Dupilumab (Dupixent) is an injectable drug used to treat conditions related to inflammation, like asthma and eczema. While generally considered safe, it can sometimes cause side effects – some of which could be serious.
In particular, doctors say you should watch out for:
- Eye problems
- Signs of blood vessel inflammation
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction
Common Side Effects of Dupilumab (Dupixent)
The most common side effects of dupilumab include:
- Bruising, pain, or swelling where the needle went in your skin
- Inflammation of the tissues lining your eyelid (pinkeye) or your cornea
- Swollen eyelids
- Dry, itchy eyes
- Cold sores or other infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (if you’ve been infected with this virus in the past)
- Sore throat
- Trouble sleeping
- Toothache
- Joint pain
- Stomach pain
Serious Side Effects of Dupilumab (Dupixent)
You may need to see a doctor about certain side effects or even stop taking the drug. These side effects include:
Allergic reactions. Get medical help right away if you have:
- Wheezing or trouble breathing
- Face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat swelling
- Fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- Rapid pulse
- Fever
- Skin rash, hives, or itching
- Stomach cramps, feeling sick to your stomach, or throwing up
- Pain in your joints
- Swollen lymph nodes
Eye problems. Doctors aren’t sure exactly why dupilumab can affect your eyes. But they think the drug may interfere with cells that help keep your eyes lubricated. If you have any new eye problems or existing ones that have gotten worse, such as eye pain or vision changes, tell your doctor.
Blood vessel inflammation. This is a rare side effect that may affect people who take dupilumab to treat asthma. It can happen when you stop or lower your dose of an oral steroid drug. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these signs of blood vessel inflammation:
- Rash
- Shortness of breath that gets worse
- Fever that doesn’t go away
- Chest pain
- Numbness or a “pins and needles” feeling in your arms or legs
Joint aches and pain. This might cause you to have problems walking or moving. Alert your doctor about any joint symptoms that are new or have gotten worse. You may need to stop taking dupilumab if you have this side effect.
Managing Side Effects of Dupilumab (Dupixent)
Injection site reactions. Since you take dupilumab as a shot, you could have bruising, pain, or swelling at the place where the needle went in. You’re more likely to get this reaction after your first dose of the drug, called a loading dose. Many people get two shots for the loading dose.
You’ll get the first dose at your doctor’s office so they can watch you for any reactions. After this, you may be able to give yourself the medication at home. Your doctor will show you how.
You or a caregiver will inject dupilumab in the front of your thigh, stomach (except your belly button and the 2 inches around it), or the back of your upper arm.
To avoid injection site reactions, rotate the shot location each time. Don’t give yourself the shot in areas that are tender, bruised, discolored, hard, or where you have scars or stretch marks. After the injection, apply a cold compress to the area.
Also, make sure to bring the medication to room temperature before injecting it. Take it out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes beforehand. Don’t try to hurry the process by using a microwave or hot water or by leaving the medication in the sun.
If you have pain or skin inflammation after an injection, an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, an antihistamine, or a corticosteroid cream may help. Ask your doctor if you should use one of these.
Joint aches and pain. Tell your doctor if this happens to you. If your pain is mild, you may be able to manage it with things you can do yourself, like these:
- Apply a heating pad or ice pack to the sore joint.
- Take a warm bath.
- Do low-impact exercise like walking or swimming.
- Use pain-relieving ointments or gels you rub into your skin.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if your doctor says that’s OK.
Eye conditions. You’ll need treatment from your doctor if you get side effects like pinkeye or inflammation of the cornea (keratitis). These conditions could lead to blindness if not properly treated.
Symptoms of pinkeye include:
- Red eyes
- An eye discharge that can turn crusty
- Itchy or gritty-feeling eyes
- Extra tears
- Sensitivity to light
Your doctor can recommend ways to relieve your symptoms, like using cold or warm compresses, cleaning your eyelids, or using artificial tear drops.
Symptoms of keratitis include:
- Eye redness and pain
- A discharge from your eye or eyes
- Extra tears
- Trouble opening your eye
Your doctor may treat it with artificial tears or prescription eye medication.
If your only eye issues are mild itching or dryness, you may be able to ease them with over-the-counter lubricating drops.
Allergic reaction. A serious allergic reaction to dupilumab, like breathing problems, fast pulse, or fever, calls for a trip to the emergency room. But tell your doctor even if you have a mild allergic reaction since drug allergies can get worse. Your doctor may recommend:
- Antihistamines. These drugs stop an allergic reaction by blocking immune system chemicals. Your doctor may suggest a prescription or over-the-counter version.
- Corticosteroids. Doctors prescribe this type of medication to tame the inflammation that happens with more serious allergic reactions. You can take them in shots or pills.
If your doctor determines you’re allergic to dupilumab, you’ll need to stop taking the drug.
