Dupixent: Side Effects, Risks and FDA Safety Information
Dupixent helps many people manage conditions like asthma and atopic dermatitis. However, it can cause side effects ranging from mild injection-site reactions to serious eye problems and an increased cancer risk. Learn about common and serious symptoms, label warnings and when to call your doctor.
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What Is Dupixent and How Does It Work?
Dupixent (dupilumab) is a prescription injectable medication approved for conditions like asthma, atopic dermatitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and more.
- Asthma
- Atopic dermatitis
- Bullous pemphigoid (large blisters filled with fluid)
- Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (inflammatory sinus disease)
- Chronic spontaneous urticaria (hives lasting more than six weeks)
- COPD
- Eosinophilic esophagitis (difficulty swallowing)
The drug works by blocking two proteins in the immune system called interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). These proteins drive inflammation in many chronic allergic and skin disorders.
By interfering with these proteins, Dupixent helps reduce symptoms like itching without broadly suppressing the immune system.
Common Dupixent Side Effects
A few of the most common Dupixent side effects include dizziness, headaches, injection site reactions and muscle pain. These issues are generally mild.
- Back pain
- Cold sores in your mouth or on your lips
- Common cold symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness
- Eye problems, including blurred vision, dry eye, eye and eyelid inflammation, itchiness, redness and swelling
- Headache
- Herpes virus infections
- High eosinophilia (white blood cell) count
- Inflammation inside your nose
- Injection site reactions
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Pain in your throat
- Parasitic infections
- Stomach problems
- Toothaches
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Urinary tract infection
- Viral infection
If any of your side effects don’t go away or are bothersome, make sure to talk to your doctor.
Serious Dupixent Side Effects and Safety Warnings
Most people tolerate Dupixent well. However, it can cause rare but serious side effects such as allergic reactions or eye problems.
- Allergic reactions: Get emergency help if you experience a bullseye rash, breathing problems, facial swelling, fever, itching, joint pain, nausea or vomiting, painful red or blue bumps under the skin, red pus-filled spots on the skin or swollen lymph nodes.
- Blood vessel inflammation: Be aware of brown or dark urine, chest pain, persistent fever, pins and needles sensations or numbness of your arms or legs, rash or worsening shortness of breath.
- Eye problems: This can manifest as eye pain or changes in vision, including blurred vision.
- Joint aches and pains: While taking Dupixent, you may experience joint aches and pains. Severe cases may cause trouble walking or require hospitalization.
- Psoriasis: Watch out for any new skin symptoms.
You should see your doctor or seek emergency medical attention immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
Eye & Vision Problems From Dupixent
Patients have reported eye and vision issues such as conjunctivitis, dry eye and keratitis (cornea inflammation) when taking Dupixent.
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Sudden changes in your vision
Mild eye issues may improve with artificial tears and warm compresses, but severe cases may need medical intervention.
Dupixent May Increase Lymphoma Risk
Studies have shown that Dupixent may increase your risk of lymphoma, including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). This is a rare type of cancer that affects white blood cells. It can cause rashes and other skin issues.
One study in Dermatologic Therapy found an increased risk of CTCL in Dupixent users. This risk was greatest during the first year of treatment, and patients over 60 were more susceptible. A separate study in the European Respiratory Journal found that asthma patients who took Dupixent had a 79% higher lymphoma risk.
Despite these studies, Dupixent’s drug label does not have any warnings for lymphoma or CTCL. Lawyers are currently investigating Dupixent lawsuits on behalf of people who took Dupixent and developed CTCL.
Dupixent FDA Label Changes & Safety Alerts Over Time
Dupixent’s label has been updated with details about safety warnings involving allergies, eye problems, psoriasis and more.
-
September 2024
Warnings that Dupixent shouldn’t be used for acute symptoms of asthma and COPD were updated.
-
April 2025
Warnings that patients being treated for asthma may experience symptoms of eosinophilic pneumonia were added. The risks of developing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis were also included on Dupixent’s label.
-
June 2025
The label was updated to reflect data indicating that the frequency of conjunctivitis and keratitis in people with COPD was 1.4% and 0.1% in Dupixent patients, compared to 1% and 0% in the placebo group. In people with Bullous Pemphigoid, the frequency of conjunctivitis and keratitis was 7.5% and 3.8% in Dupixent patients and 0% for both conditions in the placebo group. Details about hypersensitivity reactions were also added.
Despite studies finding an increased risk of CTCL in Dupixent patients, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t released a safety warning. The drug’s label also doesn’t alert patients to this potential concern.
Who Should Not Use Dupixent or Use With Caution
You shouldn’t take Dupixent if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Dupixent might not work as well for you if you take seizure drugs, some heart medications or warfarin. You may have more side effects if you take these drugs while taking Dupixent.
Live vaccines (chickenpox, MMR, nasal flu) may also interact with Dupixent. You shouldn’t get these vaccines during treatment because Dupixent may weaken your immune system.
Before taking Dupixent, discuss all your current medications with your doctor. Don’t take any new drugs or vaccines without talking to your health care provider.
What To Do If You’re Having Dupixent Side Effects
If you’re experiencing side effects from Dupixent, contact your prescriber right away. Get immediate emergency medical help if your side effects are severe.
- Call your prescriber to discuss any symptoms
- Consider a second opinion for persistent or serious concerns
- Evaluate alternatives to Dupixent
- Report severe or unexpected reactions to FDA MedWatch
- Track your side effects and when they started
If you are diagnosed with CTCL, you may be eligible to file a Dupixent lawsuit for potential compensation for treatment, medical bills and loss of quality of life.
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