Dupixent is a prescription medication that can help manage chronic inflammatory conditions in children, such as eczema, asthma, and eosinophilic esophagitis.
It can be exhausting for a child to experience unpredictable flare-ups from a chronic condition like eczema or asthma. Dupixent (dupilumab) is a prescription medication given as an injection that helps reduce the symptoms of inflammatory conditions from the inside out.
This article explores everything you need to know about Dupixent for kids, including how it works, what it treats, dosing, and what to expect, so you can feel prepared and in control of your child’s health journey.
Dupixent is a type of targeted medication known as a biologic, which means it is created from living cells. The active ingredient is dupilumab. It works by blocking two proteins in the body called interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13).
In some children, the immune system overreacts and produces too much of these proteins, leading to inflammation. This inflammation is a root cause of several chronic diseases, such as eczema and asthma. By blocking these proteins, Dupixent helps stop the inflammatory response and relieve symptoms.
Dupixent is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain conditions and age groups of children, as the table below shows:
| Condition | Approved use |
|---|---|
| Atopic dermatitis (severe eczema) | Children ages 6 months and older with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis that is not controlled with topical prescriptions. |
| Asthma | Children ages 6 years and older with moderate-to-severe eosinophilic asthma or asthma that requires oral steroids. Dupixent can be used as an “add-on” treatment. |
| Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) | Children ages 1 year and older who weigh at least 15 kilograms (kg), which is around 33 pounds (lbs). |
| Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) | Children ages 12 years and older with uncontrolled nasal polyps. |
| Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) | Children ages 12 years and older with chronic hives that are not controlled by standard antihistamines. |
| Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis | Children ages 6 years and older with a history of sino-nasal surgery. |
Dupixent is given as a subcutaneous injection, meaning it is injected into the fat layer just under the skin. It comes in two forms:
- single-dose pre-filled syringe (for children ages 6 months and older)
- pre-filled pen (for children ages 2 years and older)
For children under 12 years, a caregiver must give the injection. Children ages 12 years and older can inject themselves under adult supervision if a doctor recommends it.
Dosing is highly personalized based on your child’s weight, age, and condition. Your child’s doctor will work out the correct dosage and schedule for your child. Always follow your doctor’s dosage instructions carefully.
The most common side effects include:
- Injection site reactions: Redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site may occur.
- Eye problems: Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is common, especially in children using Dupixent for eczema. Symptoms include red, itching, and dry eyes.
- Infections: Upper respiratory tract infections, cold sores (herpes virus), and the common cold can develop.
- Parasitic infections: In rare cases, children may be more susceptible to parasitic (helminth) infections, like pinworms, while on Dupixent.
If your child experiences severe allergic reactions, joint pain, or worsening breathing problems, contact your doctor immediately.
Studies show that Dupixent can relieve symptoms and positively impact a child’s quality of life.
A
The 52-week VOYAGE trial involving 408 children ages 6 to 11 with moderate to severe asthma found that weight-based doses of Dupixent resulted in fewer severe asthma exacerbations and improved lung function starting as early as the second week of treatment.
Medical Perspective“Many children with eczema or asthma can be treated first with lower-cost options like topical creams or inhalers. Targeted medicines like Dupixent are usually reserved for more severe cases that aren’t controlled with standard treatments.”
Learn about transitioning from steroids to biologics for eczema.
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Dupixent is an ongoing maintenance medication, rather than a rescue medication for sudden flare-ups.
If your child is using Dupixent for eczema, they can still use topical corticosteroid creams alongside the injections.
If your child is using it for asthma, don’t stop their other asthma inhalers or steroid pills abruptly when starting Dupixent. A doctor will advise about how to reduce other medications, if appropriate, which is usually done slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms or sudden flare-ups.
What to expect from Dupixent treatment
Here are some practical tips for starting Dupixent:
Storage and Preparation
Dupixent must be kept in the refrigerator. Before giving the injection, take it out and let it reach room temperature. This takes 30 minutes for the 200 milligram (mg) dose and 45 minutes for the 300 mg dose. Do not remove the needle cap while it warms up.
The injection
Inject the medication into the thigh or the stomach, avoiding the 2 inches around the belly button. Rotate the injection site each time and avoid bruised, tender, or scarred skin.
Vaccines
Check your child’s vaccination schedule before starting. Children should avoid receiving live vaccines while taking Dupixent.
Missed dose
If you miss an every-2-week or every-4-week dose, you generally have a 7-day window to give the injection and stay on schedule. If more than 7 days pass, give the dose and start a new schedule based on that date.
Yes. Dupixent is designed as an ongoing maintenance treatment. Children typically use it long-term to keep symptoms under control. Always talk with your healthcare professional before changing or stopping medication.
No. Research shows that Dupixent doesn’t have immunosuppressive effects that weaken the entire immune system.
Many children see improvements within weeks. Clinical trials showed significant improvements in lung function for children with asthma as early as week 2, and notable relief from severe eczema itching by week 4.
Dupixent is an injection that helps manage chronic inflammatory conditions like eczema, asthma, and EoE in children. It can help reduce symptoms within weeks, helping to improve a child’s quality of life.
The dosage is dependent on a child’s weight, age, and condition, and it’s typically used alongside other medications.
A doctor can help determine whether Dupixent is the right treatment for your child, monitor for side effects, and adjust the treatment according to how your child responds.
Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.