Ebglyss (lebrikizumab-lbkz) is a prescription drug used to treat atopic dermatitis in certain situations. Ebglyss comes as a liquid solution that you inject under your skin.
Ebglyss is used in adults and certain children to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in either of the following situations:
- when your atopic dermatitis has not been adequately treated with other topical therapies (drugs you place on your skin)
- when drugs placed on your skin are not in your best interest
To learn more about the drug’s uses, see the “What is Ebglyss used for?” section.
Ebglyss basics
Ebglyss contains the active ingredient lebrikizumab-lbkz.
Ebglyss is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from parts of living organisms. It’s available only as a brand-name medication. It isn’t available in a biosimilar form.
Biosimilars are like generic drugs. But unlike generics, which are made for non-biologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologics. The “-lbkz” follows the name of the active ingredient to distinguish it from biosimilars that may be created in the future.
Ebglyss received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2024 to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children ages 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kilograms (about 88 pounds).
Atopic dermatitis is also called eczema. It’s a condition that causes patchy, itchy, and red or discolored skin. It may cause parts of the affected areas to ooze or feel sore.
Your doctor may prescribe Ebglyss if your eczema has not been adequately treated with other prescription drugs placed on your skin (such as lotions, gels, creams, or ointments). Or they may prescribe Ebglyss if use of these drugs is not in your best interest.
Ebglyss may be prescribed by itself or with corticosteroids that you place on your skin. Examples of these topical medications include hydrocortisone and betamethasone.
Ebglyss is a monoclonal antibody. Its mechanism of action (how it works) to treat atopic dermatitis is by blocking interleukin-13 (IL-13), a specific protein in your immune system. When IL-13 is blocked, your skin becomes less inflamed. In this way, Ebglyss works to reduce eczema symptoms, which are caused by inflammation.
Like most drugs, Ebglyss may cause mild to serious side effects. The lists shown here describe some of the drug’s more common side effects, but they don’t include all of its possible side effects.
Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:
- your age
- other health conditions you have
- other medications you take
Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Ebglyss. They can also suggest ways to help reduce or manage the side effects.
Mild side effects
Mild side effects have been reported with Ebglyss. These include:
- reactions around the Ebglyss injection site
- new or worsening eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To learn about other mild side effects of this medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or read Ebglyss’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Ebglyss can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from this medication, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects that have been reported with Ebglyss include:
- other new or worsening eye conditions, such as keratitis (inflammation of the cornea of the eye)
- shingles (herpes zoster)
ALLERGIC REACTIONBased on the drug’s studies, Ebglyss can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Ebglyss treatment.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Ebglyss, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Ebglyss that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.
Forms and strength
Ebglyss comes as a liquid solution that you inject under your skin. It comes in two single-use forms:
- prefilled pens
- prefilled syringes
Both forms are available in one strength of 250 milligrams in 2 milliliters of solution (250 mg/2 mL).
Recommended dosages
For the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, your doctor will likely prescribe the following dosages for the first 16 weeks:
| Week | Usual dose |
|---|---|
| week 0 | 500 mg (two 250-mg injections) |
| week 2 | 500 mg (two 250-mg injections) |
| weeks 4 through 14 | 250 mg given once every 2 weeks |
| week 16 and beyond | 250 mg given once every 2 or 4 weeks |
After 16 weeks, your doctor will check to see how your body is responding to Ebglyss. If your eczema is healed, you’ll continue with a dosage of 250 mg once every 4 weeks. But if your condition has not improved enough, you’ll likely continue with a dosage of 250 mg once every 2 weeks.
Your doctor may prescribe Ebglyss by itself or in combination with a topical corticosteroid (a drug you place on your skin) such as hydrocortisone or betamethasone.
If you have eczema on more sensitive areas (such as your face or genital area), your doctor may prescribe Ebglyss in combination with a topical calcineurin inhibitor such as tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus (Elidel) cream.
How to take
Your doctor will explain how you should inject Ebglyss, as well as how much to inject and how often. Be sure to follow their instructions.
Ebglyss is available as a liquid solution that you take as an injection under your skin. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will show you how to give yourself these injections at home.
You should change the injection location each time you inject Ebglyss, rotating between your belly and thighs. If a caregiver is helping to give your injection, they can also inject the drug into the back of your upper arm.
Be sure to avoid any area that’s less than 2 inches from your belly button, knee, or groin. You should also avoid any area that’s tender, hard, or still affected by atopic dermatitis.
