Dupixent (Dupilumab) for COPD

Overview
Dupixent is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an add-on maintenance treatment for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have an eosinophilic phenotype (high levels of a certain type of white blood cell). It is intended for those whose COPD symptoms are not adequately controlled with their current treatments. Dupixent is not meant for the relief of acute bronchospasm. Dupixent is also known by its drug name, dupilumab.

Dupixent is an immunomodulator that targets and blocks interleukin (IL)-4) and IL-13 signaling pathways, which are believed to contribute to the inflammation that can worsen COPD symptoms. By reducing this inflammation, Dupixent may help to improve lung function and reduce flare-ups in people with eosinophilic COPD.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Dupixent is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. For adults with COPD, the recommended dosing schedule is every other week. The injection is available as a prefilled syringe or pen, and it can be administered at home or in a clinical setting. Dupixent should be taken exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Dupixent include viral infections, headache, nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nasal passages), back pain, diarrhea, joint pain, urinary tract infections, injection site reactions, rhinitis (runny nose), eosinophilia (increased levels of certain white blood cells), toothache, and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining).

Rare but serious side effects may include hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), serum sickness (immune response to medication), and angioedema (swelling under the skin). Eye-related issues such as conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye's outer membrane) and keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) may also occur. Additionally, the medication may worsen symptoms of existing eosinophilic conditions or cause joint pain that requires medical evaluation.

For more information about this treatment, visit:
Label: Dupixent — Dupilumab Injection, Solution — DailyMed