Dupixent can cause joint pain in some people due to how it affects the immune system. Dupixent blocks a specific receptor that disrupts the balance of the immune system. This can lead to joint inflammation in some people.
Some people may have joint pain during treatment with Dupixent (dupilumab), but this is not a common side effect. In studies, only people prescribed Dupixent for the following conditions reported joint pain as a side effect:
- 3% of those being treated for chronic (long-term) rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
- 2% of those being treated for eosinophilic esophagitis
- 3.1% of those being treated for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Factors such as age, sex, or previous joint issues don’t appear to increase the risk of joint pain from Dupixent.
People receiving Dupixent for asthma or atopic dermatitis (eczema) didn’t report joint pain, but it could still occur.
Dupixent’s mechanism of action (how it works) is by blocking the signals of two proteins called interleukin (IL) 4 and IL-13. These proteins can release proteins called cytokines, which lead to inflammation in your body. By blocking these proteins, Dupixent reduces inflammation.
Experts don’t fully understand why Dupixent causes joint pain. It’s thought that inhibiting IL-4 and IL-13 might inadvertently increase inflammation caused by another protein (IL-17) in some people. This increased inflammation could contribute to joint pain. However, how Dupixent causes joint pain and how frequently it does so is still being studied.
Tell your doctor about any new or worsening joint symptoms.
Joint aches and pains from Dupixent can start days to months after you receive your first dose. For some people, symptoms resolved as they continued Dupixent treatment, while others recovered after stopping treatment.
Health conditions such as eczema and asthma can increase the risk of joint conditions like osteoporosis. So, it’s important to talk with your doctor if you have joint pain that worsens or is ongoing. They can determine whether your pain is being caused by Dupixent or some other factor.
If you have joint pain during treatment with Dupixent, there are remedies that may help. These include:
- hot or cold packs applied to affected joints
- gentle exercise, such as swimming
- relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises or meditation
If you still have joint pain that’s bothersome, ask your pharmacist to recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), or a topical anti-inflammatory, such as diclofenac (Voltaren Arthritis Pain).
Note: If you have asthma, you should avoid oral anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen (Advil).
If your joint pain is severe or doesn’t go away, talk with your doctor. They may prescribe a medication such as naproxen or methotrexate to help manage your pain. Or they may recommend you stop Dupixent and try a different treatment for your condition.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about joint pain with Dupixent.
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