There is currently no cure for eczema, but there are several alternatives to Dupixent. These alternatives can include topical steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), and topical PDE4 inhibitors. Doctors sometimes prescribe systemic drugs to control eczema flare-up.
Potential Alternatives for Dupixent
Topical corticosteroids
Also known simply as “steroids,” topical corticosteroids ease redness and reduce inflammation and itching. Steroids are naturally occurring substances that the body makes to regulate growth and immune function. Doctors have been prescribing corticosteroids to treat atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions for more than 50 years.
Some of the most potent topical corticosteroids include:
- 0.05% clobetasol propionate (brand names include Clobex, Olux-E, Temovate E)
- 0.05% halobetasol propionate (brand names include Ultravate Cream)
- 0.1% fluocinonide (brand names include Vanos Cream®)
Topical calcineurin inhibitors
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) work to reduce eczema flare-ups by preventing the part of the immune system that causes flare-ups from activating in the first place. Patients can apply TCIs to any area of skin affected by eczema.
TCIs include:
Topical PDE4 inhibitors
Topical PDE4 inhibitors block phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), an enzyme that contributes to inflammation associated with eczema flare-ups.
There is only one PDE4 inhibitor approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in people ages 2 and older:
- Eucrisa (crisaborole)
Systemic drugs
Systemic drugs work throughout the body to treat eczema. Systemic drugs for eczema can include:
- Methotrexate [Otrexup (PF), Xatmep, Trexall]
- Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral, Gengraf)
- Mycophenolate mofetil (Myfortic, CellCept)
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