One of the latest treatments that has become more popular with more severe cases is Dupixent, but can Dupixent cure Eczema? Many in the Eczema community do not know much about this treatment apart from the success stories sufferers boast when been on it. So what exactly is Dupixent?
What is Dupixent?
Dupixent is a prescription medicine that is injected under the skin into different injection sites. It is used to treat moderate to severe Eczema that cannot be controlled with tropical therapies, such as steroid creams.
Can I use Dupixent?
Despite the positive results of Dupixent for moderate to severe Eczema sufferers, it is not recommended to be used for those under the age of 6. It is not known if the product is safe to use and whether it’d be effective.
For those who have asthma, it is not known if Dupixent is actually safe and effective to use under the age of 12. Despite Dupixent stating that it can help to prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and improve breathing, it is not recommended for the suggested age and under if their asthma is not controlled with medicine.
Those with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis and is under the age of 18, it is not known if Dupixent is safe and effective.
Lastly, if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Dupixent, you should avoid it. We will cover the ingredients in the treatment later on in the article.
Should I try Dupixent?
Before you try any treatment, you should do your research. Consulting a healthcare provider like a dermatologist or your doctor is highly recommended before going forward with the treatment. You must be ready to provide all your medical conditions to get the best possible advice, especially if you have the following;
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It must be noted that it is not known if Dupixent can harm an unborn baby.
- Breastfeeding, as it is not known whether Dupixent passes into breast milk.
- Have a parasitic (helminth) infection
- Have eye problems
If no previous treatments you have been effective, then Dupixent can be an option. It should only be considered for those with more moderate to severe cases of Eczema, as the process can be quite daunting for some.
What is in Dupixent?
Dupixent has the active ingredient dupilumab. In every pre-filled syringe has the following formulation;
- 300mg dupilumab in 2 mL
- L-arginine hydrochloride (10.5mg)
- L-histidine (6.2mg)
- Polysorbate 80 (4mg)
- Sodium Acetate (2mg)
- Sucrose (100mg)
- Water for injection
To many, these ingredients probably mean nothing to you. We are used to looking for ingredients such as alcohol and fragrances to avoid in products, so what are these ingredients and what do they actually do?
L-arginine Hydrochloride
Arginine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of arginine, an essential amino acid in juvenile humans. Arginine is a complex amino acid, often found at active sites in proteins and enzymes due to its amine-containing side chain.
L-Histidine
L-Histine is an alpha-amino acid that has a role as a metabolite. It can be used as a biologic, modifying certain functions of amino acids and its derivatives, and a nutritional supplement., improving the nutritional intake of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fatty acids and probiotics.
Polysorbate 80
Polysorbate 80 is derived from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. It is used as an emulsifier in foods (E number 433) such as ice cream, which makes the ice cream smoother and easier to handle, as well as increasing its resistance to melting. It is also used as a surfactant in soaps and cosmetics (including eye drops), or a solubilizer such as in a mouthwash.
Polysorbate 80 has multiple functions;
- It can be used as an emulsifier, allowing water and oils to remain mixed together to form an emulsion.
- As a gelling agent, that increases the viscosity by thickening the liquid to give it more texture.
- As a binder/stabiliser that retains the physical characteristics of food and cosmetics by ensuring the mixture remains in an even state.
Sodium Acetate
Sodium Acetate Anhydrous is the anhydrous, sodium salt form of acetic acid. Sodium acetate anhydrous disassociates in water to form sodium ions (Na+) and acetate ions. Sodium is the principal cation of the extracellular fluid and plays a large part in fluid and electrolyte replacement therapies.
Sodium Acetate can be used as a preservative. which prevents and inhibits the growth of unwanted microorganisms which may be harmful. It also can be used as a acid regulator/buffering agent that changes or maintains the acidity or basicity of foods and cosmetics.
Sucrose
Sugar is the generic name for sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates, many of which are used in foods and beverages preparation. Simple sugars are called monosaccharides and include glucose (also known as dextrose), fructose, and galactose.
How do I use Dupixent?
Dupixent is administered by subcutaneous injection that continues every other week. An initial dose of 600mg (two 300mg injections) is given, followed by 300mg every other week. If a dose is missed, it is instructed that the patient administer the injection within 7 days from the day of missing, then resume the original schedule. If missed altogether, they must wait till the next dose on the original schedule.
For more information of how to use Dupixent, you can visit their website.
What are the side effects of Dupixent?
Dupixent has a few side effects that must be noted. The most common side effects of Dupixent are:
- Eye and eyelid inflammation
- Cold sores in your mouth or on your lips
If you have an allergic reaction to Dupixent, it can be quite severe including a reaction known as anaphylaxis. It is possible to get these symptoms which will need emergency room assistance.
- Fainting, light headed
- Breathing problems
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Joint pain
- Swelling of the face, mouth and tongue
Final Thoughts: Can Dupixent Cure Eczema?
Dupixent is gaining more recognition because of the positive results from it. It is not as easily accessible and can be quite costly. The injections can be problematic for those who have a fear of needles but the positives speak for itself, a treatment for more severe Eczema which has proven to be effective for many.
From a non-professional in the medical industry, the ingredients in Dupixent are beneficial for the overall conditioning of your body, by improving the nutritional intake of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fatty acids and probiotics in L-histidine and preventing and inhibiting the growth of unwanted microorganisms in the ingredient sodium acetate.
If you are running out of options for your severe Eczema, try out Dupixent. But before making any decisions, consult your dermatologist or doctor for more medical advice.
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