Dupixent is a brand-name subcutaneous injection prescribed for conditions including atopic dermatitis and asthma. Dupixent contains the active ingredient dupilumab.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Dupixent to treat the following conditions in certain situations:

* Rescue inhalers should still be used as needed to treat asthma attack symptoms, such as trouble breathing. Never use Dupixent to treat a sudden asthma attack.

Drug details

Read on for key information about Dupixent.

  • Drug forms: solution in single-dose prefilled syringes and pens, given as subcutaneous injections
  • Drug class: monoclonal antibody, specifically interleukin-4 (IL-4) receptor blocker
  • Generic or biosimilar available? no
  • Prescription required? yes
  • Controlled substance? no
  • Year of FDA approval: 2017

Dupixent can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur during Dupixent treatment. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of Dupixent, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may concern or bother you. You can also see this article on Dupixent side effects.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Dupixent, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

The following list highlights some mild side effects of Dupixent. These side effects can vary depending on the condition you are receiving it to treat. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or view Dupixent’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Dupixent can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Dupixent aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • Eye problems. Symptoms can include:
    • changes in vision
    • eye pain or swelling
    • serious conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Eosinophilic conditions, including pneumonia and vasculitis (swelling of the blood vessels). Symptoms can include:
    • fever
    • swollen lymph nodes
    • skin lesions (irregular growths on your skin)

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Dupixent. This was a rare side effect in clinical trials of this drug.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep using the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Dupixent, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs, such as Dupixent, to treat certain conditions. Doctors may also prescribe Dupixent off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a different condition.

Dupixent for atopic dermatitis

Dupixent is FDA approved to treat certain forms of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children ages 6 months and older. Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition that can cause skin to become discolored, swollen, dry, and itchy.

Doctors prescribe Dupixent to treat atopic dermatitis that is not responding well to topical (applied to the skin) medications, such as creams or ointments. Doctors can also prescribe Dupixent to people who cannot use topical medications.

For this purpose, Dupixent may be prescribed by itself or with topical corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone acetonide.

For more information about atopic dermatitis, see our dermatology hub.

Dupixent for asthma

Dupixent is approved for use in adults and children ages 6 years and older with moderate to severe asthma that is either:

  • eosinophilic (caused by an increased number of a certain white blood cell)
  • oral corticosteroid-dependent (requires treatment with a certain type of steroid)

For this purpose, doctors prescribe Dupixent as an add-on maintenance treatment. This means Dupixent you will use Dupixent in combination with other drugs, including:

Dupixent can help some people with asthma depend less on corticosteroid medications to treat their symptoms. Some people may find they no longer need to use steroids for their asthma. However, you should not stop or reduce your steroid medication on your own. Your doctor will help determine the treatment plan that fits your needs.

You should never use Dupixent to treat an asthma attack. If you have an asthma attack, be sure to use your rescue inhaler.

Dupixent for eosinophilic esophagitis

Dupixent is approved to treat eosinophilic esophagitis in adults and children ages 1 year and older who weigh at least 15 kilograms (kg), which is about 33 pounds (lb).

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes inflammation of the esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth and stomach). Symptoms of this condition vary, but they can include difficulty swallowing, heartburn, chest and stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and appetite loss.

Dupixent for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

Dupixent is approved to treat chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in adults and children ages 12 years or older. Doctors might prescribe it when other treatments have not helped manage the condition.

With rhinosinusitis, your sinus cavities swell and cause pain or pressure in your face and congestion. Doctors consider it chronic when it lasts for 12 weeks or longer. Nasal polyps are noncancerous tissue growths in the nose. Dupixent works to reduce swelling in the area, which relieves symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

For this purpose, doctors prescribe Dupixent as an add-on maintenance treatment for people who are already taking other medications to treat this condition. Examples of other drugs that you may use with Dupixent include:

Dupixent for prurigo nodularis

Dupixent is approved to treat prurigo nodularis in adults. Prurigo nodularis is a skin condition that causes skin bumps and intense itchiness. The bumps may be red or discolored and can range in size and number.

Dupixent for COPD

Dupixent is approved to help treat eosinophilic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. For this purpose, doctors prescribe Dupixent as an add-on to your existing COPD treatment.

COPD is a group of conditions caused by lung damage, such as from smoking or air pollution. With COPD, phlegm and inflammation can restrict airways, making breathing more difficult. Dupixent helps treat COPD by reducing the swelling and mucus in your lungs.

Dupixent and children

Dupixent is approved to treat the following conditions in children:

  • moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in children ages 6 months and older
  • certain kinds of moderate to severe asthma* in children ages 6 years and older
  • eosinophilic esophagitis in children ages 1 year and older who weigh at least 15 kg, which is about 33 lb
  • chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in children ages 12 years or older

For more information about Dupixent’s use for these conditions, see the previous sections.

