How to use Dupixent for nasal polyps?: A Comprehensive Patient Guide

October 11, 2025 •

5 min read

Clinical trials have demonstrated that Dupixent can significantly shrink the size of nasal polyps and improve symptoms like nasal congestion within weeks for many patients with inadequately controlled chronic rhinosinusitis. Learning how to use Dupixent for nasal polyps correctly is essential for patients prescribed this injectable biologic to achieve the best therapeutic results.

Quick Summary

This guide provides detailed instructions on administering Dupixent injections for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, including proper dosage, injection techniques, and site rotation. It also covers what to expect from treatment, potential side effects, and essential safety precautions.

Key Points

Dosage and Schedule: The standard dose for adults and children 12+ with nasal polyps is 300 mg via subcutaneous injection every two weeks.
Injection Technique: After warming to room temperature, inject the medication into the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm following the instructions provided by your doctor.
Injection Site Rotation: To minimize injection site reactions, rotate the location of each injection and avoid tender, bruised, or scarred skin.
Timeline for Improvement: Symptom relief, including improved sense of smell, may begin within days, while more significant reduction in polyp size is typically seen after several weeks to months of consistent treatment.
Professional Training is Mandatory: Never attempt to inject Dupixent until you have received proper, hands-on training from a healthcare provider on how to prepare and administer the injection.
Handle with Care: Dupixent should not be frozen or shaken, and must be used within 14 days if stored at room temperature.
What to Watch For: Monitor for common side effects like injection site reactions and eye problems, and promptly report any severe or unusual symptoms to your doctor.

Understanding Dupixent for Nasal Polyps

Dupixent (dupilumab) is a biologic medication that targets the underlying inflammation responsible for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Instead of just removing the polyps, which can regrow, Dupixent works by blocking the signaling of two key proteins, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13), which drive type 2 inflammation. This targeted approach helps to reduce the size of the polyps and alleviate associated symptoms.

Is Dupixent Right for You?

Dupixent is approved for adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with inadequately controlled CRSwNP. It is often prescribed when standard treatments, such as intranasal corticosteroids or prior surgery, have not been sufficient to control the disease. Your healthcare provider will determine if Dupixent is a suitable treatment option based on your condition's severity and medical history.

Administering Dupixent: Step-by-Step Instructions

Your healthcare provider or a trained caregiver must show you the correct way to prepare and inject Dupixent before you attempt it on your own. Dupixent comes in a pre-filled syringe or pen, and the following steps are for general guidance. Always refer to the detailed 'Instructions for Use' that come with your prescription for the most accurate and specific directions.

Step 1: Preparation

Gather supplies: You will need your Dupixent pre-filled pen or syringe, an alcohol wipe, and a cotton ball or gauze.
Allow to warm: Take the Dupixent pen or syringe out of the refrigerator and place it on a flat surface. Allow it to warm up to room temperature for at least 45 minutes for the 300 mg dose. Do not heat the medication with a microwave, hot water, or direct sunlight.
Inspect the medication: Look at the liquid inside. It should be clear to slightly opalescent, and colorless to pale yellow. Do not use it if it is discolored, cloudy, or contains particles.

Step 2: Choosing and Preparing the Injection Site

Select a site: The recommended injection sites are the stomach (avoiding the 2 inches around the belly button) or the thigh. If a caregiver is administering the injection, the outer area of the upper arm can also be used.
Rotate sites: It is crucial to use a different injection site with each dose to minimize injection site reactions.
Clean the area: Wipe the chosen site with an alcohol wipe and let the skin air dry completely before injecting. Do not touch the area again or blow on it.

Step 3: Performing the Injection (Using a Pre-filled Pen)

Remove the cap: Pull the green (300 mg) cap straight off. Do not twist.
Position the pen: Place the yellow needle cover flat against your skin at a 90-degree angle.
Inject: Press and hold the pen firmly against your skin. You will hear a 'click' as the injection starts.
Wait for completion: Continue holding the pen until a second 'click' is heard and the window turns completely yellow. Hold for an additional 5 seconds to ensure the full dose is delivered.
Remove and dispose: Release the pen from your skin and safely dispose of the used pen in a sharps disposal container.

