Dupixent Side Effects

Generic Name: dupilumab

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 27, 2020.

• Consumer
• Professional
• FAQ

Note: This document contains side effect information about dupilumab. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Dupixent.

In Summary

Common side effects of Dupixent include: allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, injection site reaction, ophthalmic inflammation, and eye irritation. Other side effects include: oral herpes simplex infection. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

For the Consumer

Applies to dupilumab: subcutaneous solution

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

Along with its needed effects, dupilumab (the active ingredient contained in Dupixent) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dupilumab:

More common

• Burning or dry eyes
• excessive tearing
• pain, redness, irritation, itching, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

Less common

• Black, tarry stools
• blistering or crusting of the skin
• burning, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet
• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• fever
• painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
• painful or difficult urination
• reddening of the skin
• scaly patches on the skin
• skin rash
• sore throat
• swollen glands
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

• Feeling of discomfort
• hives, itching
• lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• muscle aches
• pain in the groin or legs, especially the calves
• pain or swelling in the joints
• severe, sudden headache
• slurred speech
• sudden loss of coordination
• sudden, severe weakness or numbness in the arm or leg
• swelling of the hands, face, or mouth
• trouble breathing
• trouble swallowing
• vision changes

Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention

Some side effects of dupilumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

Less common

• Burning feeling in the chest or stomach
• difficulty in moving
• indigestion
• mouth or throat pain
• muscle stiffness
• stomach upset
• tenderness in the stomach area
• toothache
• trouble sleeping

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to dupilumab: subcutaneous solution

Ocular

Very common (10% or more): Conjunctivitis (cluster includes conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis, eye irritation, and eye inflammation) (10%)

Common (1% to 10%): Blepharitis, eye pruritus, keratitis (e.g., keratitis, ulcerative keratitis, allergic keratitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, ophthalmic herpes simplex), dry eye^[Ref]

Local

Very common (10% or more): Injection site reactions (10%)^[Ref]

Immunologic

Common (1% to 10%): Herpes simplex viral infections (e.g., herpes simplex, genital herpes, herpes simplex otitis externa, herpes virus infection), immunogenicity

Very rare (less than 0.01%): Serum sickness/serum sickness-like reactions^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Oral herpes^[Ref]

Hematologic

Common (1% to 10%): Eosinophilia

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Headache^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Is this an immunosuppressant?
• Can it cure eczema?
• Why does it cause eye problems?
• Does it cause joint pain?
• Does it cause weight gain?
• How does it help with asthma?
• How fast does Dupixent work?
• What is Dupixent used for and how does it work?
• How do you inject Dupixent?
• How do you use Dupixent?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer