How do you use Dupixent?

Q: How do you use Dupixent?

Dupixent is administered via subcutaneous injection every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks. The injection can be administered into the thigh or stomach, except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around the belly button. If a caregiver injects the dose, they can also use the outer area of the upper arm.

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on March 31, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Dupixent (dupilumab) is a prescription injection used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including:

Eczema
Asthma (add-on treatment)
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Eosinophilic esophagitis
Prurigo nodularis
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (add-on treatment)

Your healthcare provider will train you on the proper technique to inject Dupixent.

Approved Uses and Age Guidelines

Dupixent is FDA-approved for the treatment of:

atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults and children aged 6 months and older
asthma in adults and children aged 6 years and older
chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis in adults and children 12 years and older
eosinophilic esophagitis in adults and children aged 1 year and older
prurigo nodularis in adults
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults (eosinophilic phenotype)

Administration and Dosage

Dupixent is administered via subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks, depending on the condition and patient weight.

Dupixent pre-filled pen: For adults and adolescents 12 years and older. In adolescent patients, the dose should be administered by, or under the supervision of an adult.
Dupixent pre-filled syringe: For children 6 months and older. The dose should be administered by a caregiver.

Injection Instructions

The injection can be administered into the:

Thigh
Stomach (except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around the belly button)
Outer upper arm (if administered by a caregiver)

Choose a different injection site for each injection. DO NOT inject Dupixent into skin that is tender, damaged, bruised, or scarred.

See Dupixent Dosage

Using the Single-Dose Pre-filled Pen

The Dupixent pre-filled pen is a single-dose device for use in adults and children aged 12 years and older.

Prepare the injection site – Clean the area with an alcohol wipe and let it dry.
Remove the green cap – Hold the pen upright and do not touch the needle.
Position the pen – Place the yellow needle cover against the skin at a 90-degree angle.
Inject the medication – Press down firmly until the yellow needle cover is no longer visible. A “click” will indicate the injection has started, and the window will turn yellow.
Hold and complete injection – Keep holding the pen until you hear a second “click.” Count to five before removing the pen.
Dispose of the used pen – Place the used Dupixent Pre-filled Pen and green cap into an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. Do not dispose of it in household trash.

Important Notes

If the window does not fully turn yellow, do not administer another dose. Contact your healthcare provider.
If you notice blood at the injection site, dab lightly with gauze. Do not rub.

This is not all the information you need to know about Dupixent (dupilumab) 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 [package insert]. 2024. Sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC. Accessed March 31, 2025 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=595f437d-2729-40bb-9c62-c8ece1f82780

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, prurigo nodularis, and bullous pemphigoid.

How do you use Dupixent?

Approved Uses and Age Guidelines

Administration and Dosage

Injection Instructions

Related questions

Using the Single-Dose Pre-filled Pen

Important Notes

Read next

Why does Dupixent cause eye problems?

Does Dupixent cause weight gain?

Is Dupixent an immunosuppressant?

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