* Rescue inhalers should still be used as needed to treat asthma attack symptoms, such as trouble breathing. You should never use Dupixent to treat a sudden asthma attack.

Dupixent for other conditions

You might wonder whether Dupixent can treat conditions other than those already listed. The following information highlights some conditions that doctors may or may not prescribe Dupixent to treat.

Dupixent for alopecia (off-label use)

Some studies, including a clinical trialTrusted Source, suggest that Dupixent may effectively treat alopecia (hair loss). The drug is not currently FDA-approved for this use but a doctor may prescribe it off-label to treat this condition if they think it may be a safe and effective treatment for you. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a different condition.

With alopecia areata, your immune system attacks your hair follicles, causing hair loss. Alopecia ranges from patches of hair loss to total hair loss. To learn more about Dupixent treatment for alopecia, talk with your doctor.

Dupixent for dyshidrotic eczema (off-label use)

Dupixent is not currently approved for the treatment of dyshidrotic eczema. However, your doctor may prescribe Dupixent off-label to treat this condition if they think it may be a safe and effective treatment for your condition. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a different condition.

Although dyshidrotic eczema is a type of eczema, it’s not the same as atopic dermatitis. This type often appears as blisters on your feet and hands. The blisters may flare up due to stress or if you have sensitive skin that’s exposed to certain allergens.

For more information about treatment options for this condition, talk with your doctor.

As with all medications, the cost of Dupixent can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

To learn more about the cost of Dupixent treatment, you can refer to this Dupixent cost article.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Dupixent, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A program called Dupixent MyWay is available for this drug. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 844-DUPIXENT (844-387-4936) or visit the program website.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Generic or biosimilar version: Dupixent is not available in a biosimilarTrusted Source form. Like generics, biosimilar medications are considered to be as safe and effective as their parent drugs. And biosimilars tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Dupixent contains the active ingredient dupilumab, which is a biologic drug. Dupixent is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in biosimilarTrusted Source form.

Biologics are made from living cells. It’s not possible to make an exact copy of these drugs. A generic, on the other hand, refers to medications made from chemicals. A generic is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

Biosimilars are considered to be just as safe and effective as their parent drug. And like generics, biosimilars tend to cost less than brand-name medications.

The Dupixent dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Dupixent to treat
  • your age
  • body weight in children
  • other medical conditions you may have

For treating atopic dermatitis, asthma, or prurigo nodularis in adults, the first dose of Dupixent you receive is usually a loading dose. A loading dose, or starting dose, is when you receive a higher dose of medication as the first dose of treatment. This loading dose helps the drug start working quickly.

After a loading dose, you receive one maintenance dose every other week. This helps maintain a consistent level of medication in your body so it can be effective.

You don’t receive a loading dose for treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, eosinophilic esophagitis, and eosinophilic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Instead, you start with the recommended dose and continue injecting that dose as directed by your doctor.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

You can also see this article for details about Dupixent’s dosages.

Drug forms and strengths

Dupixent is a solution in single-dose prefilled syringes and pens. Each box contains two syringes or pens.

Dupixent comes in the following doses:

  • 200 milligrams (mg)/1.14 milliliters (mL)
  • 300 mg/2 mL

Dosage for atopic dermatitis

In adults with atopic dermatitis, the first dose of Dupixent consists of two injections of 300 mg each. This gives a total dose of 600 mg.

After the first dose, you’ll receive one injection of 300 mg every other week. (See “Children’s dosage” for information about the dosage for atopic dermatitis in children.)

Dosage for asthma

When Dupixent is used to treat asthma, there are two possible starting dosages for adults and children ages 12 years and older. (See “Children’s dosage” for information about the dosage for asthma in children ages 6 to 11 years.)

One option is to give a first dose of two 200-mg injections for a total dose of 400 mg. This dose is followed by one 200-mg injection every other week.

The other option is to give a starting dose of two 300-mg injections for a total dose of 600 mg. This dose is followed by one 300-mg injection every other week.

Doctors may recommend the higher dosage of Dupixent for certain people with asthma. This includes people who:

  • are currently taking oral corticosteroids for their asthma
  • have moderate to severe atopic dermatitis or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in addition to asthma

Dosage for eosinophilic esophagitis

In adults with eosinophilic esophagitis, the typical Dupixent dosage is one 300-mg injection every week. (See “Children’s dosage” for information about Dupixent’s dosage for this condition in children.)

Dosage for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

To treat chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in adults, the typical Dupixent dose is one 300-mg injection every other week. (See “Children’s dosage” for information about the dosage for this condition in children.)

