How do you inject Dupixent?

Key Points

• Dupixent (generic name: dupilumab) is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection into the thigh or stomach area by the patient or a caregiver. It can also be given in the outer area of the upper arm by a caregiver.
• It comes as a prefilled syringe or a prefilled autoinjector pen. The pen is used only in adults and children 12 and older. In adolescents, an adult should supervise the pen injection. The Dupixent syringe should be administered by a caregiver in children 6-11 years of age.
• Your doctor will tell you how often to inject Dupixent. Do not inject yourself or someone else with Dupixent until you have been shown how to inject the medicine by a health care provider.
• Read the "Instructions for Use" supplied with your medicine before using the Dupixent pre-filled syringe or pen for the first time. Keep your "Instruction for Use" for future reference, or ask your pharmacist for a copy.

Is the Dupixent pen available?

Yes, the Dupixent pre-filled autoinjector pen is now available. The Dupixent pen was approved by the FDA in June 2020 and is available in 200 or 300 mg strengths.

An autoinjector is a device that usually contains one prefilled dose of medicine with a spring-loaded mechanism. These devices allow patients or caregivers to self-inject their own medicine at home or if traveling.

Your healthcare provider can teach you how to use this device. Many patients prefer autoinjectors over syringes as they are easier to use and may cause less hesitation. Your healthcare professional can still administer your dose if needed.

• See Dupixent Dosage

How do you inject Dupixent into your stomach or thigh?

Before using the Dupixent Syringe or Pen for Injection fully review the manufacturer “Instructions for Use” that contains information and diagrams on how to inject Dupixent. You can find this information in the Dupixent carton that contains your syringes or pens. The manufacturer also supplies videos on their website to demonstrate Dupixent injection.

Your health care provider should train you on how to administer the medication by injection prior to your first dose. If you still have questions, contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Prior to using the syringe or pen, be sure you have the following:

• the Dupixent syringe or pen
• one alcohol wipe
• one cotton ball or gauze
• an approved sharps disposal container.

Before injection, always wash your hands well with soap and water. Clean the injection site prior to injection with an alcohol pad.

Check the expiration date on the syringe or pen to be sure it has not passed. If it has, do not use the medicine and call your doctor for a new prescription.

Do not:

• reuse Dupixent syringes or pens
• inject Dupixent in damaged skin, such as tender, bruised or scarred areas, or into areas with visible veins. Do not inject through your clothes.
• use the pen or syringe if the solution appears cloudy or contains particles
• use it if it is damaged or has been dropped on a hard surface. After your injection, lightly press a cotton ball or gauze on the injection site if you see any blood
• put the needle cap back on after injection
• rub your skin after the injection.
• place syringes or pens in your household trash.

Dispose of the needle, syringes or pen, and caps as directed by the manufacturer in an approved sharps container.

Keep pens and syringes out of the reach of children and pets.

Using the Dupixent Pre-Filled Syringe

The Dupixent pre-filled syringe is available in the following strengths: 100 mg per 0.67 mL; 200 mg per 1.14 mL; and 300 mg per 2 mL. It should only be given by an adult caregiver in children 6 to 11 years of age. Injection in children 12 and older should be supervised by an adult.

You can inject the Dupixent pre-filled syringe into your thigh or stomach, except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around your belly button (navel). If a caregiver injects the dose, they can also use the outer area of the upper arm. Choose a different site each time you inject Dupixent.

Lay the Dupixent Syringe on a flat surface and let it naturally warm to room temperature for at least 30 minutes (for the 100 and 200 mg syringe) or 45 minutes (for the 300 mg syringe). Do not heat the syringe or place in direct sunlight.

• Before injection, wash your hands well with soap and water. Pinch a fold of skin at the injection site (thigh or stomach, except 2 inches around your belly button, or outer area of the upper arm if injected by your caregiver). Insert the needle completely into the fold of the skin at about a 45° angle (see illustration).
• Relax the pinch. Push the plunger rod down slowly and steadily as far as it will go until the Dupixent Syringe is empty. Lift your thumb to release the plunger rod until the needle is covered by the needle shield and then remove the syringe from the injection site.
• Lightly press a cotton ball or gauze on the injection site if you see any blood (don't rub).
• Dispose of the syringe, needles and caps right away as directed in an FDA-approved sharps container.

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Using the Dupixent Pre-Filled Pen

The Dupixent pre-filled pen is available for use in patients 12 years of age and older. Injection in adolescents 12 and older should be supervised by an adult. It is available in the following strengths: 300 mg per 2 mL; and 200 mg per 1.14 mL.

Before injection, wash your hands well with soap and water. You can inject the pre-filled pen into your thigh or stomach, except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around your belly button (navel). If a caregiver injects your dose, they can also use the outer area of the upper arm. Choose a different site each time you inject Dupixent.

Lay the Dupixent pen on a flat surface and let it naturally warm to room temperature for at least 45 minutes. Do not heat the pen or place in direct sunlight.

To inject:

• Remove the green cap only when you are ready to inject. Do not touch or press the yellow needle cover.
• Place the yellow needle cover on your skin at approximately a 90-degree angle (see illustration). Do not cover the window that shows the medicine with your fingers or hand.
• Press and hold the Dupixent Pre-filled Pen firmly against your skin until you cannot see the yellow needle cover. Count to 5 to be sure you get the full dose.
• After your injection is done, pull the pen straight up to remove the Dupixent pen from the skin. The yellow needle cover will cover the needle.
• Dispose of the pen and green caps right away as directed in an FDA-approved sharps container.

Bottom Line

Before your first Dupixent injection, be sure you have read the manufacturer's Instruction for Use and received instructions how to properly inject from your health care provider.

You can inject the Dupixent syringe or pre-filled pen into your thigh or stomach, except for the 2 inches (5 cm) around your belly button (navel). If a caregiver injects your dose, they can also use the outer area of the upper arm.

Bring your syringe or pen to room temperature before injection, as directed. Do not heat in the microwave, hot water or direct sunlight.

These instructions are abbreviated and do not contain all the information you may need for safe and effective use of Dupixent. Review the full Dupixent information here, and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.