How does Dupixent help with asthma?
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 an injection that is given under the skin (subcutaneously) every 2 to 4 weeks depending on age.
How long does Dupixent take to work for asthma?
Some improvement in lung function and breathing is usually noticeable after 2 weeks; however, it may take up to 12 weeks to reach the maximum effect. Improvements seen with Dupixent last for as long as you administer 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.
References
- Dupixent (dupilumab). June 2023. Asthma.net
- Dupixent Prescribing Information https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/761055s064lbl.pdf
Read next
Why do Dupixent injections hurt so much?
Injections can be painful for many people, including injections with Dupixent (dupilumab). The amount of discomfort people feel from injections can depend on many factors, including the temperature of the medication that is being injected and individual pain tolerance. However, there are some things you can do to reduce pain and discomfort from your Dupixent injection. Continue reading
How fast does Dupixent work?
Dupixent (generic name: dupilumab) can start to work in 2 to 4 weeks to relieve symptoms associated with inflammatory conditions like eczema, asthma, and sinus swelling due to nasal polyps. Initial improvements in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and prurigo nodularis (a skin condition) were seen at 12 weeks. Continue reading
Why does Dupixent cause eye problems?
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
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Drug information
- Dupixent Information for Consumers
- Dupixent prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Dupixent (detailed)
- Dupixent user reviews (479)
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