Dupixent can cause a range of side effects, from mild injection-site reactions to serious complications like eye problems and elevated white blood cell levels. The medication works by blocking certain inflammatory proteins in your body, and that mechanism can sometimes trigger unwanted effects. Our Dupixent injury attorney is ready to help if you’ve suffered adverse affects from this medication.
Common Side Effects of Dupixent
Most people who take Dupixent experience relatively mild side effects, particularly during the early stages of treatment. These effects often improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication, but you should let your healthcare provider know if any of them become bothersome or persistent.
Common side effects include:
- Pain, itching, swelling, or redness at the injection site
- Cold symptoms, sore throat, or nasal congestion
- Eye redness, swelling, itching, or dryness
- Cold sores on the mouth or lips
- Back, joint, or muscle pain
- Headaches and dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Diarrhea or stomach discomfort
Serious Side Effects and Health Risks of Dupixent
While most people tolerate Dupixent without major problems, some individuals experience serious reactions that require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using Dupixent and seek medical help right away:
- Severe allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing, throat tightness, or facial swelling
- Skin reactions such as hives, bullseye-patterned rashes, or pus-filled spots
- Racing heart, fever, or swollen lymph nodes
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
Eye Problems Linked to Dupixent
Eye-related complications are among the most frequently reported issues with Dupixent. The medication blocks interleukin-13, a protein that also plays a role in maintaining healthy tear production. When IL-13 is suppressed, it can reduce the number of goblet cells in your eyes, which are responsible for creating mucus and keeping your eyes properly lubricated. This can lead to conditions like conjunctivitis, dry eye, blepharitis, and keratitis.
Dupixent and Elevated Eosinophil Levels
Eosinophils are white blood cells that help your body fight infections. In some people, Dupixent causes these levels to rise, and this is a relatively common side effect. Modest increases typically don’t cause problems, but significant elevations can lead to inflammation in your lungs or blood vessels. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice worsening cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, skin rash, or numbness in your arms or legs.
Dupixent and Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Recent research has raised concerns about a potential link between Dupixent and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a rare type of cancer affecting the skin. A 2024 study found that patients with atopic dermatitis using Dupixent faced more than four times the risk of developing CTCL compared to non-users.
An analysis of safety data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration revealed that Dupixent users reported CTCL at 30 times the rate of people taking other medications. Additionally, a study from the European Respiratory Journal showed that asthma patients on Dupixent had a 79% higher risk of lymphoma. Many diagnoses occurred within the first year of treatment, with elevated risk observed in patients over 60.
If you developed CTCL after taking Dupixent, an attorney can help you evaluate whether you have grounds to pursue compensation. Reach out for a free consultation to discuss your diagnosis and legal options.