Dupilumab is used on its own or together with topical anti-inflammatory medicines to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (a long-term skin condition characterised by patches of red and itchy skin).
This medicine may also be used together with other medicines for the maintenance treatment of severe asthma.
Dupilumab may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Dupilumab is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm or abdomen area).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
Use Dupilumab exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject near the navel (belly button).
Do not administer this medicine into areas where the skin is tender, damaged, bruised or scarred.
Dupilumab is available as a pre-filled pen or syringe. Make sure you know how to use the specific device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Dupilumab must be administered regularly for it to be effective. Continue using Dupilumab even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Dupilumab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine and missed a dose, administer the injection within 7 days from the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule. If the missed dose is not administered within 7 days, wait until the next original scheduled dose.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
Do not use Dupilumab if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccinations without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have pre-existing parasitic infections.
If you have asthma and are being treated for atopic dermatitis or rhinosinusitis (an inflammation inside the nasal cavity and sinuses), notify your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Dupilumab to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Dupilumab may cause any of the following side effects: throat pain, toothache, difficulty sleeping, and injection site reactions (e.g. itching, redness, swelling, pain).
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, or throat
- new or worsening eye problems, eye pain, changes in vision such as blurred vision
- chest pain, rashes, feeling of pins and needles or numbness of arms or legs, flu-like illness
- joint pain, difficulty in moving or walking due to joint aches
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with Dupilumab. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not freeze Dupilumab otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Keep in the original carton to protect from light.
If needed, the pre-filled pens or syringes may be stored at room temperature not exceeding 25°C for up to 14 days. Use this medicine within 14 days after removing it from the refrigerator.
Do not expose to heat or direct sunlight.
Do not shake.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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