Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, do not take any other medications, and have no other medical conditions, you are more likely to experience the following side effects:

• The most common side effects reported are injection site reactions (such as redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site), conjunctivitis and other eye problems (such as dry eyes, itchy eyes, or keratitis), and herpes (eg, cold sores).
• Although weight gain is not listed as a side effect in the product information, a published case series comparing twelve people prescribed Dupixent to eight people prescribed methotrexate reported significant weight gain in the Dupixent group (an average of 6.1kg over one year; the amount of weight gained ranged from 0.1kg to 18.0kg) compared to no weight gain or loss in the methotrexate group. People posting on blogs have anecdotally reported weight gain as a side effect.
• There have been numerous post-marketing reports of Dupixent-related tendinitis, arthritic-like discomfort, and aching joints. Joint pain brought on by Dupixent may be treated with naproxen, and if that doesn't work, methotrexate. If the joint discomfort is especially severe or persists despite treatment, it should be thought about stopping Dupixent.
• Like other biologic drugs, dupixent needs to be checked for efficiency and side effects. A new biologic or the inclusion of other therapies may be necessary in the event of a lack of response, loss of response, or significant adverse effects. When Dupixent is started, corticosteroids shouldn't be abruptly stopped; instead, they should be reduced gradually and done so under a doctor's supervision.
• Keep refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C [36°F to 46°F]). Protect from light by storing in the original carton. For up to 14 days, store at room temperature of up to 77ºF (25ºC). Shake, heat, freeze, or expose the pens to direct sunlight. If stored at room temperature, do not refrigerate and discard Dupixent if not used within 14 days.
• Before beginning Dupixent treatment, make sure that all patients have received all of the appropriate immunizations for their age, as recommended by national guidelines. It is critical that people who have been given Dupixent do not receive live vaccines.
• Less than 1% of persons who received Dupixent reported experiencing serious hypersensitivity events (such serum sickness and urticaria). If a reaction happens, stop taking Dupixent and start the proper treatment. Additionally, immunogenicity and the production of antibodies are possible. About 5% of patients receiving Dupixent up to week 52 developed antibodies against it; 2% of these antibodies were deemed neutralizing.
• It is unknown how Dupixent affects the developing fetus during pregnancy, but it is known that human IgG antibodies pass across the placental barrier. Examine the advantages of Dupixent treatment versus the hazards of uncontrolled disease. Call 1-877-311-8972 to sign up for the prenatal exposure registry if a woman becomes pregnant while taking Dupixent. On the impact of Dupixent during lactation, there are no data.
• There is no generic version of Dupixent available.

Seniors and children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures), or people who take other medications are more likely to experience a broader range of side effects.