Dupixent (dupilumab) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat asthma and certain other conditions. This drug can interact with certain vaccines. For example, Dupixent can interact with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Dupixent is used to treat:
- asthma dependent on corticosteroid therapy or eosinophilic asthma, in adults and children ages 6 years and older
- atopic dermatitis, in adults and children ages 6 months and older
- chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, in adults
- eosinophilic esophagitis, in adults and certain children ages 1 year and older
- prurigo nodularis, in adults
An interaction can occur because one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected. Interactions also can occur if you have certain health conditions.
Keep reading to learn about Dupixent’s possible interactions. And for more information about Dupixent, including details about its uses, see this article.
Dupixent isn’t currently known to interact with other drugs, based on studies of Dupixent. But this doesn’t mean interactions won’t be discovered later. For example, new medications might be developed and found to interact with Dupixent.
Before you start using Dupixent, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription, over-the-counter, or other drugs you take. Sharing this information with them may help prevent possible interactions. (To learn whether Dupixent interacts with herbs or vitamins and supplements, see the “Are there other interactions with Dupixent?” section.)
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Certain health conditions or other factors could raise your risk of harm if you use Dupixent. In such cases, your doctor may not prescribe Dupixent for you. These are known as contraindications. A contraindication of Dupixent is:
If you’ve had an allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Dupixent or any of its ingredients, your doctor likely won’t prescribe Dupixent for you. This is because using the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask your doctor about other treatments that may be better options for you.
Before you start using Dupixent, talk with your doctor if the factor above applies to you. Your doctor can provide more information on who should not use Dupixent. Also, they can determine whether Dupixent is safe for you to use.
Dupixent is not known to interact with alcohol. But alcohol can worsen symptoms of some conditions Dupixent is approved to treat. For example, alcohol can trigger symptoms in some people with asthma. This could make it appear that Dupixent isn’t working at all or as well as expected.
If you have questions about consuming alcohol during Dupixent treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help determine whether alcohol may worsen symptoms of your condition.
Dupixent may have other interactions. They could occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. See below for details. Note that this information does not include all other interactions possible with Dupixent.
Does Dupixent interact with supplements?
Before you start using Dupixent, talk with your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs or vitamins and supplements you take. Sharing this information with them may help you avoid possible interactions.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Dupixent and herbs
Dupixent currently has no reports of interacting with herbs. But this doesn’t mean that interactions with herbs won’t be recognized in the future.
For this reason, it’s still important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while using Dupixent.
Dupixent and vitamins
Dupixent currently has no reports of interacting with vitamins. But this doesn’t mean that vitamin interactions won’t be recognized in the future.
For this reason, it’s still important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while using Dupixent. They can answer questions you may have about taking Dupixent and vitamins together.
Does Dupixent interact with food?
Dupixent currently has no reports of interacting with food. If you have questions about eating certain foods during your treatment with Dupixent, talk with your doctor.
Does Dupixent interact with vaccines?
You should not receive live vaccines during your Dupixent treatment. (Live vaccines contain weakened versions of the bacteria or virus that they’re meant to protect against.) This is because getting a live vaccine while you’re using Dupixent increases your risk of infection. Examples of live vaccines include measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), rotavirus, and chickenpox. If you need to receive a vaccine, talk with your doctor first to make sure it’s safe.
Does Dupixent interact with lab tests?
Dupixent currently has no reports of interacting with lab tests. If you have questions about having certain lab tests during your treatment with Dupixent, talk with the healthcare professional ordering the test.
Does Dupixent interact with cannabis or CBD?Dupixent currently has no reports of interacting with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis with Dupixent.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may raise the risk of interactions with Dupixent. Before using Dupixent, talk with your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether Dupixent is right for you.
Health conditions or other factors that might interact with Dupixent include:
Eye condition, such as eye inflammation: Dupixent can cause side effects related to the eyes. These include keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva). If you have an existing eye condition, Dupixent could worsen it. And Dupixent could increase your risk of side effects related to the eyes. Your doctor can determine whether treatment with Dupixent is safe for you. If they prescribe Dupixent, they might recommend regular eye exams during treatment.
Infection caused by parasites: Treatment with Dupixent can make it harder to treat infections caused by parasites. If you have an infection caused by parasites, your doctor likely will want to treat it before you start treatment with Dupixent.
Pregnancy: It’s not known whether Dupixent is safe to use during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor before using Dupixent.
If you do use Dupixent while pregnant, consider enrolling in the drug’s pregnancy registry. This registry collects details about pregnancy issues reported with Dupixent. To learn more, call 1-866-626-6847 or talk with your doctor.
Breastfeeding: It’s not known whether it’s safe to use Dupixent while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about your options.
Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Dupixent or any of its ingredients, your doctor likely won’t prescribe Dupixent. This is because using the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask your doctor about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
Find answers to some frequently asked questions about Dupixent and possible interactions.
Can you take prednisone with Dupixent?
Yes, you can, if your doctor prescribes both medications for you. Currently, no interactions have been reported between Dupixent and prednisone (Rayos) or other corticosteroids.
Prednisone and other corticosteroids are prescribed for many different conditions, including asthma. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe Dupixent while you’re taking a corticosteroid for asthma. If so, your doctor may lower your corticosteroid dosage slowly over time. Eventually, they may have you stop taking the corticosteroid entirely.
But some people prescribed Dupixent continue taking a corticosteroid for their condition. Be sure that you do not stop taking a corticosteroid or adjust the dosage on your own.
Talk with your doctor if you have concerns or questions about taking a corticosteroid while you’re using Dupixent.
Can you use Dupixent and Ozempic together?
Yes, it’s possible that a doctor might prescribe both medications for you. Dupixent and Ozempic aren’t reported to interact.
Ozempic is prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It’s also prescribed off-label for weight loss. Off-label use is when doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved to treat or help prevent.
Ask your doctor if you have questions about using Dupixent and Ozempic together.
Can I use Dupixent with antibiotics such as amoxicillin?
Yes, it’s safe to use Dupixent with antibiotics, including amoxicillin. No interactions between Dupixent and antibiotics have been reported.
Antibiotics are prescribed to treat infections caused by bacteria. Besides amoxicillin, other antibiotics include clarithromycin and levofloxacin.
Check with your doctor if you’ve been prescribed an antibiotic during Dupixent treatment.
Is it safe to use Dupixent with montelukast?
Yes, it’s possible that a doctor might prescribe both medications for you. Dupixent and montelukast (Singulair) aren’t reported to interact.
Montelukast, like Dupixent, is prescribed to treat asthma in certain people. The medication is also used to prevent tightening of the airways (bronchospasm) caused by exercise. It also treats symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about taking Dupixent with montelukast.
Taking certain steps can help you avoid interactions with Dupixent. Before starting treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Things to discuss with them include:
- whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis
- other medications you take, as well as any vitamins, supplements, and herbs (they can also help you fill out a medication list)
- what to do if you start taking a new drug during your Dupixent treatment
It’s also important to understand Dupixent’s
If you have difficulty reading or understanding this information, your doctor or pharmacist can help.
Using Dupixent exactly as prescribed also can help prevent interactions.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.