SERVICES/ BIOLOGICS/
Biologics for eczema - Dupilumab
Dupilumab is a biologic medicine that is designed to treat eczema. It works by reducing inflammation. It works on chemical messengers (known as a ‘cytokines’) in the body called ‘interleukin-4’ (IL-4) and ‘interleukin-13’ (IL-13). These 2 chemical messengers have a major role in causing inflammation and atopic eczema and thus dupilumab can block the action of these 2 messengers.
Dupilumab is effective for patients with moderate to severe atopic eczema. It may reduce the use of topical or oral steroid which could be a major concern to some patients.
Dupilumab is safe for children aged 6 to 11 years with severe atopic dermatitis, and adolescents aged 12 to 17 years with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.
Dupilumab is given as an injection under your skin (subcutaneously).
Dupilumab should be injected every 2 weeks.
Most medicines are safe to take with dupilumab. However, it is important that your doctors are aware that you are taking it.
Most common (> 5%) adverse reactions include:
Injection site reactions
Conjunctivitis (up to 30%)
Allergic conjunctivitis
Eye itchiness
Dry eyes
Nasopharyngitis
Headache
Upper respiratory tract infection
No blood test is needed before the treatment.
