Why do Dupixent injections hurt so much?
Dupixent (dupilumab) injections can cause discomfort for some people. Factors affecting pain levels include:
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Medication temperature – Cold injections may be more painful.
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Injection technique – Proper technique can reduce discomfort.
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Pain tolerance – Individual sensitivity varies.
A healthcare professional will guide you on the correct injection method to help minimize pain.
Troubleshooting Dupixent Injection Pain: What to Do If Your Shot Hurts
Many people wonder, "why does Dupixent hurt so much?" or "why does my Dupixent shot burn when injected?" If your injection pain seems worse than usual or lasts longer than expected, try these steps:
- Let the pen/syringe warm up: Remove Dupixent from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature (45 minutes for the 300 mg/2 mL pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen, and 30 minutes for the 200 mg/1.14 mL pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen).
- Check your technique: Injecting too quickly, using the wrong angle, or pushing the needle in too deep can cause extra discomfort. Always follow training on how to inject Dupixent in the thigh, arm, or stomach for the least painful experience.
- Rotate injection sites: Injecting in the same spot repeatedly can cause soreness, bruising, or lumps. Alternate between approved sites—thigh, stomach (avoid 2 inches around the navel), or upper arm (if administered by someone else). Many users find that the stomach is the least painful injection site for Dupixent.
- Slow and steady: Injecting the medication too quickly can create a burning sensation or pain at the injection site. Use a slow, steady pressure when administering the shot.
- Use an ice pack: Apply for 15 minutes before injecting to numb the area.
- Consider numbing cream: Ask your doctor about topical anesthetics.
- Avoid rubbing the skin: This can worsen irritation.
- Wear loose clothing: Prevents additional pressure on the injection site.
If pain, swelling, or lumps at the injection site last more than a few days, or if you see redness, heat, or fluid, contact your healthcare provider. In rare cases, hard lumps or persistent pain can occur—your doctor can advise on the next steps.
Where Is the Least Painful Spot to Inject Dupixent?
Dupixent is a subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected under the skin. The recommended injection sites are:
- Self-injection: Thigh or stomach (excluding the 2-inch area around your belly button).
- Caregiver-assisted injection: Outer upper arms.
Pain levels vary by individual. Avoid injecting into bruised, scarred, or sensitive skin.
Dupixent Syringe vs. Pen: Is One Less Painful?
Choosing the right Dupixent device can affect comfort during injection:
| Feature | Pre-filled Syringe | Auto-injector Pen |
| Needle visible? | Yes | No |
| Injection speed | Manual (you control) | Automatic (fixed speed) |
| Control over depth and angle | Full | Limited |
| Injection sites | Thigh, stomach, upper arm | Thigh, stomach, upper arm |
Both the pen and syringe can cause pain if used too cold or injected too fast.
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Can You Inject Dupixent Incorrectly?
Yes, incorrect injection technique may reduce effectiveness or increase pain. Follow these steps:
- Get trained: A healthcare professional should demonstrate proper administration.
- Wash hands and clean the site: Use an alcohol swab to prevent infection.
- Inject correctly: Dupixent should be injected under the skin (subcutaneously), not into a vein or muscle. The syringe should be injected at a 45-degree angle, while the pen should be held at a 90-degree angle while injecting.
- Never inject through clothing.
If you have concerns, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or Dupixent MyWay Nurse Educators at 1-844-DUPIXENT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Dupixent burn so much when injected?
Cold medication, fast injection speed, or injecting into a lean muscle area can increase burning. Warming the syringe or pen to room temperature and slow injection helps.
Does Dupixent hurt less in the stomach or thigh?
Many users report the stomach as the least painful injection site, but personal experience varies. Try rotating to find what works best for you.
How can I make my Dupixent injection hurt less?
Use a new site each time, let the medication reach room temperature, inject slowly, and consider topical numbing as approved by your doctor.
Why does my Dupixent injection leave a lump or bruise?
Minor lumps or bruising can be normal, especially if the needle angle is off or if you have injected into a sensitive spot. Persistent issues should be checked by your healthcare provider.
What are rare reactions I should watch out for?
Severe swelling, hard lumps, prolonged pain or bruising, or signs of infection (redness, warmth, pus) at the site should be promptly evaluated by a professional.
This is not all the information you need to know about Dupixent for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Dupixent (dupilumab) [package insert]. Revised April 2024. Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC. Accessed 05/28/24 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=595f437d-2729-40bb-9c62-c8ece1f82780
- Dupixent.com. Updated March 2024. Injection Support Center. Accessed 05/28/2024 at https://www.dupixent.com/taking-dupixent/injection-support-center
Read next
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, prurigo nodularis, and bullous pemphigoid.
Continue reading
How long can Dupixent stay out of the fridge?
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
See also:
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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 (520)
Related support groups
- Dupixent (30 questions, 64 members)