With both the prefilled pen and prefilled syringe forms of Ebglyss, you should remove the drug from the refrigerator 45 minutes before injecting it. Lay it on a clean counter and leave the needle cap on while it warms up. Do not use other methods (such as a microwave) for warming. Both the pen and the syringe can then be kept at room temperature for up to 7 days.
For more details on how to inject Ebglyss, check out the drug’s prescribing information or the videos on the drugmaker’s website.
Questions about taking Ebglyss
Below are some common questions about Ebglyss injections.
- What if I miss a dose of Ebglyss? If you miss a dose of Ebglyss, take it as soon as possible. Then take your next dose at its scheduled time.
- Will I need to use Ebglyss long term? Ebglyss is typically a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
- How long does Ebglyss take to work? Some people may notice improvement in symptoms after 2 weeks, while others may take 16 weeks or longer to see benefits. Talk with your doctor to learn more about what you can expect from your Ebglyss treatment.
Overdose
Do not inject more Ebglyss than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you take too much Ebglyss
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve injected too much Ebglyss. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below is important information you should consider before starting Ebglyss treatment.
Interactions
Taking a drug with certain medications, vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions.
Ebglyss is not known to interact with other medications, herbs, supplements, foods, or alcohol. The manufacturer did not list any interactions in the drug’s prescribing information.
Before starting Ebglyss treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Ebglyss interaction with vaccines
You should not receive live vaccines immediately before or during your Ebglyss treatment. (Live vaccines contain weakened versions of the bacteria or virus they’re meant to protect against.) This is because getting a live vaccine while you’re taking Ebglyss increases your risk of infection.
Examples of live vaccines include:
If you need to receive a vaccine, talk with your doctor first to make sure it’s safe. You should receive all necessary vaccines before starting Ebglyss treatment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Ebglyss during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. But because of how the drug works, certain parts of Ebglyss may pass into the placenta and into breast milk.
If you’re pregnant and are taking or have taken Ebglyss, you’re encouraged to call Eli Lilly and Company (the drugmaker) at 800-LillyRx (800-545-5979) to share your experience with this medication.
If you’re pregnant. breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before starting Ebglyss treatment.
Warnings
Ebglyss can sometimes cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether this drug is a good treatment option for you.
Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Ebglyss. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:
- eye problems, such as:
- conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- keratitis (inflammation of the cornea of the eye)
- parasitic (helminth) infection
- planning to receive or having recently received any vaccines
- previous allergic reaction to Ebglyss or any of its ingredients
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Ebglyss.
How does Ebglyss compare with Dupixent?
Both Ebglyss and Dupixent (dupilumab) are used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
Dupixent (but not Ebglyss) is also used to treat:
- certain types of asthma
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in certain situations
- chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
- eosinophilic esophagitis
- prurigo nodularis
Another difference is that Ebglyss is approved to treat atopic dermatitis in adults and children ages 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kilograms (around 88 pounds). Dupixent, on the other hand, can be used in certain children with this condition starting at 6 months of age.
Both drugs come in prefilled single-use pens and syringes. You’ll take either drug as an injection under your skin. You may be prescribed either Ebglyss or Dupixent once every 2 or 4 weeks, depending on your condition.
Ebglyss and Dupixent are both types of monoclonal antibodies, but they target different proteins in your immune system.
If you have other questions about how Ebglyss and Dupixent compare, talk with your doctor. They can help you find the best treatment for your condition.
How does Ebglyss compare with Adbry?
Both Ebglyss and Adbry (tralokinumab-ldrm) are used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Both drugs can be used in adults and children ages 12 years and older for this condition. But children must also weigh at least 40 kilograms (around 88 pounds) to use Ebglyss.
Ebglyss comes in prefilled single-use pens and syringes, while Adbry is available in prefilled single-use syringes and auto-injectors.
Ebglyss and Adbry are both monoclonal antibodies and act on the same protein in your immune system.
If you have other questions about how Ebglyss and Adbry compare, talk with your doctor. They can help you find the best treatment for your condition.
Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering Ebglyss. What you’ll pay for this medication may depend on several factors, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use.
If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. A program called Lilly Support Services for Ebglyss may also be available. Or check out this link to see whether you qualify for the Lilly Cares Patient Assistance Program.
Learn more about saving on your prescriptions.
Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. If you’d like to explore an alternative to Ebglyss, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that might work well for you.
The following drugs are similar to Ebglyss:
- Dupixent
- Adbry
- Nemluvio
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.