Dupixent and Pain: What Users Say

• JJa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 5, 2019

For Eczema "This drug worked amazingly for 6 months. I felt like a normal human. It worked so well! However, after 6 months, I started getting horrible burning painful blotches on my neck at first. Then on my face. Then on my inner elbows. It hurt really bad. If I wore a long sleeve shirt to hide it, it would ache in pain. I decided to stop the drug as an experiment to see if it was caused by the drug. My dermatologist said no, that it’s just an eczema flare. He didn’t really seem to have the time of day to listen to my concerns. He would just brush it off. After 3 months of stopping Dupixent, my skin went back to the regular eczema that I was used to. I felt itchy again, which was annoying, but the horrible painful blotchy skin was gone from my face and neck. I waited a year before I decided to try Dupixent again. I tried it, and it worked, but not as effectively as when I first tried it. Again, I started getting burning blotchy skin around my neck and face. It hurts, burns, and aches. I decided to stop again."

• Tob...
• April 12, 2020

For Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps "My Dr. gave me Dupixent in hope of clearing up chronic sinuses. By the fourth shot, I told her I was getting headaches and contributed to this drug. She disagreed and administered a fifth shot, but I said I was through with the drug if I got headaches. After about a week, the headaches came back to the extreme. It’s been five weeks now, and I am still suffering along with other side effects. One would have to be crazy to take this drug and deal with the pain and anxiety that I am going through."

• Ton...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 29, 2020

For Asthma, Maintenance "I had severe asthma. I was in and out of the hospital often. I was on multiple asthma medicines. Then I tried this medicine, Dupixent, it has made a world of difference. After being on it about 2 months, no more asthma medicines, no more hospitals. I feel great, I can breathe with no problems, I can smell and taste again. I get the injection every other week. It does hurt sometimes, more than others, I guess because maybe they push it in too fast. I would highly recommend this drug, no side effects for me."

• all...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2021

For Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps "I had surgery to remove nasal polyps two years and three months ago. I was told to go on allergy injections and nasal steroids to reduce the chance that the polyps would come back. Well, they have. They said my sinuses are worse now than they were two years ago and recommended I start Dupixent immediately. I had my first injection (auto-inject pin) one week ago. It felt like someone asked me to allow someone to put out their lit cigar on my leg and hold it there for 30 seconds. It was unbelievably painful. I've also started to notice subtle changes in my vision; not sure if it's possible that I could have problems with my sight after just one dose. Right now, I'm trying to decide whether or not I can possibly psyche myself up for another dose. Yes, I want to taste and smell, but surely there is a more humane way to address this problem?"

• nik...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 19, 2021

For Eczema "I've had eczema all my life and it was a constant battle between pills and creams. Nothing seemed to help for more than a week or so. After hearing about Dupixent, I was hesitant to get an injection every other week. However, after a few injections, I started to notice and feel the difference. The injections do hurt very badly. The medicine burns going in. I had my mother give it to me in my arms for about 2 years. Now that they just came out with the auto-inject pen, I just got some samples from my doctor before switching over completely. With the pen, I give it to myself in my thigh. It still hurts badly, but it is worth it. I do fear about having kids in the future and getting off of it or if it will have side effects on my baby. Overall, good medicine - just wish it didn't hurt so dang bad!!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2022

For Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps "I thought Dupixent was a miracle drug. It completely cleared up my sinus polyps and asthma, however, after the first two treatments, I developed an allergy at the injection site. Even the first two injections that worked were severely painful. I tried arms, thighs, and belly. In addition to pain, after the first two treatments, I developed a reaction on my skin at the injection site. At first, it was a small area, red and itchy. As I continued treatments, the red area increased from about 2 inches to about 4 or 5 inches in diameter in an amorphous shape with a dark red border around it. Eventually, that reaction came with bruising and severe muscle ache at the site. When I tried to inject in my belly, the pain was so bad that for a week, I couldn't bend over to even pick something up that I had dropped. Yes, it cleared up my polyps and asthma, returned my sense of smell, and my eosinophil count dropped. But my intolerance for Dupixent didn't outweigh the benefits. Everybody is different. Good luck..."

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2022

For Asthma, Maintenance "I started with Dupixent (300 mg) over a month ago for severe asthma. Within several days, both of my arms and hands felt like they had been slammed by a sledgehammer, and both hands were constantly burning. The pain was indescribable. It only began to subside two weeks later when the next dose was due. I decided to go for it and see if this problem would continue. Unfortunately, the pain and burning in both arms and hands came back with a vengeance. I called my doctor, and we both agreed to stop the Dupixent. Now the pain and burning are gone, thank goodness!"

• Red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 8, 2021

For Asthma, Maintenance "I had my first 2 injections for my asthma. I really needed it to work, I need to get off inhaled steroids. I've been on the strongest dose of Advair, 4 puffs a day for 19 1/2 years. I started having reactions in my eyes the next day. It’s been weeks and not at all better. Red, sore, lump, burning. I’m now on steroid eye drops. Now applied for Nucala. Hope that works!!!!"

• Axe...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 23, 2025

For Eczema "I started to suffer with eczema when I reached 20 years old… I started Dupixent at age 63. Before that, I suffered and was so embarrassed and tired of what my hands and most of my body looked like. Since I started the injections, after the first week, it went away almost completely; without pain and discomfort or side effects… Dermatologists had no idea on how to treat my condition before the injections started. Now it’s like I have never had an eczema condition. I noticed I don’t itch or I’m not in any embarrassing pain from eczema… I can use lotions and body fragrance now and any types of bath soap I choose."