Dosage for prurigo nodularis

To treat prurigo nodularis in adults, the first dose of Dupixent consists of two injections of 300 mg each. This gives a total dose of 600 mg.

After the first dose, you’ll get one injection of 300 mg every other week.

Dosage for COPD

To help treat COPD in adults, the recommended Dupixent dosage is one 300-mg injection every other week.

Children’s dosage

The Dupixent dosage for children varies depending on the condition it’s used to treat.

Children’s dosage for atopic dermatitis

The Dupixent dosage for children ages 6 months to 17 years with atopic dermatitis varies according to age and body weight.

Dosage for children ages 6 months to 5 years old

If your child weighs 5 kg (11 lb) to less than 15 kg (33 lb), the recommended dose of Dupixent is 200 mg every 4 weeks.

If your child weighs 15 kg to less than 30 kg (66 lb), the recommended dose is 300 mg every 4 weeks.

Doctors do not prescribe a loading dose of Dupixent for children younger than age 6 years.

Dosage for children ages 6 to 17 years old

In children weighing 15 kg (33 lb) to less than 30 kg (66 lb), the first dose is two 300-mg injections given at one time. Then, they would receive one 300-mg injection once every 4 weeks.

In children weighing 30 kg (66 lb) to less than 60 kg (132 lb), the first dose is two 200-mg injections given at one time. Then, they would receive one 200-mg injection once every other week.

Children weighing 60 kg (132 lb) or more would get two 300-mg injections for the first dose. Then they would only get one 300-mg injection every other week.

Children’s dosage for eosinophilic esophagitis

Doctors prescribe Dupixent to treat eosinophilic esophagitis in children ages 1 year and older who weigh at least 15 kg (about 33 lb). The typical dosage varies based on the child’s body weight.

The recommended dosage for children weighing 15 kg (33 lb) to less than 30 kg (66 lb) is one 200-mg injection every other week.

The recommended dosage for children who weigh 30 kg (66 lb) to less than 40 kg (88 lb) is one 300-mg injection every other week.

The recommended dosage for children who weigh 40 kg (88 lb) or more is one 300-mg injection per week. This is the same as the recommended dosage for adults.

Children’s dosage for asthma

For children ages 6 to 11 years old with asthma, Dupixent’s dosage is based on body weight.

The recommended dosage for children weighing 15 kg (33 lb) to less than 30 kg (66 lb) is one 300-mg injection every 4 weeks.

The recommended dosage for children weighing 30 kg (66 lb) or more is one 200-mg injection given every other week.

Children’s dosage for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

The recommended dosage of Dupixent for children ages 12 years and older who have chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is one 300-mg injection every other week. This is the same dosage prescribed for this condition in adults.

How to inject

You receive Dupixent as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen. Be sure to use a different area for each injection.

Your doctor can teach you how to give yourself injections, or you can go to their office for injections. Children 12 years and older may also be able to self-inject Dupixent with adult supervision. For children younger than 12 years, it’s recommended that the doctor gives the injections in their office. Always administer Dupixent according to your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions.

There are detailed instructions for Dupixent injections on the drug’s website.

About taking Dupixent

Below you’ll find information about key dosage issues.

  • When to take: You typically receive Dupixent once every 1, 2, or 4 weeks. (This depends on your age and the condition you are receiving Dupixent to treat.) You can receive Dupixent at any time of day.
  • If you miss a dose: What to do if you miss a dose of Dupixent depends on how often you receive the drug and how long it’s been since your last dose. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’ve missed a dose of Dupixent. They will recommend the best time to administer your next dose.
  • Length of use: Dupixent is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Dupixent is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.
  • Length of time to work: Dupixent begins to work after the first injection. However, it may take a few weeks before you notice an improvement in symptoms. You should continue treatment for at least 16 weeks to determine whether Dupixent works for you. If your symptoms haven’t improved after 16 weeks, talk with your doctor. You can discuss whether you should keep receiving Dupixent or switch to another treatment.

Overdose

Do not use more Dupixent than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve used or received too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Dupixent, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

The following drugs are similar to Dupixent:

You may wonder how Dupixent compares to other medications prescribed for similar uses. The following table highlights how Dupixent and Xolair are alike and different.

DupixentXolair
Active drugdupilumabomalizumab
Formssolution given by subcutaneous injection using a single-dose prefilled syringe or injection pensolution given by subcutaneous injection using either a prefilled syringe or a vial and syringe
Usesto treat the following conditions in certain situations:
• moderate to severe atopic dermatitis
• moderate to severe asthma
• eosinophilic esophagitis
• chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
• prurigo nodularis
• eosinophilic COPD		to treat the following conditions in certain situations:
• moderate to severe asthma
• chronic hives
• chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
• food allergy

Dupixent and Xolair have some similar and different side effects. To learn more about these drugs, including their potential side effects, you can refer to the prescribing information for Dupixent and Xolair.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your medication.

