dupilumab at a glance
Medicine class
Targeted biologic monoclonal antibody
Administration
Subcutaneous injection using a single-use pre-filled device
Important limitation
It does not treat an acute asthma or COPD attack
Home use
Self-injection or caregiver administration may be possible after assessment and training
What is dupilumab used for?
Dupilumab is licensed for eligible patients with:
Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents, and severe atopic dermatitis in younger children who are candidates for systemic treatment
Severe asthma with evidence of type 2 inflammation
Severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in adults
Moderate-to-severe prurigo nodularis in adults who are candidates for systemic treatment
Eosinophilic oesophagitis inadequately controlled by, intolerant of, or unsuitable for conventional treatment
Uncontrolled COPD with raised blood eosinophils in adults
Chronic spontaneous urticaria inadequately controlled by an H1 antihistamine in adults and adolescents
How does dupilumab work?
Dupilumab blocks signalling by interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, immune messengers involved in type 2 inflammation. It is not a corticosteroid.
dupilumab preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 200 mg, 300 mg
How to take dupilumab
Dupilumab is injected under the skin. Use it only after training and follow the device instructions supplied with the pack.
Inject into the thigh or abdomen, avoiding the area within 5 cm of the navel; another person may use the upper arm.
Rotate injection sites and avoid tender, damaged, bruised or scarred skin.
Do not shake or heat the syringe, and protect it from direct sunlight.
Do not use solution that is cloudy, discoloured or contains visible particles.
Place the used syringe in a puncture-resistant sharps container.
dupilumab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Injection-site redness, swelling, itching, pain or bruising
- Conjunctivitis or allergic conjunctivitis
- Dry, itchy or inflamed eyes, particularly with atopic dermatitis treatment
- Joint pain
- Cold sores around the mouth
- Raised blood eosinophils
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis or angioedema
- Persistent eye inflammation, keratitis or corneal ulceration, especially with eye pain or altered vision
- Possible eosinophilic complications involving breathing, chest symptoms, rash, cardiac symptoms or numbness
dupilumab in pregnancy
Dupilumab can be used when advised by a specialist, although human experience remains limited. Discuss pregnancy with the specialist rather than stopping treatment independently. Exposure after the first trimester may affect the timing of some live vaccines for the baby.
dupilumab while breastfeeding
It is not known how much dupilumab enters human milk or is absorbed by a breastfed baby. Review the benefits of breastfeeding and treatment with the prescriber, particularly for a premature or medically vulnerable infant.
dupilumab interactions
Few clinically important medicine interactions are expected, but vaccination and existing anti-inflammatory treatment need attention.
Live or live-attenuated vaccines
Concurrent use should be avoided because safety and effectiveness have not been established. Vaccination status should be reviewed before treatment.
Inactivated or non-live vaccines
These may be given concurrently; studied vaccine responses were not meaningfully reduced.
Systemic, inhaled or topical corticosteroids
Starting dupilumab does not replace existing corticosteroid treatment. Any changes require medical supervision.
Common questions about dupilumab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is dupilumab a steroid?
No. It is a targeted monoclonal antibody that blocks IL-4 and IL-13 signalling.
Can dupilumab treat an asthma attack?
No. It must not be used for acute bronchospasm or an asthma exacerbation.
Can I stop my inhalers or steroid creams?
Not without medical advice. Corticosteroids should not be stopped abruptly, and people with asthma should not alter their treatment independently.
What eye problems can occur?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.