Understanding the Dupixent Side Effects For Eczema: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to our blog post all about Dupixent Side Effects for Eczema! If you or your loved ones are considering or currently using Dupixent as a treatment for eczema, it is important to stay informed about its potential side effects. In this post, we will provide an overview of Dupixent.

Highlights

It’s common side effects and offers tips to help manage them effectively.

Dupixent: How It Works For Eczema?

Dupixent is an FDA-approved biological medicine used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis or eczema in adults and children aged 6 months and older. It targets specific proteins in the body’s immune system, reduces inflammation, and relieves the symptoms associated with eczema. Doctors prescribe Dupixent when topical creams and ointments do not treat or cure eczema.

Highlights: Side Effects of Dupixent For Eczema

“After starting treatment with dupilumab, some people may experience certain side effects. The most common ones that have been reported include reactions at the injection site, such as redness or irritation, as well as conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye), headaches, and nasopharyngitis (a type of upper respiratory infection). While rare, there have also been cases of alopecia areata (hair loss) and cicatricial extropian (a condition affecting the eyelids). If you notice any unusual symptoms or have concerns about the side effects, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider.”

Dupixent Ingredients:

Active ingredient: dupilumab (Biologic Drug)

Inactive ingredients: L-arginine hydrochloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium acetate, sucrose, and water for injection.

What Does Dupixent Treat?

Doctors prescribed dupixent as a treatment option for patients having eczema, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and sinusitis. This medicine is used to treat the following specific conditions in adults and children.

Atopic Dermatitis ( In adults and children 6 months old )
Eosinophilic Asthma (in adults and children age 6 years and older)
Chronic Rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (In adults)
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (In children age 12 years and older and adults)
Prurigo nodularis (In adults)

Dupixent, like all drugs, may cause moderate to severe side effects. Keep reading to learn more about them.

“Individualized Prescriptions: Remember, DUPIXENT should only be used for the specific condition it was prescribed for. It is crucial not to share DUPIXENT with others, even if they exhibit similar symptoms. Giving DUPIXENT to someone it was not prescribed for could cause harm. If you require more detailed information about DUPIXENT, feel free to consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider who can provide resources tailored for medical professionals.”

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Dupixent Side Effects For Eczema:

Let’s dive into the world of Dupixent and its potential side effects for eczema. While this medication can work wonders in soothing those pesky eczema symptoms, it’s essential to be aware of the possible side effects that could tag along. Don’t worry, though; we’re here to guide you through it all. So, buckle up, and let’s explore the side effects of Dupixent.

Mild Side Effects Of Dupixent:

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the milder side effects you might encounter while using Dupixent. Keep in mind that these effects may differ depending on the specific condition being treated. If you’re curious about other potential mild side effects, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also find more detailed information in Dupixent’s prescribing information. Don’t worry. We’re here to help you navigate through it all!

Following are the mild side effects of Dupixent.

Dry or itchy eyes
Injection site reaction
Pink eye(conjunctivitis)
Joint pain
Toothache
Dizziness
Eyelid Inflammation
Muscle pain
Insomnia
Gastritis
Cold sores
Diarrhea
Eosinophilia
Mouth or throat pain
Cramps in the stomach area
Vomiting
Nausea
Hives
Feeling Lightheaded

If these side effects do not go away within a few days or weeks, talk to your doctor.

Serious Side Effects of Dupixent:

Some serious side effects of Dupixent include

Eosinophilic Condition

Sometimes, when using Dupixent, it’s possible for the number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in your blood to increase. Having too many eosinophils, also known as eosinophilia, can potentially lead to inflammatory conditions. For instance, it may contribute to conditions like pneumonia, which affects the lungs, or vasculitis, which involves inflammation in the blood vessels. It’s essential to be aware of these possibilities and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

In early studies of Dupixent for asthma, there were rare reports of certain conditions occurring. These conditions might have been due to individuals taking lower doses of oral steroid medications while using Dupixent, as the drug helped alleviate their asthma symptoms. However, it’s uncertain if these conditions were directly caused by Dupixent.

The symptoms of these eosinophilic conditions are as follows.

Pneumonia
Swollen lymph nodes
Skin lesions
Fever
Swelling of blood vessels

Serious eye-related side effects:

Change in vision
Eye Swelling and itching
Redness
Eye discharge
Eye pain
Keratitis( Inflammation of cornea)
Blepharitis (Eyelid inflammation)

Side Effects Solutions:

If you currently wear contact lenses or have any existing eye conditions, it’s important to have a discussion with your doctor before starting Dupixent treatment. They will be able to provide guidance on whether Dupixent is suitable for you and can also offer suggestions on how to minimize any potential side effects related to the eyes.

