While doctors often prescribe Dupixent to treat eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, it can also be used alongside other medication to improve breathing and reduce asthma attacks in people with asthma.
Dosage
The recommended dose of Dupixent for the treatment of asthma in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older is as follows:
- An initial dose of 400 mg delivered in two 200 mg injections, followed by 200 mg given every other week or
- An initial dose of 600 mg given over two 300 mg injections, followed by 300 mg given every other week
- For patients who require oral corticosteroids or who have moderate to severe eczema (for which Dupixent is indicated), dosage should start with an initial dose of 600 mg followed by a 300 mg injection every other week
Side Effects
The most common side effects of using Dupixent for asthma include:
- Reactions at the injection site
- Throat pain
- High white blood cell count (eosinophilia)
FAQ
How does Dupixent work for asthma?
Dupixent works to treat asthma by preventing inflammation that may cause moderate to severe asthma.
Special receptors cover the exterior surface of body cells. Proteins bind to these receptors to change the way the cell works. Some medicines work by binding to these receptors to change the function of the cell. Other medications, including Dupixent, work by preventing a protein from binding to the receptor so that the cell does not change function.
Dupixent works to treat asthma by preventing a specific type of protein, known as interleukin or IL, from binding to cell receptors. Interleukins normally help the immune system fight off viruses and bacteria in the body, but they also contribute to inflammation that causes moderate to severe asthma symptoms.
There are 40 interleukins, IL-1 through IL-40, and each has a job. Dupixent works on two interleukins that scientists think contribute to inflammation: IL-4 and IL-13. These interleukins likely bind to the receptors to cause inflammation that result in a flare-up, or exacerbation, of asthma symptoms. Dupixent reduces by blocking the IL-4 and IL-13 interleukins from binding to receptors to prevent exacerbation of asthma. In other words, Dupixent reduces inflammation to lessen the severity of an asthma flare-up.
Is Dupixent approved for asthma?
Yes, Dupixent is approved for the treatment of asthma.
When was Dupixent approved for asthma?
The FDA approved Dupixent for asthma on Oct 19, 2018, according to a press release from the manufacturer, Regeneron.
What injection is used for asthma?
Dupixent is the only injection used for asthma.
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