This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Dupixent
Brand Names: Canada
Dupixent
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to treat eczema.
- It is used to treat asthma.
- It is used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis.
- If your child has been given this drug for some other reason, talk with the doctor about the benefits and risks. Talk with the doctor if you have questions or concerns about giving this drug to your child.
For asthma:
- Do not give this drug to treat an asthma attack. Use a rescue inhaler. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?
- If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
- If your child has recently had a live vaccine.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?
For all uses of this drug:
- Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- If possible, make sure all vaccines are up to date before treatment with this drug.
- Talk with the doctor before your child gets any vaccines. Use of some vaccines with this drug may either raise the chance of very bad infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
- If your child is switching to this drug from a steroid, do not stop giving the steroid to your child all of a sudden. The dose of the steroid may need to be slowly lowered to avoid side effects. Talk with the doctor.
- If your child has asthma, do not change or stop your child’s asthma drugs without talking with your child’s doctor.
- Some people at high risk for parasite infections have gotten a parasite infection after taking this drug. The doctor may test your child’s stool to see if your child has a parasite infection. Talk with the doctor.
- Use this drug with care in children. They may have more side effects. Talk with the doctor.
If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:
- Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.
For asthma:
- Call the doctor right away if your child has breathing problems that get worse, if the rescue inhaler does not work as well, or if your child needs to use the rescue inhaler more often.
What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
For all uses of this drug:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- A fast heartbeat.
- Swollen gland.
- Dizziness or passing out.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Signs of new or worsening eye problems like change in eyesight or eye pain.
- Face rash or redness.
- Joint pain, including trouble walking, has happened with this drug. Some people have had to be treated in the hospital. Tell the doctor if your child has new or worse joint pain while taking this drug.
For asthma:
- Trouble breathing that is new or worse.
- Chest pain.
- Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
- A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
- Fever that does not go away.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:
- Pain, redness, swelling, or other reaction where the injection was given.
- Eye or eyelid irritation.
- Dry eyes.
- Throat pain.
- Cold sores.
- Signs of a common cold.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Tooth pain.
- Stomach pain or cramps.
- Diarrhea.
- Muscle pain.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best given?
Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh, belly area, or upper arm.
- If you will be giving your child the shot, your child’s doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
- Do not give into skin within 2 inches (5 cm) of the belly button.
- Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
- If the dose is more than 1 injection, give the injections into 2 different places.
- If stored in a refrigerator, let this drug come to room temperature before using. If you have the 100 mg syringe, 200 mg syringe, or 200 mg pen, leave it out for 30 minutes. If you have the 300 mg syringe or pen, leave it out for 45 minutes. Check with the doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how long to leave this drug at room temperature before using. Do not heat this drug.
- Do not shake.
- Do not give into skin that is tender, damaged, bruised, or scarred.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
- This drug is colorless to a faint yellow. Do not use if the solution changes color.
- Each prefilled syringe is for one use only.
- Throw away any part left over after the dose is given.
- Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
What do I do if my child misses a dose?
One time weekly dosing:
- Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it and start a new schedule based on when the dose is given.
If your child takes this drug every 2 weeks:
- Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it and go back to your child’s normal time.
- If it has been more than 7 days since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
If your child takes this drug every month:
- Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it and go back to your child’s normal time.
- If it has been more than 7 days since the missed dose, give a missed dose and start a new schedule based on when the dose is given.
For all uses of this drug:
- Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- If you are not sure what to do if your child misses a dose, call the doctor.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
- Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
- Store in the original container to protect from light.
- If needed, you may store at room temperature for up to 14 days. Write down the date you take this drug out of the refrigerator. If stored at room temperature and not used within 14 days, throw this drug away.
- Protect from heat and sunlight.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
- Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2024-02-12
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