolair comes in the following forms:
- 75-mg/0.5-mL prefilled syringe
- 150-mg/1-mL prefilled syringe
- 150-mg powder thats mixed into an injectable solution by a healthcare professional
Dosages of Xolair range from 75 mg to 375 mg and are injected every 2 or 4 weeks. Xolair dosages are based on body weight and the results of a blood test called the immunoglobulin E test. This test shows whether your immune system is overactive .
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Types Of Medicines Usually Prescribed For Asthma
Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators relax the muscles around the airways . When the airways are more open, it is easier to breathe. There are two general types of bronchodilators, and you may be prescribed one or both types:
- Short-Acting bronchodilators work quickly after you take them so that you feel relief from symptoms quickly.
- Long-Acting bronchodilators have effects that last a long time. They should not be used for quick relief. These medications are only recommended for use when combined with an anti-inflammatory asthma medicine .
Anti-Inflammatories
Anti-inflammatory medicines reduce the swelling and mucus production inside the airways. When that inflammation is reduced, it is easier to breathe. These medicines also are called corticosteroids or steroids. Most often, these are inhaled medications and it is important to rinse out your mouth with water immediately after using them to avoid getting thrush, a yeast infection in your throat.
Some corticosteroids come in pill form and usually are used for short periods of time in special circumstances, such as when your symptoms are getting worse.
Combination Medicines
There are a few medicines that combine inhaled bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids.
Anticholinergics