Having trouble swallowing? Let's learn about a new drug (Dupixent) for Eosinophilic Esophagitis!

Have you ever felt like your throat was closing and you had trouble swallowing food? Maybe you or someone you know has a condition called Eosinophilic Esophagitis. It may be a long name, but it can have a big impact on your daily life. But there's good news! Dupixent is the newest drug approved to treat this condition. Let's talk about it simply and clearly today.

Simply put, what is Eosinophilic Esophagitis?

This is a chronic condition that affects our immune system. Think about it, there are different types of cells in our body that protect us from diseases, right? One such type of white blood cell is called an eosinophil . Although they usually help us, in a person with Eosinophilic Esophagitis, these cells accumulate in excess and cause inflammation in the esophagus , the tube through which we swallow food.

This inflammation causes the esophagus to swell and narrow. What happens then? It becomes difficult for food to pass down into the stomach. This...

• It becomes difficult to swallow food.
• Food gets stuck in the throat.
• Chest pain or burning may occur.
• Vomiting may occur.

Often this condition is related to allergies to certain foods.

How does Dupixent work for this disease?

Usually, doctors first prescribe medications that reduce stomach acid (Proton Pump Inhibitors). For example, you may have heard of medications like ``omeprazole'' and ``lansoprazole''. Sometimes, they also prescribe steroids (corticosteroids) to reduce inflammation.

But Dupixent works in a completely different way.

The active ingredient in Dupixent is dupilumab . Simply put, it works by blocking the activity of two proteins called interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, which are signals from our immune system to cause inflammation. When these signals are blocked, the number of eosinophils that accumulate in the esophagus decreases, reducing swelling and inflammation. This also reduces difficulty swallowing.

What did the research on this drug reveal?

Two large clinical studies have been conducted to see how effective and safe this drug is. All of the participants in these studies were people who had previously used a proton pump inhibitor for about two months but whose symptoms had not improved.

• First study: Participants were 12 years old and older.
• Second research: Young children between the ages of 1-11 participated.

In these studies, one group was given the Dupixent vaccine. The other group was given a placebo. We call this a placebo . But no one was told whether they were getting the real drug or the placebo.

How are the results?

Looking back after 4-6 months, the results are really encouraging.

1. Eosinophil count: More than 60% of those taking Dupixent had significantly reduced eosinophil cell counts in their esophagus, reaching remission. This was the case for only about 5% of those taking placebo.

2. Difficulty swallowing: In a study of people over 12 years old, those who took Dupixent had significantly less difficulty swallowing than those who took a placebo.

How do I use this medicine?

Dupixent is a liquid. It is given as a subcutaneous injection . Your doctor will decide whether to give it once a week or every two weeks, depending on your age and weight. It is usually given in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.

This medicine comes in two forms:

• Pre-filled pen: This is very easy to use. You don't have to worry about a syringe.
• Pre-filled syringe: This is often used for young children.

Side effects and how to manage them?

Like any medication, Dupixent can cause minor side effects. But don't worry, most of them are manageable.

These are the main side effects that can be seen. But if you feel anything different or have any discomfort, be sure to tell your doctor .

Can there be problems with other medications?

Yes, so this matter is very important.

• Tell your doctor about all the medications you take: Before you start Dupixent, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). This is especially important if you are taking medication for asthma.
• Be careful with vaccines: Some live vaccines are not recommended while taking this medication. So if you are due to receive a vaccine, talk to your doctor about it before starting the medication.

Never stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor , as the symptoms may worsen again.