Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Dupixent

Dupixent: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Dupixent?

Dupixent is the only dual inhibitor of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 signalling and is approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP). It has been recently approved for children between the age of 6 and 11 years with moderate-to-severe eosinophilic asthma. The generic name of Dupixent is dupilumab. It belongs to the class of drugs called interleukin inhibitors. Dupilumab, an IL-4 receptor alpha antagonist, is a human monoclonal antibody of the immunoglobulin G4 subclass that binds to the IL-4Rα subunit and inhibits IL-4 and IL-13 signalling. 

What are the uses of Dupixent?

Dupixent is used for the following conditions:

  1. Atopic dermatitis: Dupixent works by targeting an underlying source of inflammation that could be the main cause of uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eczema. 
  2. Asthma: Dupixent is an add-on maintenance medication in adults and children above the age of 6 with uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eosinophilic or oral steroid-dependent asthma to improve lung function. 
  3. Nasal polyposis: Dupixent is used with other medicines for the maintenance treatment of adults with uncontrolled CRSwNP. 

The most common Side effects of Dupixent  include:

  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Asthma
  • CRSwNP

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    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Dupixent

    Because dupixent is used for the treatment of chronic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, asthma and nasal polyposis, the patient may have to continue taking Dupixent for a long period to receive its clinical benefits. You should consult your doctor regarding the duration of treatment.

    No, Dupixent does not weaken your immune system because it is not an immunosuppressant. However, it can lower the inflammatory signals in your immune system that can cause eczema, asthma and nasal polyps.

    Because Dupixent is used for the treatment of chronic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, asthma and nasal polyposis, the patient may have to use Dupixent for a long period to receive its clinical benefits. You should consult your healthcare provider to know more about the duration of treatment.

    No, weight gain is not a known side effect of Dupixent. None of the clinical trials showed any signs of weight gain during Dupixent therapy. However, if any other drugs such as corticosteroids are used along with Dupixent then it can cause weight gain. You should consult your doctor if you have any concerns about the side effects.

    Many studies have reported that Dupixent does not cause any serious effects on the liver. No study has reported clinically apparent acute liver injury attributed to dupilumab therapy. Dupilumab is a human monoclonal antibody and is unlikely to damage the liver.

    Dupilumab is also used together with other medications to treat moderate-to-severe asthma that is not controlled with other asthma medicines. No interactions have been found between Dupixent and ibuprofen.

    Avoid taking Dupixent if you are allergic to it or any other constituents present in the medication. Dupilumab should not be given to children younger than 12 years of age to treat asthma or children younger than 6 years of age to treat eczema. It is recommended to consult your doctor in case of any allergic reactions.

    Yes, Dupixent can be kept at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) for a maximum of 14 days. Do not store it above 77°F (25°C). Do not expose Dupixent to heat or direct sunlight. Do not freeze or shake. Please refer to the instructions given in the package for complete storage instructions

    Individual responses to Dupixent and experiences can vary from person to person. Results were measured at 16 weeks in each clinical trial. Patients taking Dupixent achieved visible skin improvement compared with those who were not taking Dupixent.

    Dupixent causes mild adverse events but in rare instances, it can cause some long-term serious adverse events such as:
    • Changes in vision or worsening of eye conditions
    • Vasculitis
    • Eosinophilic reactions
    • Allergic reactions
    Similar serious adverse effects were seen for both short-term and long-term usage of Dupixent. For more details on Dupixent and its usage, please consult our experts at Yashoda hospital.