As is the case with any other medication, there may be some instances where Dupixent use is not recommended or usage will have to be adjusted in order to prevent or reduce the risk of negative interactions occurring from other drugs, medical conditions, or even food and drink.
Drug Interactions
According to the FDA, drugs that may interact with Dupixent include the following:
- Live vaccines
- Non-live vaccines
Please note that this list may not be complete, and other interactions with drugs not listed here may occur.
Dupixent and Flu Shot
Getting a flu shot is often a double-edged sword for people taking Dupixent. Why? Because influenza vaccination can help prevent the flu, but vaccines may work differently for people taking Dupixent and for others with compromised immune systems.
Atopic dermatitis occurs as the result of an overactive immune system; Dupixent calms the immune system in a way that reduces symptoms of atopic dermatitis. However, it does so in a way that weakens the immune system. This weakening makes it harder for the body to fight off viruses and infections.
While live vaccines have lost their disease-causing ability, medical professionals recommend that people taking Dupixent avoid receiving the live (attenuated) vaccine for the flu. Non-live vaccines are not living and therefore do not pose as great of a threat to a weakened immune system. Although, a weakened immune system may not mount a strong enough response to the vaccine to protect the individual from the flu.
Food Interactions
Food and beverages can sometimes interact with medications. Fortunately, there are no major reported food interactions with Dupixent. (Please note that this list may not be complete, and that other foods and beverages may interact with this drug.)
Dupixent and Alcohol
For more information, please visit our page on Dupixent and alcohol interactions.
Disease & Conditions Interactions
Sometimes certain medications can increase the risk of negative side effects for patients with certain diseases or other medical conditions.
According to the FDA, diseases and medical conditions that are known to negatively interact with Dupixent include:
- Hypersensitivity reactions, such as hives and rash
- Certain eye problems, including conjunctivitis (pink eye) and keratitis (corneal inflammation)
- Eosinophilic disorders – eosinophils are a part of the immune system that responds to allergens by moving into the area and releasing toxins; eosinophilic disorders occur when there are higher than normal levels of eosinophils throughout the body
- Acute asthma
- Reduction of corticosteroids dosage
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema) along with asthma
- Parasitic (helminth) infections
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other diseases and medical conditions where patients should not take Dupixent.
Dupixent and Pregnancy
For more information, please visit our page on Dupixent and pregnancy risks.
Dupixent and Asthma
While Dupixent can prevent an “asthma attack,” also known as acute asthma, it should not be used to treat acute asthma or other sudden breathing problems.
Dupixent and Immune System
Dupixent treats eczema by calming an overactive immune system. Suppressing the immune system in this way effectively controls flare-ups of eczema. Weakening the immune system, however, can leave the patient vulnerable to viruses and infections.
Dupixent and Weight Gain
Weight gain is not among the known side effects of Dupixent; weight gain was not a side effect noted in clinical trials of Dupixent.
Dupixent and Hair Loss
Dupixent does not cause hair loss. In fact, Dupixent is currently in clinical trials to test its effectiveness in treating alopecia, a condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles to cause hair loss.
Dupixent and Weight Loss
The use of Dupixent is not associated with weight loss.
Dupixent and Nasal Polyps
Dupixent can reduce nasal polyps, which are soft, painless, non-cancerous growths on the lining of the nasal passages.
Dupixent and Joint Pain
Dupixent may cause joint pain, according to the FDA.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
