Dupilumab, which is a monoclonal antibody, belongs to a class of medications called interleukin inhibitors. It can regulate the immune system to treat asthma and relieve inflammation from eczema and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.
Dupilumab is injected subcutaneously. Listed below are the indications and the usual dosages.
For eczema in adult patients:
Initiate 600 mg (given as two 300 mg injections), followed by 300 mg once every two week.
For eczema in paediatric patients:
15-30kg:
Initiate 600 mg (given as two 300 mg injections), followed by 300 mg once every four weeks.
30-60kg:
Initiate 400 mg (given as two 200 mg injections), followed by 200 mg once every two weeks.
≥ 60kg:
Initiate 600 mg (given as two 300 mg injections), followed by 300 mg once every two weeks.
For moderate to severe asthma in patients ≥ 12 years of age:
Choose from:
1. Initiate 400 mg (given as two 200 mg injections), followed by 200 mg once every two weeks.
2. Initiate 600 mg (given as two 300 mg injections), followed by 300 mg once every two weeks.
For patients ≥ 12 years of age requiring concomitant oral corticosteroids OR with co-morbid moderate-to-severe eczema:
Initiate 600 mg (given as two 300 mg injections), followed by 300 mg once every two weeks.
For chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis in adult patients:
300 mg once every two weeks.
Common side effects of Dupilumab include injection site pain and swelling, conjunctivitis, arthralgia, and throat pain.
Common dosing schedule:
Dupilumab can be injected subcutaneously in the thigh and stomach by yourself, or upper arm by your caregiver only.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Dupilumab may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Dupilumab is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Dupilumab in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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