Dupixent (dupilumab) is a brand-name drug prescribed for treating eczema that doesn’t respond to topical medications. It works by blocking the immune system overreaction that causes eczema symptoms.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Dupixent to treat moderate to severe eczema that’s not adequately managed with topical medications in adults and children ages 6 years and older.

You’ll receive Dupixent as an injection under your skin, and your doctor may or may not combine it with topical corticosteroids. Along with eczema, Dupixent is also FDA approved to treat:

Many people notice an improvement in their eczema symptoms within 16 weeks of starting Dupixent.

This article examines how Dupixent treats eczema, what you can expect to pay, and potential side effects.

close up of arms scratching skinShare on Pinterest
Itchy skin, scratching, allergy 1998260968 Kinga Krzeminska/Getty Images

Eczema is characterized by dry and itchy skin rashes that form due to an overreaction of the immune system.

The active ingredient in Dupixent, dupilumab, belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. These medications inhibit the binding of molecules called interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 with their receptors.

Blocking the action of these molecules deters the inflammatory reaction that causes symptoms of eczema and other conditions, such as:

What is eczema?

Eczema is also called atopic dermatitis. It’s characterized by periodic flare-ups of skin rashes that are:

  • dry
  • itchy
  • red, pink, or purple
  • irritated

Eczema affects about 15–30% of children and 2–10% of adults at some point in their life. The exact cause of eczema isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to develop when a genetically prone person contacts certain triggers.

To learn more about eczema and its triggers, see this article.

How does Dupixent work?

You’ll receive Dupixent as an injection under your skin. The recommended dosage for adults is an initial dose of two 300-milligram (mg) injections in different parts of your body, followed by a 300-mg injection every other week.

Injections under your skin are absorbed slower in your body than intravenous (IV) injections, which go directly into your bloodstream.

How quickly does Dupixent work for eczema?

The maximum concentration of Dupixent in your blood is reached 3–7 days after your injections. Many people have improvements in their symptoms by the time of their 16-week follow-up appointment. Sometimes, symptoms improve within a couple of weeks.

Like all medications, Dupixent has the potential to cause side effects. In clinical trials, the most common side effects of Dupixent were mild.

Common side effects

Common side effects of Dupixent can include:

Dupixent doesn’t cause herpes infection but may activate the virus if it is already in your body.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of Dupixent can include:

To learn more about Dupixent side effects, see this article.

Several factors can affect the cost of Dupixent. These can include your prescribed treatment regimen, insurance plan, location, and the pharmacy you use.

Dupixent is a brand-name drug that’s also available as a generic. Brand-name drugs usually cost more than generics. To learn about this drug’s generic form, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To learn more about the price of Dupixent for eczema, see this article.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Dupixent for eczema.

How long do you take Dupixent for eczema?

According to the National Eczema Society, people taking dupilumab are usually reviewed after 16 weeks to see how well their treatment is working. Your doctor may recommend that you stop taking dupilumab if the treatment isn’t working at this time.

If you have questions about how long you’ll take Dupixent for eczema, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Are there any patient reviews about taking Dupixent for eczema?

The Dupixent website provides a page with testimonials from people who have taken Dupixent. It’s important to keep in mind that a company selling a medication might not include critical reviews.

The website askapatient.com also provides reviews from people who have taken medication. However, these reviews are not verified and may contain incorrect information.

Dupixent injections are FDA approved to treat eczema that hasn’t responded to topical medications. Many people notice improvements in their symptoms within 16 weeks.

Many insurance providers cover some or all of the cost of Dupixent, but the drug can be expensive without insurance coverage. Your doctor can best advise you on whether Dupixent is the right treatment for you.

Before prescribing Dupixent, your doctor will likely recommend other medications, such as steroid creams, to check whether these may help your condition.