• Dav...
• July 12, 2021

For Asthma, Maintenance "Was diagnosed with AERD / Samter's Triad 10+ years ago and have had asthma, skin issues, and chronic rhinosinusitis that was near deadly several times (went into anaphylactic shock). Was on a cocktail of drugs previously including prednisone when I would get sinus infections every 3-4 months. Have been on Dupixent now for about 4 months, and it is literally life-altering. Have nothing but positive things to say about this drug, it has been wonderful for me. In response to another person posting above about her son using it, the actual needle isn't what causes pain of injections (unless you hit bone with the needle). The liquid being injected is what hurts, and that is normal. Make sure you allow the drug to warm up for 30-45 minutes before injecting as per instructions. Also, if you inject it slowly but steadily, it will lessen the pain."

• Hel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 8, 2023

For Eczema "I wish that I could upload photos for you all to see. My eczema is not allowing me to leave my apartment and enjoy life with my wife. Steroid creams are not working, and over-the-counter stuff hasn’t worked either. I refuse to use immunosuppressants because they could compromise my immune system response to infections. I was given a free year of Dupixent, and sadly, it has not made a difference in my life. On my first day visiting a new dermatologist, the doctor refused to perform a patch test or do any blood work, despite having a skin biopsy done at a previous clinic. She just wanted to do her own biopsy and was willing to wait until I had a severe eczema breakout. When I mentioned Dupixent, she immediately got the paperwork, and I was given a free year of medication. I have not had any improvements since using it. I’m currently in the process of detoxing from the medicine, and it is the most painful experience I’ve ever had in all the history of my skin flare-ups."

• Bob...
• April 12, 2021

For Atopic Dermatitis "I tried this drug. First of all, the needle used for injection is extremely wide and big. It was very painful when the nurse injected the medicine. Second, this is very expensive. I should not have to endure that much pain with very, very little results. It also made my gastritis worse. I will not be taking this drug ever again."

• 2MT...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 26, 2023

For Asthma, Maintenance "I went on Dupixent seven months ago, 300 mg twice a month. It has worked wonders for my asthma and for nasal polyps. It pretty much cleared up both 100%. The problem is that I have developed hip pain in both hips. I am working with my doctor now to lower the dosage and hope that will help. I want to stay on the medicine, but I am worried about the hip pain."

• Big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2024

For Eosinophilic Esophagitis "This has been life-changing, I can finally swallow normally without convulsive hiccups and mucus pulling from my stomach. I do feel the design of the self-injecting pen is horrible. Very painful as I am lean with little belly fat. It injects 2 full mL subcutaneously, this is unheard of. Leaves a huge bubble on my skin, and about every 4th shot I lose 50% of the medicine due to it being unable to fit under my skin and leaking out. A vial and insulin syringe would be 1000% better."

• sal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 20, 2023

For Eczema "I started using Dupixent in November 2022 and initially administered the shots on my thighs, which were painful. However, the pain usually subsided within a minute or two. I later tried injecting it in my upper arm and noticed that it hurt less. During the first month, I experienced redness on my face, dry and itchy eyes, and severe pain in my lower back and thighs. My doctor prescribed eye drops, which significantly helped to alleviate the dryness and itchiness. Although the redness on my face has disappeared, the pain in my lower back continues, which is unusual as I never experienced such pain before starting the injection. After using Dupixent for almost 5 months, the itchiness has subsided by 80%, and I can now sleep peacefully at night. Additionally, my skin looks much better, and the eczema spots are gradually fading. Unlike steroids, Dupixent has not caused any weight gain or increased appetite. Overall, I am delighted with the positive results of Dupixent and regret not starting it earlier to spare myself from all the suffering."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 11, 2022

For Asthma, Maintenance "Dupixent saved my life. I went from being horribly sick for many years, not being able to breathe, living on and off of a breathing machine, inflammation in all mucus membranes, to being 80 percent healthy! The shot can hurt immensely but is worth it!! I have Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 23, 2022

For Atopic Dermatitis "Getting the shot injected is quite painful, but 100% worth it. Usually, whenever my eczema gets extremely bad, I take the shot and all the eczema goes away COMPLETELY, leaving my skin looking perfectly normal. Definitely recommend if you have eczema :)"

• Ama...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 11, 2024

For Eczema "I have been on this since November 23. My skin is amazing, and after 40 years, no eczema apart from a small patch on my neck. The only issue I am having is severe hip and back pain. I am being told it's not that, but a lot of people seem to have similar issues."

• Kay...
• December 21, 2019

For Asthma, Maintenance "I have taken 4 injections now, and after the last 2, my mouth has been excessively dry. I can hardly swallow, and my tongue feels swollen and really hurts."

• Ral...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2024

For Eczema "Worked well as far as getting rid of the itch from eczema. But after 2 months, my left hand and right knee are very painful."

• Lyl...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2021

For Eczema "The medicine burned like no other medicine I have ever had. It was extremely painful, but the results in my skin have been very positive."

• joh...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 27, 2024

For Atopic Dermatitis "Dramatically reduced rash and itching, eye discomfort (dry eyes) may be a result of this use. Easy to use, slight pain during and immediately after injections."