Key takeaways
- Dupixent’s dosage can vary based on several factors, including your age, weight, and the condition you’re using it to treat. For example, Dupixent’s dosage for asthma in adults may be different than the dosage for children.
- In some cases, you may start Dupixent treatment with a loading dose. This is a higher dose that helps the drug reach a steady level in your body more quickly.
- Dupixent is given as an injection under your skin. A healthcare professional will likely give you your first dose. After that, they can teach you or a caregiver how to inject your maintenance doses.
Dupixent is used to treat:
- moderate to severe asthma in adults and children ages 6 years and older
- moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema) in adults and children ages 6 months and older
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults
- chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps in adults and children ages 12 years and older
- eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in adults and children ages 1 year and older
- prurigo nodularis in adults
- chronic spontaneous urticaria in adults and children ages 12 years and older
- bullous pemphigoid (skin rash and blisters caused by an autoimmune problem) in adults
The active ingredient in Dupixent is dupilumab. Dupixent belongs to a group of drugs called monoclonal antibodies.
This article describes the dosages of Dupixent, as well as its strengths and how to receive it. To learn more, see this in-depth Dupixent article.
This section covers common dosage information for Dupixent.
The following table highlights the basics of Dupixent’s dosage in adults. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
Always take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown here.
| Loading dose | Maintenance dosage | |
|---|---|---|
| Asthma | • 400 mg (two 200-mg injections), or • 600 mg (two 300-mg injections) | • 200 mg every other week, or • 300 mg every other week |
| Atopic dermatitis | 600 mg (two 300-mg injections) | 300 mg every other week |
| COPD | — | 300 mg every other week |
| Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps | — | 300 mg every other week |
| Eosinophilic esophagitis | — | Depending on weight: • 200 mg every 2 weeks, or • 300 mg every 2 weeks, or • 300 mg every week |
| Prurigo nodularis | 600 mg (two 300-mg injections) | 300 mg every other week |
| Chronic spontaneous urticaria | 600 mg (two 300-mg injections) | 300 mg every other week |
| Bullous pemphigoid | 600 mg (two 300-mg injections) | 300 mg every other week |
Dupixent forms
Dupixent is a solution for injection given under your skin that comes in two forms: a single-dose prefilled syringe with a needle shield and a single-dose prefilled pen. The prefilled pen should only be used for adults and children ages 2 years and older. The prefilled syringe may be used for adults and children ages 6 months and older.
Your doctor will determine which form of Dupixent is best for you.
Dupixent strengths
The single-dose prefilled syringe is available in the following strengths:
- 300 mg in 2 milliliters (mL) of solution
- 200 mg in 1.14 mL of solution
The single-dose prefilled pen comes in two strengths:
- 300 mg in 2 mL of solution
- 200 mg in 1.14 mL of solution
Dupixent is approved to treat several inflammatory conditions.
The prescribed Dupixent dosage may vary depending on the condition it’s being used to treat. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
Dosage for asthma
For treating asthma in adults and children ages 12 years and older, you’ll typically start with a loading dose of 400 mg (two 200-mg injections). Then, you’ll have a 200-mg Dupixent injection every other week.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a higher dosage of Dupixent for your condition. This includes if you have both eczema and asthma, or if you’re taking an oral corticosteroid to manage your asthma symptoms.
If you need a higher dose due to either of these factors, you’ll start with a loading dose of 600 mg (two 300-mg injections). After that, your dosage will be 300 mg every other week.
Dosage for eczema
Dupixent is used to treat atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema). The typical recommended starting dose for this condition in adults is 600 mg (two 300-mg injections). Then, you’ll have one 300-mg injection every other week.
Dosage for eosinophilic esophagitis
Dupixent is approved to treat EoE in adults and children ages 1 year and older. The recommended dosages for this use are based on weight for both adults and children.
