Interleukin-4 Receptor alpha AntagonistPrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes
Dupixent
DUPILUMAB
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE DUPIXENT is an interleukin-4 receptor alpha antagonist indicated: Atopic Dermatitis for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 months and older with moderate-to-severe AD whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. ( 1.1 ) Asthma as an add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older wi...
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Brand names:Dupixent
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassInterleukin-4 Receptor alpha Antagonist
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory Not classified
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- DUPILUMAB
- Medicine class
- Interleukin-4 Receptor alpha Antagonist
- Brand names
- Dupixent
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- Not classified
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Dupixent?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE DUPIXENT is an interleukin-4 receptor alpha antagonist indicated: Atopic Dermatitis for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 months and older with moderate-to-severe AD whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. ( 1.1 ) Asthma as an add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older wi...
Dupixent (DUPILUMAB) belongs to the Interleukin-4 Receptor alpha Antagonist class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Dupixent. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Dupixent with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Dupixent is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE DUPIXENT is an interleukin-4 receptor alpha antagonist indicated: Atopic Dermatitis for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 months and older with moderate-to-severe AD whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable.
DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids.
( 1.1 ) Asthma as an add-on maintenance treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with moderate-to-severe asthma characterized by an eosinophilic phenotype or with oral corticosteroid dependent asthma.
( 1.2 ) Limitations of Use: Not for the relief of acute bronchospasm or status asthmaticus.
( 1.2 ) Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps as an add-on maintenance treatment in adult and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with inadequately controlled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).
( 1.3 ) Eosinophilic Esophagitis for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 1 year and older, weighing at least 15 kg, with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
( 1.4 ) Prurigo Nodularis for the treatment of adult patients with prurigo nodularis (PN).
( 1.5 ) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease as an add-on maintenance treatment of adult patients with inadequately controlled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and an eosinophilic phenotype.
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION DUPIXENT is administered by subcutaneous injection. ( 2.1 ) Atopic Dermatitis Dosage in Adults ( 2.3 ): Recommended dosage is an initial dose of 600 mg (two 300 mg injections), followed by 300 mg given every 2 weeks (Q2W). Dosage in Pediatric Patients 6 Months to 5 Years of Age ( 2.3 ): Body Weight Recommended Dosage For pediatric patients 6 months to 5 years of age, no initial loading dose is recommended 5 to less than 15 kg 200 mg (one 200 mg injection) every 4 weeks (Q4W) 15 to less than 30 kg 300 mg (one 300 mg injection) every 4 weeks (Q4W) Dosage in Pediatric Patients 6 Years to 17 Years of Age ( 2.3 ): Body Weight Initial Loading Dose Subsequent Dosage Q2W – every 2 weeks; Q4W – every 4 weeks 15 to less than 30 kg 600 mg (two 300 mg injections) 300 mg Q4W 30 to less than 60 kg 400 mg (two 200 mg injections) 200 mg Q2W 60 kg or more 600 mg (two 300 mg injections) 300 mg Q2W Asthma Dosage in Adult and Pediatric Patients 12 Years and Older ( 2.4 ): Initi
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Conjunctivitis and Keratitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Psoriasis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Arthralgia and Psoriatic Arthritis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Parasitic (Helminth) Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Most common adverse reactions are: Atopic Dermatitis (incidence ≥1%): injection site reactions, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, oral herpes, keratitis, eye pruritus, other herpes simplex virus infection, dry eye, and eosinophilia.
- ( 6.1 ) Asthma (incidence ≥1%): injection site reactions, oropharyngeal pain, and eosinophilia.
- ( 6.1 ) Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (incidence ≥1%): injection site reactions, eosinophilia, insomnia, toothache, gastritis, arthralgia, and conjunctivitis.
- ( 6.1 ) Eosinophilic Esophagitis (incidence ≥2%): injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infections, arthralgia, and herpes viral infections.
- ( 6.1 ) Prurigo Nodularis (incidence ≥2%): nasopharyngitis, conjunctivitis, herpes infection, dizziness, myalgia, and diarrhea.
- ( 6.1 ) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (incidence ≥2%): viral infection, headache, nasopharyngitis, back pain, diarrhea, arthralgia, urinary tract infection, local administration reactions, rhinitis, eosinophilia, toothache, and gastritis.
- ( 6.1 ) Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (incidence ≥2%): injection site reactions.
Serious
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), serum sickness, angioedema, urticaria, rash, erythema nodosum, and erythema multiforme have occurred.
- Discontinue DUPIXENT in the event of a hypersensitivity reaction.
- ( 5.1 ) Conjunctivitis, Keratitis, and Blepharitis: Advise patients to promptly report new onset or worsening eye symptoms to their healthcare provider.
- If symptoms persist or worsen, consider discontinuation of DUPIXENT.
- Consider ophthalmological examination, as appropriate.
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), serum sickness, angioedema, urticaria, rash, erythema nodosum, and erythema multiforme have occurred. Discontinue DUPIXENT in the event of a hypersensitivity reaction. ( 5.1 ) Conjunctivitis, Keratitis, and Blepharitis: Advise patients to promptly report
How Dupixent Works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Dupilumab is a human monoclonal IgG4 antibody that inhibits interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) signaling by specifically binding to the IL-4Rα subunit shared by the IL-4 and IL-13 receptor complexes. Dupilumab inhibits IL-4 signaling via the Type I receptor and both IL-4 and IL-13 signaling through the Type II receptor. Inflammation driven by IL-4 and IL-13 is an important component in the pathogenesis of asthma, AD, CRSwNP, EoE, PN, COPD, CSU, BP, and AFRS. Multiple cell types that express IL-4Rα (e.g., mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, epithelial cells, goblet cells) and inflammatory mediators (e.g., histamine, eicosanoids, leukotrienes, cytokines, chemokines) are involved in inflammation. Blocking IL-4Rα with dupilumab in
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Absorption Following an initial subcutaneous (SC) dose of 600 mg, 400 mg, or 300 mg, dupilumab reached peak mean ± SD concentrations (C max ) of 70
Metabolism
metabolic pathway of dupilumab has not been characterized
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Not classified
Breastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Dupixentwhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
Storage and Handling DUPIXENT is sterile and preservative-free. Discard any unused portion. Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the original carton to protect from light. If necessary, DUPIXENT may be kept at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) for a maximum of 14 days. Do not store ab
Frequently Asked Questions
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Dupixent side effects
Complete adverse effect profile including common, serious, and rare reactions
Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Dupixent
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.