How to Inject Dupixent at Home
Dupixent (dupilumab) comes as a pre-filled syringe or pen for subcutaneous injection under the skin. Adults and children 6 months and older use it for conditions like atopic dermatitis, asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, eosinophilic esophagitis, or prurigo nodularis. A doctor or nurse shows you the first dose; you do later ones yourself or with a caregiver. Store in the fridge at 36-46°F (2-8°C); take out 30-45 minutes before use to reach room temperature. Do not shake, heat above 77°F (25°C), or freeze.[1]
Inject every 2 or 4 weeks based on your condition, weight, and doctor's order—typically 300 mg (two 1.14 mL or 2 mL syringes/pens) every other week for adults with eczema or asthma.
Step-by-Step Injection Guide
- Wash hands with soap and water. Gather supplies: syringe/pen, alcohol swab, sharps container.
- Check the liquid—clear and colorless to pale yellow; discard if cloudy, discolored, or with particles.
- Choose sites: upper arm, thigh, or belly (2 inches from navel). Rotate sites; avoid tender, bruised, scarred, or hard skin.
- Clean site with alcohol swab; let dry.
- For syringe: Remove cap, pinch skin, insert needle at 45-degree angle, push plunger fully over 5-10 seconds, hold 5 seconds, then remove.
For pen: Remove cap, place flat against skin, press and hold plunger until dose counter hits 0, count to 5 before lifting.
- Do not rub site. Dispose of needle in sharps container; do not recycle.
Full instructions match the FDA-approved label; watch the patient video from the manufacturer.[1][2]
Dosage by Condition and Age
| Condition | Age Group | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose |
|-----------|-----------|---------------|------------------|
| Atopic Dermatitis | 6 months+ | Weight-based (e.g., 200-600 mg) | Every 2-4 weeks, weight-based |
| Asthma | 6+ years | 400 mg (two 200 mg) | 200 mg every 2 weeks |
| Nasal Polyps | 18+ years | 600 mg (two 300 mg) | 300 mg every 2 weeks |
| Eosinophilic Esophagitis | 1+ years | Weight-based (e.g., 200-600 mg) | Every 1-2 weeks, weight-based |
| Prurigo Nodularis | 12+ years (75+ lbs) | 600 mg | 300 mg every 2 weeks |
Doses adjust for loading and ongoing use; follow your prescription exactly.[1]
What If I Miss a Dose?
Inject as soon as you remember, then resume your schedule. If next dose is within 7 days, skip the missed one—do not double up. Contact your doctor for advice.[1]
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Prime the pen/syringe first (air bubble release) per instructions.
- Inject slowly to reduce pain.
- Mild site reactions (redness, itching) occur in 10-20% of users; ice helps.
- Track doses in a log or app.
Side Effects Patients Report
Eye issues (conjunctivitis, dry eyes) in up to 20%; injection site reactions; joint pain; herpes infections. Rare: severe allergic reactions (hives, swelling). Get immediate help for breathing trouble or swelling. Long-term data shows risks rise with use over 1 year.[1][3]
Who Should Not Use It
Avoid if allergic to dupilumab. Use caution in parasites (treat first), newborns, or with live vaccines (avoid during treatment). Not for acute asthma attacks.[1]
For full details, read the patient information leaflet or FDA label. Always consult your doctor before starting—dosing personalizes to you.
Sources
[1]: Dupixent Prescribing Information (FDA.gov)
[2]: Dupixent Injection Video (Dupixent.com)
[3]: Dupixent Side Effects (Drugs.com)