Dupixent: How it works

How Dupixent works

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 the lungs of someone without asthma. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.

Dupixent lowers 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 in your esophagus. This decreases the swelling in your esophagus, which helps 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.

How long does it take Dupixent to work?

Dupixent begins to work after you’ve had your first injection. However, it may take some weeks to months before you notice relief from your condition.

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.