Throughout your Dupixent treatment, it’s crucial to promptly inform your doctor if you experience any symptoms or notice any changes in your eyes. They will examine your eyes and recommend appropriate treatment based on your specific symptoms. Your doctor is there to support you and ensure your eye health remains a priority during your treatment.

Note: During studies, it was observed that individuals taking Dupixent for eczema may experience more eye-related side effects compared to other uses. Among these effects, conjunctivitis was reported more frequently than other eye-related issues.

Rare Side Effects Of Dupixent For Eczema: Allergic Reaction

The rare side effect of Dupixent is allergic reaction. After taking this medicine, some people have allergic reactions.

Following are the symptoms of a mild allergic reaction.

Skin rashes and itching
Flushing( Warmth sensation leading to the redness of skin on the body, especially on the face and neck)

Severe allergic reactions are rare, but it could be possible. Following are the symptoms

Trouble in breathing
Swelling on eyelids, face, lips. Mouth, tongue and throat

“Prioritize Safety: Please refrain from using DUPIXENT if you have known allergies to dupilumab or any of the ingredients found in DUPIXENT.”

Consult your doctor immediately if you feel any symptoms because the reaction can become more severe. In case of a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

Notes of Dupixent Side Effects

When you are taking dupixent therapy during eczema treatment it is important to keep notes of any side effects you are having and share this information with your doctor.

Your side effects notes include:

Mention how soon after starting that dose you experienced the side effects
Describe the symptoms you experienced from side effects
Explain how it affected your daily activities
List other medication you are taking at the time.
Include other relevant and important information.

FAQS About Dupixent Side Effects?

If I’m using Dupixent, will I still need to apply topical treatments for my skin condition eczema?

Yes, it is possible that you may still need to use topical treatments for your skin condition, even if you are using Dupixent. Dupixent is often used in combination with topical corticosteroids, which are applied directly to the skin to treat atopic dermatitis. While Dupixent works internally to reduce inflammation, the topical corticosteroids help address existing problem areas on the skin.

Can Dupixent Cause Hair Loss?

Hair loss is not a known side effect of Dupixent. In clinical trials and post-marketing reports, hair loss has not been reported as a common side effect of the medication. However, some people experience hair loss after using this drug. According to the report, the hair loss is due to the drug reaction of dupilumab.

Can Dupixent Cause Cancer?

Studies have not found a direct link between Dupixent (dupilumab) and an increased risk of cancer. Clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of Dupixent did not report a higher incidence of cancer compared to the control groups. However, it is important to note that long-term data regarding the medication’s effects on cancer risk may still be limited due to its relatively recent introduction. As with any medication, continued monitoring and further research are necessary to fully understand any potential long-term effects. If you have concerns about Dupixent and cancer, it is recommended to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Does Dupixent cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not a common side effect of Dupixent. In clinical trials, weight gain was not reported as a common side effect. However, it’s important to note that individual experiences may vary. If you have any concerns about weight gain or other potential side effects while using Dupixent, I recommend discussing them with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized information and guidance based on your specific medical history and needs.

Can Dupixent Make Eczema Worse?

No, Dupixent is not known to make eczema worse. In fact, Dupixent is specifically designed to treat moderate-to-severe eczema and has been shown to significantly improve symptoms for many people. It works by targeting the underlying causes of eczema, reducing inflammation, and preventing flare-ups. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and report any concerns or changes in your condition while using Dupixent.

Can Dupixent Cause Depression?

Scientific research has not established a direct causal relationship between the use of Dupixent (dupilumab) and an increased risk of depression. Clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance data have not indicated a higher incidence of depression in patients treated with Dupixent compared to control groups. However, it is important to note that individual responses to medication can vary, and some patients may experience mood changes or depressive symptoms as part of their underlying condition rather than as a direct result of the medication. It is always recommended to discuss any concerns about mental health or changes in mood with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice and guidance.

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Disclaimer:

At The Skin Care Tips, we have taken great care to ensure that all the information provided is accurate, thorough, and current. However, it’s important to note that this article is not a replacement for the advice and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. Before starting any medication, it is always recommended to consult with your doctor or another healthcare professional to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your specific needs. Your healthcare provider is the best resource to guide you in making informed decisions about your healthcare.

Please keep in mind that the information provided about drugs is subject to change and may not include all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Just because a specific drug does not have any warnings or additional information listed does not guarantee that it is safe, effective, or suitable for all individuals or specific purposes. It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to ensure that any medication is appropriate for your specific needs and circumstances. They have the expertise to guide you in making informed decisions about your health and well-being.

Reviewed By :

Dr.Suhab Alvi

Co-author:

Iqra Azhar( Mphil Biochemistry)