Skip to main content

Can you drink alcohol on Dupixent?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Oct 5, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Dupixent (generic name: dupilumab) has not been reported to have a drug interaction with alcohol. Case reports of facial flushing (facial redness) have been reported in 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.

Side effects like facial rash, redness, swelling, itching, burning and pain were also reported in the package insert after Dupixent was approved by the FDA and put on the market. A definite link between alcohol use, Dupixent, and facial skin reactions is not known.

Use of alcohol can also be dangerous if you have liver disease or if you take medicines that can cause liver disease. In long-term studies, Dupixent has not been reported to cause liver toxicity, which could also be worsened by drinking alcohol.

If you choose to drink, it is always best to drink in moderation and check with your healthcare provider if you take any medication. Tell your healthcare provider if you experience any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Tell them about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, and dietary herbal supplements.

Learn more: Drug Interactions with Dupixent (in more detail)

Is Dupixent steroid-free?

Yes, Dupixent (dupilumab) is a steroid-free, injectable biologic drug. This is an advantage as steroids, often used to lower inflammation (swelling), can cause serious side effects. It is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection that can be given at home, after adequate training.

It is classified as an interleukin-4 (IL-4) receptor alpha antagonist. Dupixent works by lowering inflammation that can lead to symptoms in the various conditions it is approved to treat.

Dupixent is approved by the FDA to treat:

  • Adult and pediatric patients aged 6 months and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) whose disease is not adequately controlled
    with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. Can be used with or without topical corticosteroids
  • Adult and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with moderate-to-severe asthma characterized by an eosinophilic phenotype or with oral corticosteroid dependent asthma.
  • Adult and pediatric patients aged 1 year and older, weighing at least 15 kg, with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). EoE can led to Inflammation and trouble swallowing
  • Adults with prurigo nodularis, a skin condition that consists of hard and extremely itchy nodules that can worsen and spread.
  • Adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Used as an add-on maintenance treatment in patients with inadequately controlled COPD and an
    eosinophilic phenotype.
  • Adolescent patients aged 12 to 17 years and adults with chronic rhinosinusitis (long-term sinus inflammation) with nasal polyps (non-cancerous growths on the sinuses), as an add-on maintenance treatment.

Use Dupixent exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

This is not all the information you need to know about Dupixent (dupilumab) for safe and effective use. Review the full Dupixent product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

Related questions

References
  • Igelman SJ, Na C, Simpson EL. Alcohol-induced facial flushing in a patient with atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab. JAAD Case Rep. 2020;6(2):139-140. Published 2020 Jan 25. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2019.12.002
  • LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-. Dupilumab. [Updated 2018 Aug 1]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548055/
  • Dupixent (dupilumab) [package insert]. Revised 9/2024. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Tarrytown, NY. Accessed Oct 5, 2024 at https://www.regeneron.com/downloads/dupixent_fpi.pdf
  • Dupixent Monograph. Drugs.com. Accessed Oct 5, 2024 at https://www.drugs.com/dupixent.html

Read next

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

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, and prurigo nodularis. 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

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups

Medical Disclaimer