Key takeaways

  • Dupixent can be used for several conditions, once of which is treating ongoing nasal and sinus inflammation due to nasal polyps.
  • It can be used for both adults and certain children.
  • Dupixent is an injection that is given under the skin. It is typically given once every 2 weeks.

Living with nasal polyps can feel like an endless battle against congestion and lost sense of smell. Dupixent is a biologic medication that is designed to target the underlying inflammation of this condition.

This article explores how Dupixent works, effectiveness of the medication, and what you should know before you start treatment.

Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths in the lining of your nose. They’re often triggered by other health conditions. One common cause is chronic rhinosinusitis, which refers to ongoing nasal and sinus inflammation.

What are the symptoms of nasal polyps?

Who is Dupixent prescribed for?

Doctors prescribe Dupixent to treat chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. It’s used for adults and children ages 12 years and older when other treatments, such as nasal corticosteroids, have not worked well enough.

Dupixent is not approved to treat chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps. However, some doctors may prescribe the drug off-label for this use. With off-label use, a drug is prescribed to treat a condition other than those it was approved for.

If you have questions about using Dupixent for other conditions, talk with your doctor.

Dupixent blocks the activity of proteins in your body called interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). These proteins play a role in inflammation, which can lead to chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

By blocking these proteins, Dupixent can help reduce inflammation in the lining of your nose. As a result, the drug helps shrink nasal polyps and ease symptoms of this condition.

How long does it take for Dupixnet to work for nasal polyps?

Some people using Dupixent for nasal polyps were able to see an improvement in their ability smell after 3 days of treatment. In studies, nasal polyps began to shrink around week 4 and people saw significant shrinkage of polyps and improvement in nasal congestion around week 24.

Dupixent has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. In studies, treatment helped ease symptoms of this condition.

To learn more about how Dupixent performed in these studies, see the manufacturer’s website. You can also view Dupixent’s prescribing information or talk with your doctor.

Below are common dosages of Dupixent for treating chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. But, be sure to you follow the instructions and dosage your doctor has prescribed.

Usual dosage for Dupixent for nasal polyps

For nasal polyps, the usual dosage of Dupixent is 300 milligrams (mg) given once every other week.

Note: Dupixent has other uses in addition to treating nasal polyps. The dosage may be different for these other uses. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about Dupixent’s other uses.

How Dupixent is given

Dupixent comes as a liquid solution inside prefilled, single-use injection pens or syringes. It’s given as an injection under your skin.

You’ll inject Dupixent under the skin of your abdomen or thigh. Alternatively, a caregiver can inject the drug under the skin of your upper arm.

If you have questions about using Dupixent, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also view instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

Using Dupixent for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps may cause side effects in some people. These side effects can be mild or serious.

Note: Dupixent is also approved to treat other conditions. It’s important to note that side effects from this medication may differ depending on the condition it’s being used to treat.

The lists below include some of the more common side effects that have been reported in people using Dupixent for nasal polyps.

For information about other possible side effects of this medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also learn more from the drug’s prescribing information.

Read more: Side effects of Dupixent and tips for managing them.

More common side effects of Dupixent for nasal polyps

More common side effects reported in people using Dupixent for nasal polyps include:

In many cases, mild side effects from the drug can be temporary. Some side effects may also be easy to manage. However, if side effects last longer, are bothersome, or become severe, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects while using Dupixent. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Experiencing side effects? After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking this drug and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Before you use Dupixent, there’s some important information to consider. The drug may not be safe for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors apply to you, talk with your doctor before using Dupixent.

Quick tip: This section can be helpful to revisit before you meet with your doctor.

The price of Dupixent depends on several factors. These can include your treatment plan, your insurance plan, the pharmacy you use, and your location.

Dupixent is a brand-name biologic drug. It’s not available in a biosimilar version.

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.