A Patient Guide on How to Inject DUPIXENT Properly

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Before attempting self-administration, patients and caregivers must receive proper training from a healthcare provider on how to inject DUPIXENT properly. This guide provides a detailed overview of the process, covering essential preparation, technique, and disposal for both the pre-filled pen and syringe.

Quick Summary

A step-by-step guide for patients and caregivers on administering Dupixent using either the pre-filled pen or syringe. It covers preparation, choosing an injection site, the specific injection process for each device, and proper disposal of the medication.

Key Points

Prepare Properly: Allow DUPIXENT to warm to room temperature for 30-45 minutes and gather all necessary supplies before beginning the injection.
Rotate Sites: Choose a different injection site—thigh, stomach (avoiding the navel area), or upper arm (by a caregiver)—for every dose to prevent tissue damage and discomfort.
Clean and Dry: Use an alcohol wipe to clean the injection site, ensuring the skin is completely dry before injecting to reduce the risk of irritation.
Understand Your Device: Familiarize yourself with the specific steps for your device; the pre-filled pen is automatic and is held at a 90-degree angle, while the syringe is manual and inserted at a 45-degree angle.
Dispose Safely: Immediately place the used pen or syringe into an FDA-cleared sharps container after use and follow local regulations for disposal.
Do Not Rub: Avoid rubbing the injection site after the dose is delivered, as this can impact medication absorption.

Understanding DUPIXENT and Your Injection

DUPIXENT (dupilumab) is a medication used to treat conditions like atopic dermatitis, asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps by targeting a specific pathway of the immune system. It is administered via subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected under the skin. Patients may receive a pre-filled syringe or a pre-filled pen, and the administration process differs slightly for each. Regardless of the device, proper technique is crucial to ensure the full dose is received and to minimize discomfort and risk of complications.

Preparing for Your DUPIXENT Injection

Proper preparation is the foundation of a safe and successful injection. Always perform these steps before you begin:

Gather Your Supplies: Find a clean, flat surface and assemble your DUPIXENT device (pen or syringe), an alcohol wipe, a cotton ball or gauze, and a sharps disposal container.
Check the Device: Inspect the pen or syringe to ensure you have the correct dose and check the expiration date. The liquid should be clear and colorless to pale yellow; if it is discolored, cloudy, or contains particles, do not use it. A small air bubble is normal.
Warm to Room Temperature: Remove the device from the refrigerator and let it warm up naturally. Do not heat it. For a 300 mg dose, this takes at least 45 minutes, while a 200 mg dose needs at least 30 minutes.
Wash Your Hands: Use soap and water to wash your hands thoroughly before handling the injection device.

Choosing and Preparing the Injection Site

Selecting the correct injection site is important for absorption and comfort. Rotate your injection site with every dose to prevent irritation.

Suitable Sites: Options include your thigh or your stomach, avoiding the 2-inch area around the belly button. If a caregiver is administering the injection, they can also use the outer area of the upper arm.
Site Condition: Do not inject into skin that is tender, damaged, bruised, or scarred.
Clean the Skin: Wipe the chosen injection site with an alcohol wipe and let it dry completely. Do not touch the cleaned area or blow on it before the injection.

Step-by-Step Guide for the DUPIXENT Pre-filled Pen

This device is an autoinjector with a hidden needle, making it a simpler process for many patients.

Remove the Cap: Pull the pen cap straight off when you are ready to inject. Do not twist and do not put the cap back on.
Position the Pen: Place the pen's needle cover squarely against your skin at a 90-degree angle. For adults and children aged 12 and over, pinching the skin is not necessary.
Start the Injection: Press and hold the pen firmly against your skin. You will hear a 'click' indicating the injection has started.
Wait for the Second Click: Continue holding the pen firmly. The window will turn completely yellow, and you will hear a second 'click'. Wait 5 seconds after the second click to ensure the full dose is delivered.
Remove the Pen: Lift the pen straight up from the skin. The needle cover will automatically lock into place, shielding the needle.

Step-by-Step Guide for the DUPIXENT Pre-filled Syringe

This manual device gives you more control over the injection speed and is suitable for all ages.

Remove the Needle Cap: Hold the syringe body and pull the needle cap straight off. Do not put it back on or touch the needle.
Pinch the Skin: Gently pinch a fold of skin at the cleaned injection site.
Insert the Needle: Insert the needle completely into the pinched skin at a 45-degree angle.
Inject Slowly: Relax your pinch and push the plunger down slowly and steadily until the syringe is empty. Some resistance is normal.
Remove the Syringe: Release your thumb from the plunger, allowing the needle shield to cover the needle. Then, remove the syringe from the injection site.

Comparing the DUPIXENT Pen and Syringe


Feature	DUPIXENT Pre-filled Pen	DUPIXENT Pre-filled Syringe
Mechanism	Auto-injection; spring-loaded	Manual injection; plunger-based
Needle Visibility	Hidden during the process	Visible throughout the injection
Angle of Injection	90-degree angle to the skin	45-degree angle to the skin
Control of Speed	Automatic and fixed rate	Manual, patient controls the speed
Key Indicator	Two audible clicks and a yellow window	Slow and steady plunger push
Best For	Adults and children 2+ years seeking ease of use	Adults and children 6+ months, allowing for greater control

After the Injection and Proper Disposal

After successfully injecting DUPIXENT, follow these final steps:

Aftercare: Lightly press a cotton ball or gauze on the injection site if there is any bleeding. Do not rub the skin, as this can affect absorption.
Disposal: Immediately place the used pen or syringe in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container. Never throw used devices in household trash. Follow local guidelines for disposing of the full sharps container.

Conclusion

Administering DUPIXENT at home is a manageable process when done correctly. Following these detailed steps for preparation, injection, and disposal is critical to ensure patient safety and medication effectiveness. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized training and to address any concerns or questions. For additional resources, visit the official DUPIXENT website.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you miss a dose, inject it within 7 days. If it's been more than 7 days, inject the dose and begin a new dosing schedule from that date. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions.

No, injecting DUPIXENT while it's cold can cause increased pain or a burning sensation. Always let the device warm naturally to room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before injecting.

If the liquid appears discolored, cloudy, or contains visible particles or flakes, do not use it. Contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider for a replacement.

The best sites are the thigh or abdomen, avoiding the area within 2 inches of the belly button. A caregiver can also inject into the outer area of the upper arm. Rotate the site for every injection.

DUPIXENT is a subcutaneous injection, not an intramuscular one. If you believe you have injected it into a muscle, contact your doctor immediately to determine if you received the correct dose.

For the pre-filled pen, you will hear a second 'click' and see the window turn completely yellow. You should hold the pen firmly against your skin for 5 seconds after the second click to confirm the full dose was delivered.

The injection itself is quick, taking only a matter of seconds. However, you must allow 30-45 minutes for the medication to warm to room temperature beforehand.