Description
Dupixent (dupilumab) is a medication used to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis. It is a biologic drug that targets the pathway of inflammation in the body and is administered by injection.
Uses:
Dupixent is used to treat adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with atopic dermatitis who are not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. It is also used to treat adults with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.
Storage Conditions:
Dupixent should be kept in its original carton in the refrigerator at a temperature of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). The medication may be kept out of the refrigerator for up to 14 days at room temperature below 77°F (25°C). The medication must also be protected from light and should not be frozen.
Mechanism of Action:
Dupixent works by blocking interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), two cytokines that play a role in the development of inflammation and allergic reactions in the body. By inhibiting the activity of these cytokines, Dupixent reduces inflammation in the skin and nasal passages, improving symptoms of atopic dermatitis and chronic rhinosinusitis.
How to Use:
Dupixent is administered as a subcutaneous injection in the abdomen or thigh. The initial dose is typically 600 mg followed by 300 mg every other week. The injection must be given by a healthcare provider, and patients should not administer the injection themselves until they have been trained on the proper technique.
Precautions:
Before receiving Dupixent, patients should inform their healthcare provider of any allergies, medical conditions, and medications they are currently taking. Dupixent may cause hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, and patients should be monitored for symptoms after each injection. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as a history of eosinophilic conditions or severe asthma, may not be able to receive the medication.
Drug Interactions:
Dupixent does not interact with known pharmacologic agents.
Contraindications:
Dupixent is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dupilumab or any of its ingredients.
Overdose:
In the event of an overdose, patients should contact their healthcare provider. There is no specific antidote for Dupixent.
Adverse Reactions:
The most common adverse reactions reported with Dupixent include injection site reactions, conjunctivitis, headaches, and inflammation of the nose and throat. Patients should report any adverse reactions to their healthcare provider.
Overall, Dupixent is a biologic medication used to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis by inhibiting IL-4 and IL-13. The medication is administered by subcutaneous injection in the abdomen or thigh by a healthcare provider, and the dosage and frequency of treatment are determined by the healthcare provider. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any allergies, medical conditions, and medications they are taking. Dupixent may cause hypersensitivity reactions, injection site reactions, and inflammation of the nose and throat. Patients with certain medical conditions may not be able to receive the medication.
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