Dupixent: A Breakthrough in Eczema Treatment

Living with chronic inflammatory conditions like atopic dermatitis (eczema) can be challenging. For many patients, managing symptoms and improving quality of life involves finding the right medication. There are endless treatment options, and unfortunately not all patients can be treated the same.  There are over the counter remedies, steroids, topical and oral medications, all of which have their own plusses and minuses.  Some treatments work wonderfully at first, until they don’t.

In 2017 Dupixent (dupilumab) was FDA approved for treatment of chronic eczema.  Dupixent, a monoclonal antibody that has been making waves for its effectiveness in targeting the underlying causes of eczema, and other inflammatory conditions.

What is Dupixent?

Dupixent is a biologic medication that works by inhibiting certain inflammatory pathways. It’s primarily prescribed for:

• Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults and children aged 6 and above.
• Moderate to severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype or oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma.
• Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

How Does Dupixent Work?

Dupixent targets two key proteins, IL-4 and IL-13, which play a major role in inflammation in conditions like eczema and asthma. By blocking these pathways, Dupixent can significantly reduce the symptoms, such as itching, inflammation, and airway hyperreactivity.

Who Can Benefit from Dupixent?

Dupixent is recommended for individuals who:

• Have not responded adequately to topical or systemic therapies.
• Experience moderate to severe symptoms that impact their quality of life.
• Are looking to avoid the use of steroids.

Administration and Dosage

Dupixent is administered as a subcutaneous injection, typically every two weeks after an initial loading dose. Patients can either self-inject or receive the injection from a healthcare provider.

Benefits of Dupixent

• Efficacy: Many patients report significant improvements in their skin condition, breathing, and nasal symptoms within weeks of starting treatment.
• Steroid-Free: Dupixent offers an alternative to traditional steroid treatments, reducing the long-term side effects associated with steroid use.
• Improved Quality of Life: Patients often experience relief from symptoms that have previously been resistant to other treatments.

Potential Side Effects

While Dupixent is generally well-tolerated, some common side effects include:

• Injection site reactions (redness, swelling).
• Conjunctivitis (eye inflammation).
• Cold sores on the lips or mouth.
• Rarely, more serious allergic reactions.

It’s important for patients to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider, especially if they have a history of eye conditions or are prone to infections.

Cost and Accessibility

One of the primary concerns for patients is the cost of Dupixent. It’s an expensive medication, though many insurance plans cover it. There are also patient assistance programs available to help with affordability.  Most insurance companies wish to see that a patient has tried (and failed) with several other treatment options before covering Dupixent.

Patient Experience and Success Stories

Numerous patient testimonials highlight the life-changing impact of Dupixent. For those who have struggled with eczema flare-ups or severe asthma attacks, Dupixent has provided not just symptom relief but a renewed sense of confidence and comfort.  See what one of our APDerm patients had to say:

I have had chronic eczema my entire life and have been in and out of the dermatologist’s office consistently since I was about 5 years old.  It mainly manifests on my hands. For years and years, I have tried countless treatment options.  Sometimes they would start out great, and then ultimately, I would have a breakthrough that would resist further treatment.  My hands were swollen and rough and would require such care that I would wear gloves even to blow dry my hair. I would get bubbles on the palms of my hands that would keep me up at night scratching them raw.  Sometimes it would spread to my eyes, ears, neck and around my mouth, which of course added a layer of insecurity, keeping me from social events, and even work at times.  Finally, after years of accepting this fate, my dermatologist was excited to offer me Dupixent.  We worked together on a treatment plan and as of now (August 2024) I am approaching 6 months eczema free, words I never thought I would say!!!  Dupixent has truly been life changing and I am so grateful.

Dupixent has transformed the treatment landscape for eczema.  Schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologist to learn about your specific treatment options, and to learn whether Dupixent is right for you.