Why does Dupixent cause eye problems?
Dupixent (dupilumab) is associated with several different eye problems, including conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry eyes, itchy eyes, and keratitis. The cause of the eye problems is likely to be the same mechanism that makes Dupixent effective against atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, and other conditions.
Dupixent is a human monoclonal IgG4 antibody that works by blocking two inflammatory proteins, called interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). Unfortunately, goblet cells, which are responsible for creating mucus in the eye and ensuring the stability of tears, are also stimulated by IL-13. So when Dupixent blocks IL-13 which helps resolve the symptoms of AD and asthma, it also lowers the numbers of epithelial goblet cells, leading to inflammation and eye problems.
Most of the time the inflammation is not too severe, but in some people, Dupixent may need to be discontinued. Most eye problems respond to standard treatments (eg, ophthalmic antibiotics for bacterial conjunctivitis). Eye problems reported with Dupixent include:
- Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva [Linin] of the eye) which includes conjunctivitis due to allergic, bacterial, or viral causes, giant papillary conjunctivitis, eye irritation, and eye inflammation experienced by 10% of people
- Itchy eyes, experienced by 1% of people
- Dry eye, experienced by less than 1% of people
- Blepharitis (inflammation along the edges of the eyelids), experienced by less than 1% of people
- Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), experienced by less than 1% of people.
Dupixent is a biologic that may be used to treat moderate-to-severe AD in adults and children aged 6 months and older whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. It may also be used to treat moderate-to-severe asthma in adults and children aged 6 years and older in addition to other therapies; eosinophilic esophagitis in adults and children aged 12 years and older, weighing at least 40 kg; chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis in adults; and to significantly reduce itch and skin lesions in adults with prurigo nodularis.
Related questions
References
- Proceed With Caution. Review of Optometry Nov 15th 2019 https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/proceed-with-caution https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/proceed-with-caution
- Dupixent (dupilumab) 05/2022 sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC https://www.drugclasses.com/pro/dupixent.html
- Dupixent FDA Approval History. Updated 2 October 2022 https://www.drugclasses.com/history/dupixent.html
Read next
Is Dupixent an immunosuppressant?
No, Dupixent (dupilumab) is not an immunosuppressant or a steroid. Dupixent works by targeting a type of protein called an interleukin, that is involved in inflammation. Dupixent calms an overreactive immune system but does not suppress the immune system. This leads to fewer and less severe episodes of inflammation when used to treat conditions such as atopic dermatitis or asthma. Continue reading
Does Dupixent cause weight gain?
Yes, it does appear that Dupixent can cause weight gain, although this is not listed as a side effect in the product information. A case series of 12 people prescribed Dupixent reported an average weight gain of 6.1kg over one year – the amount of weight gained ranged from 0.1kg to 18.0kg. Anecdotally, blog sites also report weight gain as a side effect. How Dupixent causes weight gain is not known; however, people should be informed that weight gain may be a possible side effect of Dupixent. Continue reading
How long can Dupixent stay out of the fridge?
Dupixent can stay out of the fridge for a maximum of 14 days at room temperature (up to 77°F [25°C]). If you do not use it within 14 days, then it must be thrown away. Do not expose Dupixent to temperatures above 77°F and do not put it back in the refrigerator if it has been inadvertently left out and allowed to warm up to room temperature. 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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