If you can become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are using birth control, it’s important to consider whether Dupixent is a safe choice for you.

You can talk with your doctor or refer to this article for more information on Dupixent and reproductive health.

Dupixent blocks two proteins called interleukins that can cause inflammation in your body. By blocking these proteins, Dupixent reduces inflammation. This can make symptoms of your condition more manageable.

For atopic dermatitis

If you have atopic dermatitis, your immune system causes inflammation under your skin. When this inflammation flares up, it can cause a dry, itchy rash on your skin. Dupixent reduces the inflammation. This helps relieve your symptoms and makes your skin clearer.

For asthma

If you have moderate to severe asthma, your lungs may have more inflammation than someone without asthma. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.

Dupixent reduces the inflammation in your lungs. It can also help some people with asthma depend less on corticosteroid medications to treat their symptoms. Some might stop needing to use steroids for asthma altogether.

However, you should not stop or reduce your steroid medication on your own. Your doctor will help determine the treatment plan that fits your needs.

For eosinophilic esophagitis

If you have eosinophilic esophagitis, your immune system causes chronic inflammation and swelling in your esophagus. (The esophagus is a tube connecting your mouth and stomach). This can lead to difficulty swallowing, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.

Dupixent reduces inflammation in your body, including your esophagus. This decreases the swelling in your esophagus, which helps to relieve your symptoms.

For chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

If you have chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, you usually have long-term inflammation in your nose and sinuses. This swelling often causes congestion and difficulty breathing. Dupixent reduces the swelling in your nose and sinuses.

For prurigo nodularis

If you have prurigo nodularis, you may have hard skin bumps and intense itchiness. The exact cause of this condition remains unknown, but experts think the symptoms involve unusual function of the immune system.

Dupixent works by blocking proteins called interleukins. These proteins are part of the immune system and are involved in causing inflammation. By blocking these proteins, the drug reduces inflammation in your body and can help ease your symptoms.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Dupixent.

Will I be able to get vaccines while I’m using Dupixent?

It depends. You should not get any live vaccines while taking Dupixent. Live vaccines contain a small amount of a virus so your body can learn to fight it.

You should not get live vaccines while using Dupixent because the drug may reduce your immune system activity. If this happens, your body won’t be able to respond to the vaccine properly, and it may make you sick.

However, it is typically safe to receive inactive vaccines during Dupixent treatment. Inactive vaccines don’t contain live viruses or bacteria. Examples include the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what vaccines you may need. It’s best to get any necessary vaccines before starting Dupixent.

Live vaccines you should avoid while taking Dupixent include:

Does Dupixent treat food allergies?

No, Dupixent is not currently used to treat food allergies. Dupixent was tested as a treatment for children with peanut allergies, but it’s not approved for this use.

Dupixent was tested along with another medication called Palforzia, which has been approved for peanut allergies. It’s thought that the combination of Palforzia and Dupixent could allow children’s immune systems to learn not to react to peanuts.

This would mean that children with severe peanut allergies who were exposed to peanuts wouldn’t have a life threatening allergic reaction. While the trial testing Dupixent’s use with Palforzia is complete, the results have not yet been made public.

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about Dupixent and food allergies.

Will I still need to use topical treatments for my skin condition if I’m using Dupixent?

You might. Often, people use Dupixent along with topical corticosteroids that they apply to their skin to treat atopic dermatitis. Topical corticosteroids can help treat problem areas that already exist. Dupixent works inside your body by reducing the inflammation that causes atopic dermatitis.

Some examples of topical corticosteroids include:

  • Lidex (fluocinonide)
  • Kenalog (triamcinolone)
  • Topicort (desoximetasone)
  • Cortisone (hydrocortisone)

Like most drugs, Dupixent has certain interactions. This drug can interact with live vaccines.

Before taking Dupixent, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

For more information, see this in-depth article about Dupixent and interactions.

Interactions with live vaccines

Dupixent is known to interact with live vaccines. As such, it’s important not to get any live vaccines while using Dupixent.

Before starting Dupixent, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any vaccines you may need. You should get any live vaccines you need before you start Dupixent.

Examples of live vaccines to avoid during Dupixent treatment include:

Alcohol interaction

Alcohol is not known to interact with Dupixent. It’s likely safe to consume alcohol while using Dupixent. If you drink alcohol and have questions about how much is safe to drink while using Dupixent, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

This drug comes with several precautions. Before taking Dupixent, discuss your health history with your doctor. Dupixent may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Dupixent, see the “Dupixent side effects” section.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.