Dupixent (dupilumab) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain inflammatory conditions. The drug comes as a solution for injection under the skin. How often you’ll receive a dose depends on the condition being treated.
Dupixent is used to treat certain cases of:
- moderate to severe asthma in adults and children ages 6 years and older
- moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema) in adults and children ages 6 months and older
- chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in adults
- eosinophilic esophagitis in adults and children ages 12 years and older
- prurigo nodularis in adults
Dupixent comes as a single-dose prefilled syringe and a single-dose prefilled pen. You may receive your Dupixent injections at your doctor’s office. But in some cases, your doctor may show you how to give yourself Dupixent injections at home.
The active ingredient in Dupixent is dupilumab. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Dupixent belongs to a group of drugs called monoclonal antibodies.
This article describes the dosages of Dupixent, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Dupixent, see this in-depth article.
This section covers common dosage information for Dupixent.
Depending on your situation, you may receive each dose of Dupixent at your doctor’s office, or a healthcare professional may show you how to give yourself injections at home. You can also ask your pharmacist for advice on giving yourself Dupixent injections.
For more information, see “How is Dupixent used?” below.
What are the forms of Dupixent?
Dupixent is a solution for injection under the skin that comes in two forms: a single-dose prefilled syringe with a needle shield and a single-dose prefilled pen. The prefilled pen should only be used for adults and children ages 2 years and older. The prefilled syringe may be used for adults and children ages 6 months and older.
Your doctor will determine which form of Dupixent is best for you.
What strengths does Dupixent come in?
The single-dose prefilled syringe is available in the following strengths:
- 300 milligrams (mg) in 2 milliliters (mL) of solution
- 200 mg in 1.14 mL of solution
- 100 mg in 0.67 mL of solution
The single-dose prefilled pen comes in two strengths:
- 300 mg in 2 mL of solution
- 200 mg in 1.14 mL of solution
What are the typical dosages of Dupixent?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
For asthma, atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema), or prurigo nodularis, your starting dose of Dupixent will be higher than your maintenance (ongoing) dose. This higher starting dose, called a loading dose, helps the drug reach a steady level in your body more quickly.
After the loading dose, you’ll receive a maintenance dosage of the drug. This refers to ongoing doses of Dupixent, which you’ll get either once a week, once every other week, or once every 4 weeks.
The table below lists the recommended dosages for the conditions Dupixent is used to treat.
| Condition | Age | Loading dose | Maintenance dosage |
| Asthma | 6 to 11 years old | None | For children weighing 15 kilograms (kg)* to less than 30 kg, the dosage is either: • 100 mg every other week, or • 300 mg every 4 weeks |
| For children weighing 30 kg or more, the dosage is 200 mg every other week | |||
| Asthma | 12 years and older | 400 mg (two 200-mg injections) | 200 mg every other week |
| 600 mg (two 300-mg injections) | 300 mg every other week | ||
| Asthma | Adults | 400 mg (two 200-mg injections) | 200 mg every other week |
| 600 mg (two 300-mg injections) | 300 mg every other week | ||
| Atopic dermatitis | 6 months to 5 years old | None | For children weighing 5 kg to less than 15 kg, the dosage is 200 mg every 4 weeks |
| For children weighing 15 kg to less than 30 kg, the dosage is 300 mg every 4 weeks | |||
| Atopic dermatitis | 6 to 17 years old | For children weighing 15 kg to less than 30 kg, the dose is 600 mg (two 300-mg injections) | 300 mg every 4 weeks |
| For children weighing 30 kg to less than 60 kg, the dose is 400 mg (two 200-mg injections) | 200 mg every other week | ||
| For children weighing 60 kg or more, the dose is 600 mg (two 300-mg injections) | 300 mg every other week | ||
| Atopic dermatitis | Adults | 600 mg (two Dupixent 300-mg injections) | 300 mg every other week |
| Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps | Adults | None | 300 mg every other week |
| Eosinophilic esophagitis | 12 to 17 years old | None | For children weighing at least 40 kg, the dosage is 300 mg every week |
| Eosinophilic esophagitis | Adults | None | 300 mg every week |
| Prurigo nodularis | Adults | 600 mg (two Dupixent 300-mg injections) | 300 mg every other week |
* One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). For example, 15 kg is about 33 lb.
Dosage for asthma
For moderate to severe asthma, Dupixent can be used in adults and children ages 6 years and older. For details on the dosages for this condition, see the dosage chart above.
Asthma and eczema are both inflammatory conditions that have a strong connection. If you have both eczema and asthma, your doctor may start you on a higher dose of Dupixent. You may also have a higher dose if you’re taking oral corticosteroids to manage your asthma symptoms.
If you need a higher dose due to either of these factors, you’ll start with a loading dose of 600 mg (two 300-mg injections). After that, your dosage will be 300 mg every other week.
Dosage for atopic dermatitis
Dupixent is used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. For this use, doctors may prescribe it to adults and children ages 6 months and older. To learn more, see the dosage chart above.
Dosage for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Dupixent is used to treat chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in adults. For this condition, you won’t start with a loading dose. Instead, you’ll take the same dosage of Dupixent throughout your treatment. For details, see the dosage chart above.
