How does Dupixent help with asthma?
Dupixent (dupilumab) helps to prevent severe asthma attacks and improve breathing in adults and children with moderate-to-severe eosinophilic or oral steroid-dependent asthma who are aged 6 years and older. It may also reduce the need for oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, and improve the overall quality of life. Dupixent is used in addition to current asthma medications, such as albuterol and other bronchodilators. Dupixent will not resolve an acute asthma attack.
Dupixent is a biologic that is given as a 300mg injection under the skin (subcutaneously) every two weeks after an initial dose of 600mg (two 300 mg injections).
How long does Dupixent take to work for asthma?
Some improvement in lung function and breathing is usually noticeable after two weeks; however, it may take up to 12 weeks to reach the maximum effect. This effect persists for as long as you are administered Dupixent.
How does Dupixent work for asthma?
How Dupixent works in asthma is not completely understood; however, it is believed to reduce inflammation by reducing the overactive signaling of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), two key proteins that contribute to the inflammation that may cause moderate-to-severe asthma. This reduces the release of other inflammatory substances, such as proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, nitric oxide, eotaxin-3 (CCL26), and IgE.
References
- Dupixent® (dupilumab) 03/2019 Asthma.net
- Dupixent (dupilumab) 10/2021 sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC https://www.drugclasses.com/pro/dupixent.html
- Dupixent (dupilumab) Dupixent.com Sanofi https://www.dupixent.com/asthma
Read next
How fast does Dupixent work?
Dupixent can start to work in 2 to 4 weeks to relieve your symptoms of moderate-to-severe eczema, asthma, or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. In studies of eosinophilic esophagitis, improved inflammation, swallowing or other symptoms was seen in at 24 weeks In patients 12 years and older and at 16 weeks in 1 to 11 years olds. For adults with prurigo nodularis, improved itching was seen at 12 and 24 weeks, and reduced skin lesions (clear or almost clear skin) at 24 weeks. Continue reading
Why do Dupixent injections hurt so much?
Injections can be painful for many people, including injections with Dupixent (dupilumab). The amount of discomfort people feel from injections can depend on many factors, including the temperature of the medication that is being injected and individual pain tolerance. However, there are some things you can do to reduce pain and discomfort from your Dupixent injection. Continue reading
Why does Dupixent cause eye problems?
Dupixent is associated with several different eye problems, including conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry eyes, itchy eyes, and keratitis. The cause of the eye problems is thought to be due to Dupixent blocking interleukin-13 (IL-13), an inflammatory protein that also stimulates the production of goblet cells. Goblet cells are responsible for creating mucus in the eye and ensuring the stability of tears. So when Dupixent blocks IL-13 it also lowers the numbers of epithelial goblet cells leading to eye inflammation and eye problems. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Dupixent Information for Consumers
- Dupixent prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Dupixent (detailed)
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