Do you have a skin condition that doesn't heal for a long time, perhaps a condition like eczema? Or do you often suffer from breathing difficulties due to asthma? Dupilumab is a relatively new, very effective drug that doctors use to treat such conditions. It is used as an injection. So today, let's talk about this drug, how it works, what to be careful about when using it, and all the side effects.
What kind of medicine is Dupilumab?
Simply put, Dupilumab (often known by the brand name DUPIXENT) is a drug that controls some of the functions of our body's immune system. It is a subcutaneous injection .
Some diseases in our body, for example, eczema, asthma, sinusitis, and esophagitis, are caused by excessive inflammation in the body. This Dupilumab vaccine works by controlling the immune response that causes that excessive inflammation.
But there's something you should definitely remember here. Although this is used to prevent asthma symptoms, it is not used to treat a sudden severe asthma attack. Other medications are used for such emergencies.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before deciding if this medication is right for you, it's important to discuss your complete health history with your doctor. Be sure to mention these things in particular:
- If you have asthma .
- If you have any eye disease .
- If you have had a parasitic/helminth infection before.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to this Dupilumab medicine, any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether or not to give you this treatment, and if so, how to give it.
How is this vaccine used?
This is an injection that needs to be injected under the skin. But don't worry, usually the first time a doctor or a trained nurse will clearly show you how to inject it and prepare it. After that, you can do it yourself at home.
The most important thing is to follow the dosage and timing prescribed by the doctor exactly. Do not stop treatment until the doctor tells you to.
Also, never throw used needles and syringes in the regular trash. They should be placed in a special, thick plastic container that can be removed. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about getting one.
What to do if you miss a dose?
It is very important to take the dose on time to get the best results from this medicine. If you accidentally miss a dose, don't worry. Call your doctor immediately for advice on what to do next.
Possible side effects of taking the medicine
Like any medicine, Dupilumab can cause some side effects. Although most of these are minor, there are some things we should be especially aware of.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. If any of these occur, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately. |
| Eye problems | Eye redness, pain, burning, discharge from the eye, blurred vision, or decreased vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. |
| Other serious symptoms | Unusual tiredness, fever, headache, skin rash, muscle or joint pain, loss of appetite, pain in the limbs, numbness. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor injuries | Redness, itching or pain at the injection site, sore throat, joint pain, dry eyes, insomnia, and cold sores. These usually go away in a few days. But tell your doctor if they persist. |
What if I accidentally take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken an overdose of medication, do not panic and immediately go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
How to store the medicine?
It is also very important to store this medicine properly.
- Keep the refrigerator at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. It is better to keep it on an inside shelf than in the door.
- Never store in the freezer. Do not allow the medicine to freeze. Also, do not shake the medicine.
- Keep in the original packaging until use, protected from light.
- If you must store it outside the refrigerator, at room temperature (below 25 degrees Celsius), do not keep it for more than 14 days . Any medicine stored in this way should be discarded after 14 days.
- Never use expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Dupilumab is a subcutaneous injection that treats inflammatory conditions such as eczema, asthma, and sinusitis.
- Before starting this medication, you should tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially asthma, eye diseases, and allergies.
- This medicine should not be used for a sudden asthma attack. It is only used for long-term prevention of asthma symptoms.
- Follow your doctor's instructions exactly when injecting the medicine and disposing of used needles.
- If you experience eye pain, blurred vision, or severe allergic symptoms (such as facial swelling), seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
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