Dupixent is a drug that is well-known for its ability to cure specific skin problems. While it appears to be effective in relieving symptoms, there are worries about its possible effects on eye health. In this post, we will investigate if Dupixent can cause eye problems, what Dupixent is used for, and dispel misconceptions about its classification as a steroid.
Table of Contents
Understanding Dupixent and Its Uses
Dupixent, commonly known as “dupilumab”, is a biologic medicine licensed by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is generally used to treat moderate to severe instances of atopic dermatitis (eczema), but it has shown potential in the treatment of asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Dupixent works by inhibiting particular chemicals that cause inflammation in the body, thereby relieving the related symptoms.
Is Dupixent a Steroid?
According to common belief, dupixent is not a steroid. Dupixent, unlike standard corticosteroids, targets specific proteins that are involved in the inflammatory process instead of suppressing the immune system. Dupixent’s method of action differs from other steroidal treatments and reduces the potential side effects associated with steroids.
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Does Dupixent cause eye problems?
Dupixent (dupilumab) is related to many kinds of eye issues, including conjunctivitis, blepharitis, dry eyes, itchy eyes, and keratitis. The same mechanism that makes Dupixent successful against atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, and other illnesses is likely to be responsible for the eye difficulties.
A lot of eye diseases respond to standard treatment (for example, ophthalmic medicines for bacterial conjunctivitis).
Dupixent has been linked to the following eye problems:
- Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva [Linin] of the eye), which includes allergic, bacterial, or viral conjunctivitis, large papillary conjunctivitis, eye irritation, and eye inflammation, affects 10% of people worldwide.
- Itchy eyes are experienced by 1% of the population.
- Less than 1% of people suffer from dry eyes.
- Blepharitis (inflammation around the edges of the eyelids) affects less than 1% of the population.
- Keratitis (corneal inflammation) affects less than 1% of the population.
Precautions and Recommendations:
If you suffer severe eye-related symptoms while taking Dupixent, contact your doctor right away. While conjunctivitis is the most common eye condition, other consequences, such as dry eyes or eyelid irritation, can occur. To properly control these symptoms, your doctor can provide over-the-counter artificial tears or prescribe further medications. Individuals on Dupixent should have regular eye exams to monitor any changes in their ocular health.
Conclusion
Dupixent is an effective therapeutic choice for people suffering from persistent skin diseases and respiratory problems. While it can produce some eye-related problems, most notably conjunctivitis, these are normally mild to moderate in severity and disappear without long-term implications. When using Dupixent, it is essential to report any concerns to your healthcare professional to maintain proper management and monitoring of eye health.