Dosage for eosinophilic esophagitis
For treating eosinophilic esophagitis, doctors may prescribe Dupixent to adults and children ages 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kg. For this condition, you won’t start with a loading dose. Instead, you’ll take the same dosage of Dupixent throughout your treatment. For details, see the dosage chart above.
Dosage for prurigo nodularis
Dupixent is used to treat prurigo nodularis in adults. To learn more, see the dosage chart above.
Is Dupixent used long term?
Yes, Dupixent is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Dupixent is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.
What’s the dosage of Dupixent for children?
Dupixent is used to treat asthma in children ages 6 years and older. Children 12 years and older have a different recommended dosage than children 6 to 11 years old. For children ages 6 to 11 years, the dosage is based on body weight.
Dupixent is also used to treat atopic dermatitis in children ages 6 months and older. The dosage for atopic dermatitis is based on the child’s weight.
For treating eosinophilic esophagitis, doctors may prescribe Dupixent to children ages 12 years and older. For this use, a child must weigh at least 40 kg.
For more details on the dosages for each of these uses, see the dosage chart above.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of Dupixent depending on your age and the condition being treated. For children, a change in weight could also lead to a dosage adjustment.
Your doctor may also prescribe a higher dosage if you have both eczema and asthma or if you’re taking oral corticosteroids to manage your asthma symptoms.
If you have questions about the Dupixent dosage that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.
If you get your Dupixent dose at your doctor’s office, it’s important to keep all of your injection appointments. If you miss an appointment, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule.
If you give yourself Dupixent injections at home, follow the advice below for your dosage schedule.
Doses injected every week:
If you miss a dose of Dupixent, give yourself an injection as soon as you remember. Then adjust your schedule so that you give yourself a dose of Dupixent on the same day of the week as you received your missed dose.
Doses injected every other week:
If you miss a dose and it’s within 7 days of when you should have had it, give yourself an injection as soon as you remember. Then continue with your regular dosage schedule. But if it’s been longer than 7 days, just skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Doses injected every 4 weeks:
If you miss a dose and it’s within 7 days of when you should have had it, give yourself an injection as soon as you remember. Then continue your regular dosage schedule. But if it’s been longer than 7 days, give yourself an injection and then start a new 4-week dosage schedule beginning on that day.
If you miss a dose and have any questions about your dosage schedule, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you get back on track with your Dupixent schedule.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Dupixent on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm, downloading a reminder app, or setting a timer on your phone. A kitchen timer can work, too.
The dosage of Dupixent your doctor prescribes may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using Dupixent to treat
- your age
- other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” under “What is Dupixent’s dosage?”)
- for certain children, their weight
Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose to effectively manage your condition to avoid side effects of Dupixent. If you have questions about your dosage of Dupixent, ask your doctor or pharmacist. They can tell you more about your dose.
Dupixent is a prescription drug that comes as a prefilled syringe and prefilled pens. The drug is given as an injection under the skin of your abdomen or thigh. (When injecting into the abdomen, the drug should not be injected within 2 inches of the belly button.)
You may receive your Dupixent injections at your doctor’s office. But in some cases, your doctor may show you how to give yourself Dupixent injections at home. Together, you and your doctor will decide the best way for you to receive Dupixent. This may depend on factors such as:
- your age
- how often you get Dupixent injections
- your insurance plan
- your comfort level with self-injection
If you’re using Dupixent for asthma, atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema), or prurigo nodularis, the loading dose of two injections should be given in two different areas. After this, rotate the injection sites for your maintenance doses. You should not inject the drug into skin that is scarred, damaged, or irritated.
Before using Dupixent at home, remove the dose from the refrigerator. For the 300-mg dose (in either the syringe or prefilled pen), this should be at least 45 minutes before your injection. For the 200-mg dose (in either form) or the 100-mg syringe, remove it from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before your injection.
After you bring a dose of Dupixent to room temperature, you must take the dose within 14 days. If you don’t take the dose within that time, you’ll need to dispose of it. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on how to safely dispose of this drug.
To learn more about how to use Dupixent, including step-by-step instructions for the prefilled syringe or pen and general injection tips, see the drug’s website. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information on how to self-inject Dupixent.
Giving Dupixent to your child
If your child starts Dupixent treatment, they may be able to take their doses at home.
Your child’s doctor may prescribe the prefilled pen if your child is age 2 years or older. They may prescribe the prefilled syringe if your child is age 6 months or older.
If your child is younger than age 12 years, it’s recommended that you give them their Dupixent dose. If your child is age 12 years or older, they may learn to give themselves injections of the drug. But it’s advised that you supervise your child when they inject their dose.
Do not use more Dupixent than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.
What to do in case you use too much Dupixent
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used or received too much Dupixent. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Dupixent for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Dupixent without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Dupixent exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will my Dupixent dosage change if I’m also taking other medications for my condition?
- Will I have more side effects with a higher dose of Dupixent?
- Can I switch from using the Dupixent prefilled syringe to the prefilled pen?
- Will my Dupixent dosage change if it’s not helping my condition?
To learn more about Dupixent, see these articles:
- All About Dupixent
- Side Effects of Dupixent: What You Need to Know
- Dupixent and Cost: What You Need to Know
- Dupixent Interactions: Alcohol, Medications, and Other Factors
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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.