Published on
Updated
Reading 2 mins.
In a press release, the British Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Agency warns of serious eye reactions following the use of Dupixent, a drug against atopic dermatitis and asthma, manufactured by Sanofi and Regeneron laboratories.
Dupixent, whose active substance is dupilumab, is a medicine first approved in the UK in September 2017 for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and as an add-on treatment for severe asthma, in people over 12 year.
Risks of ocular side effects
This medicine has been associated with cases of conjunctivitis and allergic conjunctivitis, dry eye, and uncommon cases of keratitis and ulcerative keratitis. The UK Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Agency recalls that “any new or worsening reactions in patients’ eyes resulting from the use of the drug Dupixent, should be promptly investigated by healthcare professionals” with referral for an ophthalmological examination if necessary.
Mild and manageable reactions
If the British agency warns health professionals, it is because it “It is currently not possible to predict who may experience the rarest and most serious ocular adverse reactions, such as ulcerative keratitis.”
However, according to feedback from ophthalmology experts available to the agency, most eye reactions seen with dupilumab are mild and manageable. “It is therefore important for all ocular reactions that patients receive prompt care, with treatment provided as necessary to prevent or minimize eye damage. It is important to recognize the “warning signs” for an emergency eye consultation, such as eye pain, loss of vision and increased eye pressure”adds the agency.
Nearly 500 reports identified
The agency tracks reports of side effects linked to this drug. Since September 7, it indicates that it has received 479 reports, including 111 that were considered “serious” with five cases of ulcerative keratitis.
However, recommends the English agency, it is not necessary to interrupt treatment with dupilumab in the event of ocular reactions, but it is essential that the patient “receives timely advice and intervention with appropriate care and support“but also that the “health professionals recognize serious reactions, and when an ophthalmological consultation is necessary”.
Advice for patients taking this treatment
Finally, the agency provides some advice for patients taking this treatment:
- “Dupilumab has been associated with side effects affecting the eyes, particularly in patients with atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis);
- Most eye side effects are mild, but some can become serious if not managed properly. Do not try to manage new or worsening eye problems yourself – consult a doctor;
- Tell your doctor or other healthcare professional promptly if you have any new or worsening eye problems, such as tearing, itching, redness, swelling, dry eyes, gritty eye sensation, or body sensation. stranger in the eye;
- If you experience significant eye pain that does not go away or changes in your vision, it is important to tell your doctor right away.