If you or your child has moderate to severe eczema, your dermatologist might prescribe dupilumab (Dupixent). This medication is different from other eczema treatments because you have to inject it subcutaneously (under your skin).
Two kinds of devices are available for injecting dupilumab — a prefilled syringe and a prefilled pen. This article will help you understand the difference between these two devices so you and your doctor can make an informed decision about which treatment option is right for you.
Dupixent is a prescription eczema treatment. Dupixent is the brand name for a medication called dupilumab. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved dupilumab to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (a severe, chronic form of eczema) in adults and children 6 months and older when prescription skin treatments don’t work well enough or can’t be used.
Dupilumab is also FDA-approved to treat other conditions, including:
Dupilumab is a biologic drug that’s manufactured using lab-created proteins called antibodies. It works by blocking specific parts of the immune system to prevent inflammation that can make eczema worse. Because dupilumab is made of proteins, it must be given by subcutaneous injection. If you take it by mouth, your digestive system will break it down before it has a chance to work.
The manufacturer makes two types of devices to inject dupilumab — a prefilled syringe and a prefilled pen.
A prefilled syringe already contains a single dose of medicine. This helps you or your healthcare provider deliver the right dose of medicine without needing to measure it first. When you use a dupixent syringe, you’re in control of pushing the plunger down to inject the medication.
Like the prefilled syringe, a prefilled pen comes filled with a single dose of medication. The device will inject the medication for you at a controlled rate after you activate it. You don’t have to press a plunger the whole time when you use a pen device.
If your doctor prescribes dupilumab, you may wonder what the differences are between the syringe and the pen.
The prefilled syringe and the prefilled pen deliver the same medication. The medication will work the same way and be just as effective regardless of whether you use the dupixent pen or syringe. However, who can use each device and how each one is used is slightly different.
Prefilled syringes are available in doses of 100 milligrams, 200 milligrams, and 300 milligrams. Prefilled pens are available in 200-milligram and 300-milligram doses.
The usual dose for adults is 300 milligrams every other week. When you first start the medication, however, you’ll receive a larger dose — known as a loading dose — of 600 milligrams. This will be given as two 300-milligram injections.
The dose for children aged 6 months to 17 years is based on their weight and age. For children with atopic dermatitis, doses can range from 200 milligrams to 600 milligrams every two to four weeks. The 100-milligram prefilled syringe is reserved for treating asthma in children ages 6 to 12 years old who weigh less than 30 kilograms (around 66 pounds).
The prefilled syringe is FDA-approved for people ages 6 months and older. The prefilled pen is FDA-approved for ages 2 and up. Children under the age of 12 should have a parent or caregiver administer their injection. Once children turn 12, they may choose to start giving it to themselves, under the supervision of an adult.
When you use the prefilled syringe, you can see the needle before the injection. After the injection, the needle will automatically be covered with a needle shield to protect you from accidental needle sticks.
The prefilled pen has a needle cover, so you don’t see the needle before you inject. You’ll place this needle cover against your skin at the injection site when you’re ready to activate the dose.
Your doctor will teach you how to inject dupilumab before you start doing it yourself. Although your preparation is similar for both types of devices, there are some key differences in the way you inject them.
Following are the manufacturer’s recommended steps for using a prefilled syringe:
For a prefilled pen, the company recommends the following:
The prefilled pen may be easier to use for some people. In a 2023 study, researchers found that compared to the dupilumab prefilled syringe, the prefilled pen was easier to use and led to higher satisfaction.
Researchers have found that prefilled pens with medications for other conditions are easier to use as well. A 2020 study of people taking subcutaneous methotrexate to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis (a condition that causes joint inflammation) found that most caregivers and children preferred a prefilled pen over a prefilled syringe.
Giving yourself or your child an injectable medication can take some time getting used to. You shouldn’t self-inject dupilumab without being trained by a healthcare provider first. MyEczemaTeam members have learned how to give themselves dupilumab injections, “I’m on Dupixent and learning how to give my own injection as well, so let’s see how that goes,” shared one member.
Other members have complained that dupilumab injections can sometimes be painful. One said, “I just did my Dupixent injection, and, as usual, it hurt. I’m wondering if anyone has tips or tricks to make the injection less painful.”
Although using a prefilled pen might be easier, some people may find it more painful. However, studies with other medications for different conditions have found that prefilled pens can make injections less painful. If you’re concerned about the pain associated with a dupilumab injection, talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.
Whether you’re using a prefilled syringe or a prefilled pen, you have a few options for where to give the injection:
To help make your injection less painful, you can try the following tips:
Using Dupixent the wrong way could make the medicine less effective or cause pain or injury. Some common mistakes include:
If you’re not sure which injection device is right for you or your child, your doctor or pharmacist can help you weigh the options. They can also answer any questions you have about technique, comfort, or managing side effects — so you feel more confident with your treatment plan. Follow-up visits can help your doctor see if the treatment is still helping.
On MyEczemaTeam, the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.
Do you use Dupixent? Do you use the prefilled syringe or the prefilled pen? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
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A MyEczemaTeam Member
No. I never had Dupixent but interested. I will consult my doctor, hoping my insurance will cover it. Thank you for this information.
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