Dupilumab Injection

Dupilumab treats inflammation caused by eczema and eosinophilic esophagitis. It can also prevent asthma symptoms in your airways. Inflammation occurs when your immune system sends out cells to fight bacteria or heal an injury. Sometimes, your body sends out inflammatory cells when you’re not sick or injured, which can cause several conditions.

What is this medication?

DUPILUMAB (doo PIL ue mab) treats some types of skin conditions, such as eczema. It may also be used to treat conditions that cause inflammation in the sinuses and esophagus. It can be used to prevent the symptoms of asthma. It works by decreasing inflammation. Do not use it to treat a sudden asthma attack.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): DUPIXENT

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Asthma
  • Eye disease
  • Parasitic (helminth) infection
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to dupilumab, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

If you use a pen, be sure to take off the outer needle cover before using the dose.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. The sheet may change often.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss any doses. Talk to your care team about what to do if you miss a dose.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication can decrease the response to a vaccine. If you need to get vaccinated, tell your care team if you have received this medication. Talk to your care team to see if a different vaccination schedule is needed.

If you take this medication for asthma, you and your care team should develop an Asthma Action Plan that is just for you. Be sure to know what to do if you are in the yellow (asthma is getting worse) or red (medical alert) zones. This medication is not used to treat sudden breathing problems.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge with blurry or decreased vision
  • Unusual weakness or fatigue, fever, headache, skin rash, muscle or joint pain, loss of appetite, pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Cold sores
  • Dry eyes
  • Joint pain
  • Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
  • Sore throat
  • Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in the refrigerator at 2 to 8 degrees C (36 to 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Do not shake. Keep this medication in the original packaging until you are ready to take it. Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

This medication may be stored at room temperature up to 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) for up to 14 days. Keep this medication in the original packaging. Protect from light. If it is stored at room temperature, get rid of any unused medication after 14 days or after it expires, whichever is first.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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