Dupilumab in asthma: what to know

Dupilumab targets immune signals involved in type 2 inflammation. In suitable patients, reducing this inflammation can help lessen asthma activity and may reduce reliance on repeated steroid courses. It is an add-on treatment, so it does not replace a reliever inhaler or other medicines unless the prescribing clinician changes your plan.

Your clinician may consider your symptoms, lung function, flare history, other allergic conditions, and the medicines you already use. The injection schedule and expected response vary by age, diagnosis, and local prescribing guidance.

Use dupilumab exactly as prescribed and keep a written list of every inhaler, tablet, supplement, and injection you take. Continue your usual asthma plan until your clinician tells you otherwise. Track night waking, exercise symptoms, reliever use, and flares so your review is based on patterns rather than one good day.

Injection-site soreness can occur. Ask how to store, prepare, and rotate injection sites, and do not share pens or syringes. If a dose is late, contact the prescribing team for specific instructions instead of doubling the next dose.

Get urgent help for severe breathlessness, difficulty speaking, blue or grey lips, confusion, faintness, or an asthma attack that is not improving with your written rescue plan. Seek prompt medical advice for facial swelling, widespread hives, breathing difficulty after an injection, new eye pain or vision changes, or symptoms of a serious infection.

Ask whether your asthma pattern matches the conditions dupilumab is used for, how success will be monitored, which inhalers continue, and what to do before travel or a missed injection.