Potential Side Effects and Management

Dupixent can cause side effects, and it is important to be aware of them. If any side effects are bothersome or persistent, contact your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

Injection site reactions: Redness, pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site are common, especially with the first dose. Rotating injection sites can help.
Eye problems: Inflammation, redness, swelling, itching, or blurred vision may occur. Your doctor might recommend an eye exam if needed.
Oral herpes: Cold sores may appear on or around the mouth.
Eosinophilia: A high count of a certain type of white blood cell can occur.

Serious Side Effects:

Allergic reactions: Though rare, severe allergic reactions are possible. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like swelling of the face, mouth, or throat, hives, or trouble breathing.
Inflammation of blood vessels: This is a rare side effect in people with asthma. Watch for symptoms like fever, pins and needles sensation, or rash, especially if tapering oral steroids.
Joint pain: Report any new or worsening joint symptoms to your doctor.

Timeline for Results

While individual results vary, clinical trials and patient reports offer a general timeline for improvement.

First few days: Some patients experience improved sense of smell or reduced nasal congestion in as little as 2 to 3 days.
Within weeks: Measurable shrinkage of nasal polyps and more noticeable relief from congestion often occur within the first month.
Ongoing treatment: Significant improvements in polyp size and overall symptoms are typically seen around 24 weeks, with sustained benefits continuing with long-term use.

Comparison of Nasal Polyp Treatment Options


Treatment Method	How It Works	Key Benefits	Potential Drawbacks
Dupixent	Biologic injection blocking IL-4/IL-13 to reduce type 2 inflammation.	Treats the underlying inflammation, shrinks polyps, and reduces need for oral steroids or surgery.	Requires ongoing injections, potential side effects like eye or injection site reactions.
Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays	Topical steroids reduce inflammation in nasal passages.	Non-invasive, widely available, effective for mild cases.	Ineffective for severe cases, doesn't address deep inflammation, potential for local irritation.
Oral Corticosteroids	Systemic steroids provide powerful short-term inflammation reduction.	Rapidly reduces symptoms and polyp size.	Not a long-term solution due to severe side effects with prolonged use.
Surgery	Physically removes nasal polyps.	Offers immediate removal of polyps and symptom relief.	High risk of polyp regrowth; does not treat the underlying inflammatory cause.

Conclusion

For patients with inadequately controlled CRSwNP, Dupixent provides a targeted, long-term solution by addressing the underlying type 2 inflammation, which is a key cause of nasal polyps. Self-administering Dupixent is a straightforward process after proper training from a healthcare professional. Following the correct dosage schedule of 300 mg every two weeks, rotating injection sites, and being aware of potential side effects are essential steps for effective treatment. While some symptom relief can occur quickly, consistent use is required for sustained improvement in nasal congestion and polyp size. For more detailed information, consider visiting the official Dupixent injection support center.

Additional Considerations and Precautions

Storage: Keep Dupixent refrigerated between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in its original carton to protect it from light.
Vaccinations: Discuss any upcoming vaccinations with your doctor, as you should not receive 'live vaccines' while on Dupixent.
Other medications: Do not stop or change other prescribed medications, especially corticosteroids, without talking to your doctor first, as this could cause symptoms to reappear.
Reporting side effects: If you experience any concerning side effects, you can report them to the FDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

The recommended dosage for adults and adolescents aged 12 and older with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is 300 mg, administered as a subcutaneous injection once every two weeks.

Dupixent is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). It comes in either a pre-filled pen or syringe. A healthcare provider will train you or a caregiver on the correct technique before you administer it at home.

You can inject Dupixent into your thigh or abdomen, making sure to avoid the 2-inch area around your belly button. The outer area of the upper arm can also be used if a caregiver administers the injection.

While individual results vary, some patients may notice an improved sense of smell within days and reduced nasal congestion in as little as two weeks. Significant reduction in polyp size is typically observed around 24 weeks.

If you miss an every-2-week dose, administer the injection as soon as possible within 7 days. If more than 7 days have passed, administer the dose and start a new every-2-week schedule from that date.

Common side effects include injection site reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation (conjunctivitis), oral herpes, a high eosinophil count, and joint pain.

No, you should not stop or change any of your other medications, such as corticosteroids, without first consulting your healthcare provider. This may cause symptoms that were controlled by those medications to return.

Dupixent should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) in its original carton to protect it from light. It can be kept at room temperature for a maximum of 14 days, but must be used or discarded within that time.