Does Dupixent cause joint pain?

Q: Does Dupixent cause joint pain?

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.

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Oct 3, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Although joint pain is not listed in the product information as a side effect of Dupixent (dupilumab), reports of painful joints, tendinitis, and arthritic-like pain associated with Dupixent use are starting to appear. Notable examples in the literature include:

A 55-year-old woman with life-long AD who had been taking Dupxient for one and a half years complained of joint pain in multiple joints, especially her thumbs, for a few months
A 38- year-old woman developed severe joint pain and morning stiffness in one ankle, within days of her first dose of Dupixent which then progressed to her knees, hips, and elbows. Other causes of arthritis were ruled out and the Dupixent was discontinued. Treatment with prednisolone and celecoxib resolved the joint pain and her AD was subsequently controlled with methotrexate
A 40-year-old man who had been administering Dupixent for 16 weeks developed generalized joint pains and morning stiffness resulting in a progressive decline in mobility. Dupixent was discontinued and naproxen administered; however, 4 months later his mobility remained poor
A 48-year-old man developed left thumb tenderness and bilateral Achilles tendinopathy after 6 weeks of Dupixent. He continued with Dupixent and his symptoms had partially improved 24 weeks after their onset
A 68-year-old woman developed generalized joint pain 6 weeks after starting Dupixent. An ultrasound at 12 weeks demonstrated bilateral lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Dupixent was discontinued but she still had symptoms 15 weeks after discontinuation.

How do you treat Dupixent-related joint pain?

Naproxen may be given as treatment for Dupixent-associated joint pain, followed by methotrexate if naproxen is ineffective. Consideration should be given to discontinuing Dupixent if the joint pain persists despite treatment or is particularly severe.

What causes Dupixent-related joint pain or tendinitis?

Experts aren’t sure exactly why Dupixent causes joint pain, but suspect that in certain people, by preferentially inhibiting the interleukins IL‐4 and IL‐13, Dupixent may enhance IL‐17‐mediated inflammation, particularly in the joints.

What are the side effects of Dupixent?

The most common side effects reported with Dupixent in the product information include:

Injection site reactions (such as redness, pain, swelling at the injection site) experienced by 10% of people
Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva [Linin] of the eye) which includes conjunctivitis due to allergic, bacterial, or viral causes, giant papillary conjunctivitis, eye irritation, and eye inflammation experienced by 10% of people
Oral herpes (cold sores), experienced by 4% of people
Other herpes simplex virus infections, experienced by 2% of people
Itchy eyes, experienced by 1% of people
Dry eye, experienced by less than 1% of people
Blepharitis (inflammation along the edges of the eyelids), experienced by less than 1% of people
Keratitis (an inflammation of the cornea), experienced by less than 1% of people.

References

Heymann W. Dupilumabs growing pains. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 2020; Jan 8 (2)1. https://www.aad.org/dw/dw-insights-and-inquiries/2020-archive/january/dupilumabs-growing-pains
Acute Arthritis and Arthralgia as an Adverse Drug Reaction to Dupilumab. Practice Update. Dermatology. Sept 23 2019 https://www.practiceupdate.com/content/acute-arthritis-and-arthralgia-as-an-adverse-drug-reaction-to-dupilumab/89154
Dupixent Prescribing Information. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/761055s064lbl.pdf

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

Does Dupixent cause weight gain?

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

Is Dupixent an immunosuppressant?

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 eczema, asthma, COPD, rhinosinusitis, esophagitis, chronic urticaria, and prurigo nodularis.

Does Dupixent cause joint pain?

Related questions

How do you treat Dupixent-related joint pain?

What causes Dupixent-related joint pain or tendinitis?

What are the side effects of Dupixent?

Read next

Why does Dupixent cause eye problems?

Does Dupixent cause weight gain?

Is Dupixent an immunosuppressant?

See also:

Aimovig

Botox

Dupixent

Nurtec ODT

Vyepti

Depakote

Topamax

Emgality

Inderal

Ajovy

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups