Eye care for Dupilumab (Dupixent)

Up to 20% of patients receiving Dupixent experience dry or irritable eyes within the first two weeks to six months of treatment, this is Dupilumab Associated Occular Surface Disease (DAOSD). There is evidence that recommends the commencement of lubricating eye drops at the same time as Dupixent to reduce or minimise these side effects.

Symptoms of DAOSD include dry eyes, eye irritation and redness, excessive tears in the eyes, a discharge from the eye, blurred vison, swelling of the eyelids and photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light).

PREVENTION

To reduce the chance of developing DAOSD. 

• If you wear contact, try wear glasses instead.
• Use preservative lubricating eye drops 4 times a day. 

Recommendations: 

• Systane PF vials (~$16)
• Optive Fusion PF vials (~$15)
• Biontears PF vials (~$13.50)
• HyloForte (~$35) – must be replaced every six months

TREATMENT FOR MILD TO MODERATE SYMPTOMS 

If the eyes remain dry after regular use of eye drops for at least two weeks, it is recommended to trial gel or ointment based products and add in an an antihistamine eye drop. Gel/Ointment based products can cause blurred vision and are best applied before going to bed at night. 

Recommended night time eye ointment:

• Genteal gel (~$10) at night
• Poly gel (~$15) at night
• Vita-Pos Night-time ointment (~$25) at night
• Poly Visc ointment (~$25) at night 

Recommended antihistamine eye drop: 

• Ketotifen (Zaditen) (~$20) eyedrops twice a day. 

If you have continued eye irritation, pain, light-sensitivity or eye redness, you should get in touch, a referral to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) may be required if symptoms are ongoing.

*Please note that the costs listed on this handout are approximate and vary between chemists.