Dupixent (Dupilumab) belongs to the class of medications called immunomodulators, more specifically interleukin inhibitors. It is used by adults and children 12 years of age and older to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (sometimes referred to as Eczema) when topical medications are not controlling the symptoms or are not appropriate. It may be used alone or with corticosteroid creams and ointments.

Dupixent (Dupilumab) blocks the action of interleukin, a protein in the body which causes inflammation. This reduces symptoms of atopic dermatitis, such as redness, itching, and inflamed skin.

Dupixent (Dupilumab) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Dupixent (Dupilumab) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Dupixent (Dupilumab) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Dupixent (Dupilumab) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Dupixent (Dupilumab), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Dupixent (Dupilumab) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Dupixent (Dupilumab) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Dupixent (Dupilumab) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The starting dose of Dupixent (Dupilumab) for adults is 600 mg injected subcutaneously (under the skin). After the first dose, 300 mg is injected subcutaneously every 2 weeks.

For adolescents 12 to 17 years old, who weigh less than 60 kg, the starting dose is 400 mg injected subcutaneously (under the skin). After the first dose, 200 mg is injected every 2 weeks. For adolescents who weigh 60 kg or more, the starting dose is 600 mg, followed by 300 mg injected subcutaneously every 2 weeks.

If you are injecting Dupixent (Dupilumab) yourself, your doctor will show you how to use Dupixent (Dupilumab) properly. If you are not sure how to use it or have questions about how to use it, contact your doctor. Before using Dupixent (Dupilumab), thoroughly read the patient information provided and ask your doctor any questions you might have. If a caregiver will be giving you the injections, your doctor should instruct them on how to give the injection.

Use a different injection site for each dose. You should avoid injecting Dupixent (Dupilumab) into an area of skin that is sore, red, infected, bruised, or otherwise damaged. If you are having difficulty giving yourself injections, talk to your health care provider.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Dupixent (Dupilumab) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is less than 7 days before your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Dupixent (Dupilumab) should be clear and colourless. Do not use Dupixent (Dupilumab) if you notice particles or anything unusual in the appearance of the solution.

Store Dupixent (Dupilumab) in the refrigerator. Keep the syringe in the outer carton to protect it from light. Remove the pre-filled syringe from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 45 minutes before injecting. Keep Dupixent (Dupilumab) out of the reach and sight of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Dupixent (Dupilumab). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Dupixent (Dupilumab) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Dupixent (Dupilumab). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Cold Sores
• dry, itchy, or red eyes
• red, swollen, or itchy eyelids
• redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• symptoms of serum sickness (e.g., Fever, feeling unwell, swollen lymph nodes, Hives, itchiness, skin rash, or joint pain)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Dupixent (Dupilumab).

300 mg Pre-Filled Syringe

Each mL of clear, slightly opalescent, colourless-to-pale-yellow, sterile, preservative-free solution, contains 150 mg of Dupixent (Dupilumab). Nonmedicinal ingredients: L-arginine hydrochloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium acetate, sucrose, and water for injection, adjusted to pH 5.9 with acetic acid.

200 mg Pre-Filled Syringe

Each mL of clear, slightly opalescent, colourless-to-pale-yellow, sterile, preservative-free solution, contains 175 mg of Dupixent (Dupilumab). Nonmedicinal ingredients: L-arginine hydrochloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium acetate, sucrose, and water for injection, adjusted to pH 5.9 with acetic acid.