The weight is calculated in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). For example, 15 kg is about 33 lb.
| Weight (kg) | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|
| 15 kg to less than 30 kg | 200 mg every 2 weeks |
| 30 kg to less than 40 kg | 300 mg every 2 weeks |
| 40 kg or more | 300 mg every week |
Other conditions
Dupixent is also prescribed to manage these conditions:
- COPD
- chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
- chronic spontaneous urticaria
- bullous pemphigoid
If your doctor is prescribing Dupixent to treat any of these conditions, they’ll discuss the dosages for your individual treatment plan.
Dupixent is approved to treat certain inflammatory conditions in children. In most cases, your child’s dosage will be based on their body weight in kilograms.
Dosage for asthma in children
Dupixent is used to treat asthma in children ages 6 years and older. For children ages 6 to 11 years old, the dosage is based on body weight.
| Weight (kg) | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|
| 15 kg to less than 30 kg | 300 mg every 4 weeks |
| 30 kg or more | 200 mg every other week |
The dosage for children ages 12 and older is the same as the dosage for adults. (For more information on adult dosages, see the table in the “Dupixent dosage overview” section.)
Dosage for eczema in children
Dupixent is also used to treat atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema) in children ages 6 months and older. The dosage for atopic dermatitis is based on the child’s weight and age.
The following table shows the typical recommended dosages for eczema in children ages 6 months to 5 years old.
| Weight (kg) | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|
| 5 kg to less than 15 kg | 200 mg every 4 weeks |
| 15 kg to less than 30 kg | 300 mg every 4 weeks |
The following table shows the typical recommended dosages for eczema in children ages 6 to 17 years old.
| Weight (kg) | Loading dosage | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 15 kg to less than 30 kg | 600 mg (two 300-mg injections) | 300 mg every 4 weeks |
| 30 kg to less than 60 kg | 400 mg (two 200-mg injections) | 200 mg every other week |
| 60 kg or more | 600 mg (two 300-mg injections) | 300 mg every other week |
Other conditions in children
Dupixent is also prescribed to treat the following conditions in some children:
- EoE
- chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
- chronic spontaneous urticaria
Dupixent’s dosage for EoE in children is the same as it is for adults. For more information, see the “Dosage for eosinophilic esophagitis” section of this article.
To learn more about Dupixent’s dosage for its other uses in children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
If you get your Dupixent dose at your doctor’s office, it’s important to keep all of your injection appointments. If you miss an appointment, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule.
If you give yourself Dupixent injections at home, follow the advice given in the sections later for your dosage schedule.
Doses are injected every week
If you miss a dose of Dupixent, give yourself an injection as soon as you remember. Then adjust your schedule so that you give yourself a dose of Dupixent on the same day of the week as you received your missed dose.
Doses are injected every other week
If you miss a dose and it’s within 7 days of when you should have had it, give yourself an injection as soon as you remember. Then continue with your regular dosage schedule. But if it’s been longer than 7 days, just skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Doses are injected every 4 weeks
If you miss a dose and it’s within 7 days of when you should have had it, give yourself an injection as soon as you remember. Then continue your regular dosage schedule. But if it’s been longer than 7 days, give yourself an injection and then start a new 4-week dosage schedule beginning on that day.
If you miss a dose and have any questions about your dosage schedule, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you get back on track with your Dupixent schedule.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Dupixent on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm, downloading a reminder app, or setting a timer on your phone. A kitchen timer can work, too.
Dupixent comes as a prefilled syringe and a prefilled pen. The drug is given as an injection under the skin of your abdomen or thigh. (When injecting into the abdomen, the drug should not be injected within 2 inches of the belly button.)
You’ll likely receive your first Dupixent dose at your doctor’s office. But your doctor may show you or your caregiver how to give future Dupixent injections at home.
If your loading dose requires two injections, these injections should be given in two different areas. After this, rotate the injection sites for your maintenance doses. You should not inject the drug into the skin that is scarred, damaged, or irritated.
Before using Dupixent at home, remove the dose from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature. This typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Your doctor or pharmacist can give you more information on how to self-inject Dupixent.
Is Dupixent used long term?
Yes, Dupixent is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Dupixent is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.
Do not use more Dupixent than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.
What to do in case you use too much Dupixent
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used or received too much Dupixent. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
