How Dupixent Works

How does Dupixent work?

Dupixent belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies.

Dupixent’s mechanism of action (how it works) is to target specific components in your immune system. However, Dupixent is not considered an immunosuppressant.

When certain proteins called interleukins bind to their receptors in your body, your immune system releases another type of protein called cytokines, causing inflammation (swelling and damage). Dupixent blocks specific interleukins 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, as described here.

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 those of someone without asthma. This inflammation can lead to coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.

Dupixent reduces lung inflammation and can help some people with asthma decrease corticosteroid use for their symptoms. While you may no longer need to use a corticosteroid for asthma, you should not stop or reduce your steroid medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

Note: For this condition, doctors prescribe Dupixent as an add-on treatment, which means you use Dupixent in addition to other medication for asthma. Specifically, you may still need to take a corticosteroid, as just mentioned. You’ll also need to use a rescue inhaler for sudden asthma attacks.

For eosinophilic esophagitis

With 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.

Note: For chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, doctors prescribe Dupixent as an add-on to your existing treatment for this condition. (This is usually a corticosteroid in nasal spray form.)

For prurigo nodularis

Prurigo nodularis is a condition that results in 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 of prurigo nodularis.

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. (“Eosinophilic” means your lungs have a high level of a certain type of white blood cell.)

Dupixent helps treat this type of 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.

For chronic spontaneous urticaria

Chronic spontaneous urticaria refers to long-lasting hives with no known cause. (That is, it is unclear what, if anything, may be triggering a person’s immune system to bring on hives.) With hives, you develop raised, discolored welts on your skin that are very itchy.

Dupixent can help treat chronic spontaneous urticaria that does not go away after taking certain antihistamines. It does so by reducing inflammation, which in turn may help ease the symptoms of this condition.

For bullous pemphigoid

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune condition that affects your skin. Symptoms include large blisters and severe itching.

Dupixent reduces the inflammation that contributes to symptoms of bullous pemphigoid. As a result, you should see symptoms of this condition lessening.

How fast does Dupixent work?

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.

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.