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Dupixent Pre-filled Pen

Generic name: dupilumab [ doo-PIL-ue-mab ]
Brand names: Dupixent Pre-filled Pen, Dupixent Pre-filled Syringe
Drug class: Interleukin inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 25, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Dupixent Pre-filled Pen?

Dupixent Pre-filled Pen is used alone or with topical steroids to treat moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children at least 6 months old. This medicine is used when other topical treatments did not work or stopped working.

Dupixent Pre-filled Pen is also used with other medications for the maintenance treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma in adults and children at least 6 years old. This medicine is not a rescue medicine for treating an asthma attack.

Dupixent Pre-filled Pen is used in adults with other medicines for the maintenance treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (long term sinus inflammation) that is not controlled by other medicines.

Dupixent Pre-filled Pen is also used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis in adults and children at least 1 year old who weigh at least 33 pounds (15 kilograms).

Dupixent Pre-filled Pen is also used to treat prurigo nodularis in adults.

The prefilled pen is for use in adults and children at least 2 years old. The prefilled syringe is for use in adults and children at least 6 months old.

Dupixent Pre-filled Pen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Dupixent Pre-filled Pen side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Dupixent Pre-filled Pen may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Dupixent Pre-filled Pen may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dupixent side effects (more detail)

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Dupixent Pre-filled Pen if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

While you are using Dupixent Pre-filled Pen, you may also have an increased risk of becoming infected with parasites (helminths). Talk with your doctor about what to look out for and how to treat this condition.

Make sure you are current on all vaccines before you start using Dupixent Pre-filled Pen.

Do not allow a young child to use Dupixent Pre-filled Pen without help from an adult.

It is not known if Dupixent Pre-filled Pen will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of dupilumab on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Dupixent Pre-filled Pen.

How should I use Dupixent Pre-filled Pen?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Dupixent Pre-filled Pen is injected under the skin in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm, usually once every 2 to 4 weeks. Your first dose may be given in 2 injections to receive the total dose.

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 do not understand these instructions.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Leave the needle cap on until you are ready to inject your dose. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it.

Do not inject within 2 inches of your navel (belly button), or areas where the skin is hard, tender, bruised, or has scars. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

Throw away a prefilled syringe or pen after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside. Do not reuse a needle, syringe or pen. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

If you also use a steroid medication, you should not stop using it suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

You may need frequent vision exams.

Store this medicine in the original container in the refrigerator. Protect from light and do not freeze or shake the medicine.

Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before injecting your dose. Do not heat a syringe or pen with hot water, sunlight, or a microwave.

You may store this medicine at 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.

Detailed Dupixent dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

For a once a week schedule: use the missed dose as soon as you can and start a new weekly schedule on the day you remember to use it.

If you use Dupixent Pre-filled Pen every other week: use the medicine as soon as you remember and stay on your original schedule, but skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time if you are 7 days late or more for the dose.

If you use Dupixent Pre-filled Pen every 4 weeks: use the medicine as soon as you remember and stay on your original schedule, but start a new every 4 week schedule on the day you remember if you are 7 days late or more for the dose.

Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Dupixent Pre-filled Pen?

Avoid receiving a "live" vaccine while you are being treated or right before starting treatment with Dupixent Pre-filled Pen. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).

What other drugs will affect Dupixent Pre-filled Pen?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Dupixent Pre-filled Pen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Dupixent drug interactions (more detail)

Popular FAQ

Dupixent can start to work in 2 to 4 weeks to relieve your symptoms of moderate-to-severe eczema, asthma, or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. In studies of eosinophilic esophagitis, improved inflammation, swallowing or other symptoms was seen in at 24 weeks In patients 12 years and older and at 16 weeks in 1 to 11 years olds. For adults with prurigo nodularis, improved itching was seen at 12 and 24 weeks, and reduced skin lesions (clear or almost clear skin) at 24 weeks. Continue reading

Dupixent is associated with several different eye problems, including conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry eyes, itchy eyes, and keratitis. The cause of the eye problems is thought to be due to Dupixent blocking interleukin-13 (IL-13), an inflammatory protein that also stimulates the production of goblet cells. Goblet cells are responsible for creating mucus in the eye and ensuring the stability of tears. So when Dupixent blocks IL-13 it also lowers the numbers of epithelial goblet cells leading to eye inflammation and eye problems. Continue reading

No, Dupixent (dupilumab) is not an immunosuppressant or a steroid. Dupixent works by targeting a type of protein called an interleukin, that is involved in inflammation. Dupixent calms an overreactive immune system but does not suppress the immune system. This leads to fewer and less severe episodes of inflammation when used to treat conditions such as atopic dermatitis or asthma. Continue reading

Yes, it does appear that Dupixent can cause weight gain, although this is not listed as a side effect in the product information. A case series of 12 people prescribed Dupixent reported an average weight gain of 6.1kg over one year – the amount of weight gained ranged from 0.1kg to 18.0kg. Anecdotally, blog sites also report weight gain as a side effect. How Dupixent causes weight gain is not known; however, people should be informed that weight gain may be a possible side effect of Dupixent. Continue reading

Dupixent can stay out of the fridge for a maximum of 14 days at room temperature (up to 77°F [25°C]). If you do not use it within 14 days, then it must be thrown away. Do not expose Dupixent to temperatures above 77°F and do not put it back in the refrigerator if it has been inadvertently left out and allowed to warm up to room temperature. Continue reading

Dupixent has not been reported to have a drug interaction with alcohol. A few case reports of flushing (facial redness) have been reported by people who used Dupixent and drank alcohol, but it is not known if this was caused by the medicine. If you choose to drink, it is always best to drink in moderation and check with your healthcare provider if you take any medication. Continue reading

Yes, it does appear that Dupixent can cause joint pain although this is not listed in the product information as a side effect. However, several reports of painful joints, tendinitis, and arthritic-like pain associated with Dupixent use have appeared recently in the literature including a 55-year-old woman with multiple joint and thumb pain, a 38-year-old with severe pain and stiffness in one ankle that progressed to her knees, hips and elbows within days of her first dose, and a 40-year-old with generalized joint pain and morning stiffness. Continue reading

Dupixent is not a cure for eczema; however, it does effectively reduce symptoms in the majority of people prescribed it. Dupixent significantly reduces itching, skin appearance, the frequency of AD flares, sleep, and quality of life in most people. However, there does appear to be a subset of people who only partially respond to Dupixent (partial responders), or who respond initially, and then their symptoms return (non-durable responders). Continue reading

More FAQ

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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