Dupixent can be used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis in adults and certain children. This article covers topics such as how long to use Dupixent, how the drug works, and side effects.
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the esophagus. (The esophagus is the tube connecting the mouth and stomach.) Symptoms of EoE may include difficulty swallowing, chest and stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, and appetite loss.
Treatment of EoE typically includes a combination of dietary changes and medication. Dupixent is one of the medications that can be used to help manage the symptoms of this condition.
Read on for more information about how long you may use Dupixent, how the drug works, and possible side effects of the drug.
EoE is a long-term condition and Dupixent is meant to be a long-term treatment. As long as you and your doctor determine that Dupixent is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.
Recommended dosage
Dupixent is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat EoE in adults and children ages 1 year and older who weigh at least 15 kilograms (kg). One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). (For example, 15 kg is about 33 pounds.) Dupixent is given as a subcutaneous injection.
In adults, the recommended dosage of Dupixent is 300 mg given once per week.
In children, the recommended dosage of Dupixent depends on their weight.
- For a child who weighs 15 kg to less than 30 kg, the recommended dosage of Dupixent is 200 mg given every other week.
- For a child who weighs 30 kg to less than 40 kg, the recommended dosage of Dupixent is 300 mg given every other week.
- If a child weighs 40 kg or more, the recommended dosage is the same as the dosage for adults.
Talk with your or your child’s doctor if you have questions about Dupixent’s recommended dosages.
Dupixent blocks two interleukins (proteins) that can cause inflammation in your body. By blocking these proteins, Dupixent can reduce inflammation in your esophagus which decreases swelling. This can make symptoms of EoE more manageable.
How long it takes for Dupixent to start working
Dupixent starts to work after the first injection. But it may take a few weeks before you notice an improvement in symptoms.
Talk with your doctor if your symptoms haven’t improved after 16 weeks of treatment. They can talk with you about whether you should keep taking Dupixent or switch to another treatment.
Using Dupixent for EoE can cause mild or serious side effects. The more common side effects of Dupixent when used for EoE include:
- injection site reactions, including swelling, pain, and bruising
- upper respiratory tract infection, including sinusitis
- joint pain
- flare-up of existing oral herpes, causing cold sores, or flare-up of other existing herpes infections
These side effects of Dupixent may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. But if they last longer than this, or if they bother you or become severe, it’s important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor right away if you develop serious side effects while using Dupixent. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Note: Dupixent is also approved to treat other conditions. It’s important to note that side effects from Dupixent may differ depending on the condition it’s being used to treat.
EoE causes inflammation in the esophagus, which can cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and heartburn. Dupixent is a prescription medication that can be used to treat EoE and help manage those symptoms. It is meant to be a long-term treatment, as long as it remains safe and effective for you.
Dupixent works by blocking two proteins in the body that can cause inflammation. This leads to reduced swelling in your esophagus and makes symptoms of EoE more manageable.
As with any drug, Dupixent can cause side effects. When used for EoE, more common side effects include injection site reactions and joint pain.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about using Dupixent for EoE.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.