Dupixent (dupilumab) is a prescription drug that works to treat certain inflammatory conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, by reducing inflammation signals in your immune system. Your response to this drug may vary based on your medical history and diagnosis.
Dupixent belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. (It’s not considered an immunosuppressant.)
Dupixent’s mechanism of action (how it works) is to target specific components in your immune system.
When certain proteins (interleukins) bind to their receptors in your body, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, causing inflammation. Dupixent blocks these proteins from binding to their receptors, which reduces inflammation and makes symptoms of your condition more manageable.
The conditions Dupixent is prescribed to treat are worsened by inflammation. How the drug works varies depending on the condition it’s being used to treat.
For atopic dermatitis
If you have atopic dermatitis, your immune system causes inflammation under your skin. When this inflammation flares up, it can cause a dry, itchy skin rash. Dupixent reduces inflammation, helping to relieve your symptoms and clear your skin.
For asthma
If you have moderate to severe asthma, your lungs may have more inflammation than someone without asthma. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
Dupixent reduces lung inflammation and can help some people with asthma reduce corticosteroid use for their symptoms. While you may no longer need to use steroids for asthma, you should not stop or reduce your steroid medication without your doctor’s recommendation.
For eosinophilic esophagitis
If you have eosinophilic esophagitis, your immune system causes chronic inflammation and swelling in your esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth and stomach). This can lead to difficulty swallowing, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.
Dupixent reduces inflammation in your body, including your esophagus. This decreases the swelling in your esophagus, which helps to relieve your symptoms.
For chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
If you have chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, you likely have long-term inflammation and swelling in your nose and sinuses. This swelling often causes congestion and difficulty breathing. Dupixent reduces the swelling in your nose and sinuses, helping you breathe better.
For prurigo nodularis
If you have prurigo nodularis, you may have hard skin bumps and intense itchiness. The exact cause of this condition remains unknown, but experts think an unusual immune system function contributes to symptoms.
Dupixent works by blocking proteins involved in causing inflammation. By reducing inflammation, the drug can help ease symptoms.
For COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of conditions caused by lung damage, such as from smoking or air pollution. If you have eosinophilic COPD, phlegm and inflammation can restrict your airways, making breathing more difficult. Dupixent helps treat COPD by reducing the swelling and mucus in your lungs.
Note: For this condition, doctors prescribe Dupixent as an add-on to your existing COPD treatment.
How fast Dupixent starts to work depends on various factors, including the condition it’s used to treat.
You should continue treatment for at least 16 weeks to determine whether Dupixent works for you. If your symptoms haven’t improved after this time, talk with your doctor. They can recommend whether you should continue Dupixent treatment or switch to a different medication.
The following table gives an estimate of how long it took adults to see results in the drug’s studies.
| Condition being treated | How soon Dupixent starts to work | How soon significant results were seen |
|---|---|---|
| atopic dermatitis | itch relief: 2 to 4 weeks | clear to mostly clear skin: 16 weeks |
| asthma | 2 weeks | 12 weeks |
| eosinophilic esophagitis | 24 weeks | — |
| chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps | 2 weeks | 24 weeks |
| prurigo nodularis | 12 weeks | 12 to 24 weeks |
| COPD | 12 weeks | 12 weeks |
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to find out more about what you can expect from Dupixent in your particular situation.
Disclaimer: Healthline 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.