Dupixent® injection
This product is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis Canada Inc. using the ingredient dupilumab.
This product is taken via subcutaneous injection.
Why is it prescribed?
Dupilumab is used to treat asthma, COPD, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, generally in individuals who have high levels of eosinophils (cause inflammation) and who continue to have symptoms despite taking other medications for their condition(s).
- This medication is given by subcutaneous injection.
How to take:
- Allow the pre-filled syringe to reach room temperature.
- Wash hands before injecting.
- Dupixent® is injected under the skin in one of the following body areas: upper leg (thigh), stomach area, except 5 cm around your belly button, upper arm (if given by someone else). Choose a different body area each time you inject.
- Do not inject into skin that is tender, damaged, or has bruises or scars.
- Store in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C)
Alternatives
See other products used in the treatment of •
The recommended dose for adults with COPD or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is 300 mg every 2 weeks, administered subcutaneously (under the skin).
The recommended dose for individuals 6 years and older for asthma depends on age, weight, other conditions, and other medications taken.
Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks specific proteins called interleukin-4 and interleukin-13. By blocking the action of these interleukins, dupilumab limits the production of eosinophils from the bone marrow and lowers the number of eosinophils in the blood and lungs, which helps improve symptoms of asthma, COPD, and rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
Most common side effects
- injection-site reaction (pain, redness, swelling, itching, and burning sensation of the skin near where the injection was given)
- eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling, itching, and/or dryness, sometimes with blurred vision
- eye infection
- cold sores in your mouth or on your lips
- trouble sleeping
- abdominal pain/burning
- joint pain
- headache
- facial rash or redness
- parasitic infections
- There is a chance dupilumab could cause an allergic reaction when injected. If you have had a similar reaction before, tell your doctor before you are given the injection.
- Dupilumab is not a substitute for the medicines you are already taking. It does not treat a sudden asthma or COPD attack - do not use for this reason.
- Oral or inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, fluticasone) should not be abruptly stopped upon starting dupilumab therapy.
- Interrupting or stopping treatment with dupilumab may cause your symptoms to come back or occur more frequently. If your symptoms get worse while receiving this medication call your doctor.
- Talk to your healthcare team before receiving any vaccines.
- If you have an existing parasitic infection, live in a region where infections caused by parasites are common, or if you are travelling to such a region, talk to your doctor before using dupilumab, as it may weaken your resistance to such infections. Parasitic infections should be treated prior to starting treatment with this medication.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Limited information is available. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using.