Dupixent (dupilumab) is a medication that works by blocking two key proteins in the immune system—interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13)—that drive inflammation. It’s administered through subcutaneous injection, typically every one to four weeks depending on the condition being treated. If you or a loved one has been prescribed Dupixent, you likely have questions about what this medication does, what conditions it treats, and whether it carries any risks you should know about.
FDA-Approved Uses for Dupixent
Dupixent first received FDA approval on March 28, 2017, for the treatment of eczema, and it has since been approved for a growing list of moderate-to-severe inflammatory conditions. Today, Dupixent is approved for the following uses:
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema) in adults and children six months and older whose condition isn’t controlled by topical medications, or when those treatments are not advisable
- Moderate-to-severe asthma as a maintenance therapy in adults and children aged six and older with an eosinophilic phenotype or oral-corticosteroid-dependent asthma
- Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in adults and children 12 and older as maintenance treatment
- Eosinophilic esophagitis in adults and children aged one year and older weighing at least 33 pounds
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults with an eosinophilic phenotype as maintenance treatment
- Chronic spontaneous urticaria in adults and children 12 and older who remain symptomatic despite antihistamine treatment
- Prurigo nodularis in adults
- Bullous pemphigoid in adults
Common Side Effects of Dupixent
Like any medication, Dupixent can cause side effects. Some of the most commonly reported include:
- Injection site reactions
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Eye problems, including inflammation, redness, dryness, and blurred vision
- Herpes virus infections and cold sores
- Headache, back pain, joint pain, and muscle pain
- Dizziness, insomnia, and diarrhea
More serious side effects are possible as well. Dupixent can trigger allergic reactions with symptoms such as breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, hives, and rapid pulse. Eye complications like keratitis and conjunctivitis may also develop. Some patients have also reported significant joint pain that affected their ability to walk or move. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away.
The Link Between Dupixent and Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL)
While Dupixent has helped many patients manage serious inflammatory diseases, emerging research has raised concerns about a potential link to a rare but serious form of cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that asthma patients taking Dupixent had a 79% higher risk of lymphoma overall, with a 4.5-fold increased risk of T-cell and natural killer cell lymphomas. Now, patients across the country are taking legal action to hold Dupixent’s manufacturers, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Sanofi, accountable for these risks.
What to Do If You’ve Been Diagnosed with CTCL After Taking Dupixent
If you have received a CTCL diagnosis after using Dupixent, the first step is to work closely with your medical team to get the treatment you need. Keep thorough records of your Dupixent prescription history, your diagnosis timeline, and any related medical documentation.
You should also consider speaking with an attorney who can evaluate whether you have a legal claim. If Dupixent contributed to your CTCL diagnosis, you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC will review your case and help you explore your options for justice. Contact us at (800) 220-0984 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today.