Diseases that cause changes in the skin can affect not only the physical part, but also the self – esteem of those who suffer from the problem.
This is the case of atopic dermatitis , a disease that causes inflammation and irritation in areas of the skin.
For the treatment of this type of disease, there are different drugs and, among them, Dupixent.
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What is the drug Dupixent and what is the laboratory?
Dupixent is the trade name of the active ingredient Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody, that is, produced in the laboratory and has a specific target.
It is a drug used in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in patients over 12 years old, and is administered subcutaneously.
Its laboratory is Sanofi, a pharmaceutical company of French origin.
What is Dupixent for?
Dupixent is used for the control of atopic dermatitis in moderate to severe stage, for people over 12 years old.
The atopic dermatitis is a chronic disease that occurs when there is a reduction in the barrier function of the outer skin layers. This facilitates the loss of water and causes sensitivity and dryness in the region.
In this way, an inflammatory process is caused, leading to symptoms such as injuries and irritations.
Dupixent is indicated for patients who have not obtained the expected result with topical medications (used directly under the skin) or when its use is not recommended.
What is the mechanism of action of the active ingredient Dupilumab?
Dipilumab works by blocking the action of some substances in the body.
Because it is a monoclonal antibody – produced in the laboratory for specific purposes – it recognizes and binds to some proteins in the human body.
In doing so, the substance acts by inhibiting the action of two proteins called IL-4 and IL-13, which participate in the allergic response.
In people who suffer from atopic dermatitis , these proteins are present at high levels in the body. This causes them to cause inflammation and skin irritation.
Thus, by inhibiting these substances, the symptoms of the disease are attenuated, since inflammation is reduced.
How does the package insert indicate using Dupixent?
According to the package leaflet, Dupixent is for subcutaneous use, that is, it is applied below the skin. It can be administered through self-application, provided it is released by professionals, or an injection made by a trained person.
The recommended starting dose for adults is 600mg (2 injections of 300mg). After that, 1 dose of 300mg should be administered every 15 days.
In adolescents, the dose varies according to body weight.
For patients weighing less than 60kg, the recommended starting dose is 400mg (2 injections of 200mg). After that, 200mg should be applied every 15 days.
For patients with body weight over 60 kg, the initial dose indicated is similar to that of adults: 600 mg (2 injections of 300 mg).
After that, 300mg should be applied every 15 days.
In cases of self-application, the injection can be made in the thigh or belly (keeping 5 cm away from the navel).
If it is done by someone else, it can also be done on the upper arm.
Also according to the package insert, the drug can be administered in a few steps. They are:
- Remove the syringe from the packaging;
- Assess whether the liquid inside is clear and slightly opalescent (milky appearance);
- Place the syringe on a flat surface and let it sit for 30 minutes, until it reaches room temperature;
- Choose the injection site;
- Clean the area with cotton wool dipped in alcohol and wait for it to dry;
- Hold the syringe body and remove the needle cap;
- With your thumb, index and middle fingers, squeeze the area of skin where the medicine will be applied, making a crease;
- Insert the needle completely into the location and loosen the skin;
- Push the plunger until the syringe is empty;
- Lift your finger off the plunger so that the needle is retracted and remove the syringe from the location.
- If there is blood, lightly press the spot with a piece of cotton or gauze.
After use, the syringe must be disposed of in an appropriate place.
What are the side effects?
Like other medicines, Dupixent can have side effects in some people.
The reaction at the injection site is one of the very common effects recorded, according to the package leaflet.
The frequent symptoms , on the other hand, are:
- Conjunctivitis;
- Herpes oral;
- Eosinophilia (high level of white blood cells in the body);
- Headache;
- Allergic conjunctivitis;
- Itchy eyes;
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid).
The very rare reaction , but which can occur is Serum Disease, which consists of an exaggerated immune response in the body.
Despite the listed effects, it is worth remembering that each organism responds in a different way to the medication. Thus, not all people will necessarily experience adverse reactions.
What is the price of Dupixent and where to buy cheaper?
The price of Dupixent may vary depending on the geographic region and establishment of purchase.
In general, the cost is R $ 9,231 * a box with 2 syringes.
If there is a need to compare prices, it is possible to use the website of Consulta Remédios , which provides the drug values in several pharmacies in each region. In addition, the purchase can be made on the platform itself, thus choosing the most affordable price.
The drug can also be found in physical pharmacies.
* Prices consulted in February 2020. Prices may change.
Do you have it in SUS or is it provided by a health plan?
No . The active ingredient in Dupixent is not part of the National List of Essential Medicines (Rename), that is, in the list of drugs distributed directly by SUS.
In addition, the treatment of atopic dermatitis with Dupixent is also not part of the ANS list.
The ANS List is the list of minimum procedures (exams, surgeries, consultations) that health plans are obliged to cover for their clients.
Thus, there is no obligation for the health plan to cover this treatment.
However, for patients who have a medical prescription and cannot afford the costs of treatment, there is the possibility of requesting coverage by the State or Health Plan, by going to court.
For this, it is necessary to file a lawsuit and submit some documents such as application, exams and budget in 3 different pharmacies.
Is it approved by ANVISA?
-Yeah . The drug had its first registration with the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) in 2017.
After the drug was canceled, it was registered again in 2019.
It is in the therapeutic class of Other non-steroidal dermatological anti-inflammatory products .
How to budget?
For cases in which the SUS or the Health Plan does not provide medication and the patient is unable to afford the treatment, it is possible to go to court, in an attempt to request that the State cover the costs.
To do this, it is necessary to file a lawsuit and submit some documents. Between them:
- Medical report;
- Exams;
- Application;
- Budget in 3 different pharmacies.
For the realization of the budget, it is possible to obtain assistance in advising on the quotation of high-cost medications, which makes a personalized quotation simply and quickly.
To do this, just click on the link and fill in the data.
The atopic dermatitis is a common problem. In Brazil, there are about 2 million cases per year.
For the treatment of this type of problem, there are drugs like Dupixent.
Want to know more about remedies and treatments? The Healthy Minute has complete content for you! Keep reading!
