Dupilumab: Patient drug information

What is this drug used for?

It is used to treat eczema.
It is used to treat asthma.
It is used to treat long-term sinus problems with nose polyps.
It is used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis.
It is used to treat prurigo nodularis.
For asthma:
Do not use this drug to treat an asthma attack. Use a rescue inhaler. Talk with your doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have recently had a live vaccine.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

For all uses of this drug:
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines. Use of some vaccines with this drug may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
If you are switching to this drug from a steroid, do not stop taking the steroid all of a sudden. The dose of the steroid may need to be slowly lowered to avoid side effects. Talk with the doctor.
If you have asthma, do not change or stop your asthma drugs without talking with your doctor.
Some people at high risk for parasite infections have gotten a parasite infection after taking this drug. Your doctor may test your stool to see if you have a parasite infection. Talk with your doctor.
Use this drug with care in children. They may have more side effects. Talk with the doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
For asthma:
Call your doctor right away if your breathing problems get worse, if your rescue inhaler does not work as well, or if you need to use your rescue inhaler more often.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
For all uses of this drug:
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Swollen gland.
Dizziness or passing out.
Change in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation.
Face rash or redness.
Joint pain, including trouble walking, has happened with this drug. Some people have had to be treated in the hospital. Tell your doctor if you have new or worse joint pain while you are taking this drug.
For asthma:
Trouble breathing that is new or worse.
Chest pain.
Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
Fever that does not go away.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
Pain, redness, swelling, or other reaction where the injection was given.
Throat pain.
Cold sores.
Signs of a common cold.
Trouble sleeping.
Tooth pain.
Upset stomach.
Stomach pain or cramps.
Diarrhea.
Muscle pain.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh, belly area, or upper arm.
If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
Do not give into skin within 2 inches (5 cm) of the belly button.
Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
If the dose is more than 1 injection, give the injections into 2 different places.
If stored in a refrigerator, let this drug come to room temperature before using. If you have the 100 mg syringe, 200 mg syringe, or 200 mg pen, leave it out for 30 minutes. If you have the 300 mg syringe or pen, leave it out for 45 minutes. Check with the doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how long to leave this drug at room temperature before using. Do not heat this drug.
Do not shake.
Do not give into skin that is irritated, bruised, red, infected, hard, or scarred.
Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
This drug is colorless to a faint yellow. Do not use if the solution changes color.
Each prefilled syringe is for one use only.
Throw away any part left over after the dose is given.
Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

One time weekly dosing:
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it and start a new schedule based on when the dose is taken.
If you take this drug every 2 weeks:
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it has been 7 days or more since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
If you take this drug every month:
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it has been 7 days or more since the missed dose, take a missed dose and start a new schedule based on when the dose is given.
For all uses of this drug:
Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, call your doctor.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Store in the original container to protect from light.
If needed, you may store at room temperature for up to 14 days. Write down the date you take this drug out of the refrigerator. If stored at room temperature and not used within 14 days, throw this drug away.
Protect from heat and sunlight.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

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Dupilumab: Patient drug information