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How does Dupixent help with asthma?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Nov 2, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Dupixent (dupilumab) helps to prevent severe asthma attacks and improve breathing in adults and children with moderate-to-severe eosinophilic or oral steroid-dependent asthma who are aged 6 years and older. It may also reduce the need for oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and improve the overall quality of life. Dupixent is used in addition to current asthma medications, such as albuterol and other bronchodilators. Dupixent will not resolve an acute asthma attack.

Dupixent is a biologic that is given as a 300mg injection under the skin (subcutaneously) every two weeks after an initial dose of 600mg (two 300 mg injections).

How long does Dupixent take to work for asthma?

Some improvement in lung function and breathing is usually noticeable after two weeks; however, it may take up to 12 weeks to reach the maximum effect. This effect persists for as long as you are administered Dupixent.

How does Dupixent work for asthma?

How Dupixent works in asthma is not completely understood; however, it is believed to reduce inflammation by reducing the overactive signaling of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), two key proteins that contribute to the inflammation that may cause moderate-to-severe asthma. This reduces the release of other inflammatory substances, such as proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, nitric oxide, eotaxin-3 (CCL26), and IgE.

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