Do you also have a stuffy nose? Do you have a loss of smell and taste? Do you constantly have a runny nose? These are not just a cold, but a condition called Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) . Although many people usually get relief from nasal sprays or oral medications, some people find it very difficult to control their symptoms with these treatments. But don't worry, with the advancement of medical science, there are now new and effective ways to treat such conditions. Today we are going to talk about one such special treatment, Dupixent.
How does the drug Dupixent work for CRSwNP?
Simply put, nasal polyps are small growths that form on the mucous membranes of the air sacs (sinuses) in or around our nose. The main cause of this is chronic sinusitis . This is when the nose and sinus cavities are swollen and inflamed for more than 3 months. This ongoing swelling is what causes the polyps to form.
Most of the time, these polyps don't cause any symptoms. But as they grow, they can start to block the normal functioning of the nose and sinus cavities. Think of it like a water pipe that stops flowing when something gets stuck in it.
This can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, frequent runny nose , sneezing, and especially loss of smell and taste . Also, when mucus (phlegm) cannot drain properly from the sinus cavities, it can build up, causing pain and infection.
The main goal of treatment here is to reduce the inflammation in the nose and sinus cavities, which will shrink the mucus and provide significant relief from the symptoms.
The active ingredient in Dupixent is dupilumab . It works by blocking two proteins (`interleukin-4` and `interleukin-13`) that send signals that trigger our body's immune system to overreact and cause inflammation. When these proteins are blocked, swelling and discomfort in the nose and sinuses are significantly reduced.
Can anyone with this condition use Dupixent?
Most people with CRSwNP are initially treated with a nasal spray called a corticosteroid. These are medications that are injected directly into the nose. If you don't get your symptoms under control after using this spray for a few months, your doctor may prescribe a short-term course of corticosteroid pills. Some people may also need surgery to remove the cysts.
Dupixent is a good option for people who have tried all of these things, including nasal sprays, pills, and possibly surgery, but still have severe symptoms. This means it's usually used as a second- or third-line treatment.
Studies on the effectiveness of Dupixent (LIBERTY Studies)
Two large clinical trials, called LIBERTY, were conducted to determine how safe and effective this drug is. All participants in these trials used a daily nasal spray but still suffered from symptoms. In addition, 76% of them had completely or partially lost their sense of smell.
In these studies, Dupixent was compared with a placebo, a drug that looked like a drug but didn't actually contain any active ingredient. The results were measured after 6 months.
| Benefits revealed by research | Description |
|---|---|
| The size of the nasal septum | Those who took Dupixent for 6 months had significantly fewer moles and fewer moles than those who took a placebo. The results were the same a year later. |
| Symptoms of nasal congestion | Those who took Dupixent had significantly less symptoms of nasal congestion and runny nose than those who took placebo. This also lasted for a year. |
| Sense of smell | Among those with impaired sense of smell, those who took Dupixent had significantly improved sense of smell compared to those who took placebo. |
How is Dupixent used?
Dupixent is a liquid injection that is injected under the skin every two weeks , usually in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
This comes in a prefilled pen-like device that you can inject yourself at home. So there's no need to worry about needles or syringes. But remember, your doctor or nurse will show you exactly how to inject it first. It's very important to follow those instructions exactly.
How long does it take to see results from Dupixent?
If this medicine works for you, you may notice a slight improvement in your sense of smell within the first week. It may take a few weeks or a month or two for other symptoms, such as nasal congestion, to subside.
Very important: Never stop taking Dupixent or any other medication for this condition without talking to your doctor, even if your symptoms have significantly improved. Doing so may cause your symptoms to return.
Side effects and problems with other medications
The most common side effect of Dupixent is a skin reaction at the injection site . This can include redness, pain, swelling, or bruising where the injection was given. The best way to avoid this is to rotate injection sites. Also, avoid injecting into broken, bruised, or injured skin.
These are not all possible side effects. If you have any symptoms that are bothering you, be sure to talk to your doctor about them.
Other medicines and vaccines
- Other medications: Before you start Dupixent, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (especially asthma medications), vitamins, and even herbal remedies.
- Vaccines: Some "live vaccines" should not be given while taking Dupixent. So if you are due to receive any vaccines soon, tell your doctor before starting treatment.
Are there any special considerations when taking Dupixent?
Dupixent is not a drug that you can easily get at a regular pharmacy. It is classified as a "specialty medicine." This means that it can only be obtained from certain large hospitals or specialty pharmacies.
This treatment can be quite expensive. Therefore, it is very important to talk to your doctor about this before starting treatment and be clearly informed about the cost and the methods of obtaining it in our country.
Take-Home Message
- Dupixent is a new treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis and sinusitis (CRSwNP). It is usually prescribed for people with severe symptoms that have not been controlled by other treatments (nasal sprays, pills, surgery).
- This works by blocking immune system signals that cause inflammation, reducing swelling in the nose and sinuses.
- This is an injection that is injected under the skin every two weeks. It is essential to first learn how to inject it correctly from a doctor or nurse.
- Avoid stopping treatment for any reason without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause symptoms to return.
- It is very important to inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and vaccinations you are taking.
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