Why Injection Technique Matters
Injecting a medication like Dupixent correctly is vital for its effectiveness and patient safety. Dupixent is a biologic drug administered via subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, which means the medication is delivered into the fatty layer of tissue below the dermis. Using the wrong technique, such as injecting into the muscle, can alter how the body absorbs the medicine, potentially affecting its efficacy and increasing injection site discomfort or pain. The practice of pinching the skin is a simple method used to gather the fatty tissue and pull it away from the muscle, creating a targeted area for the needle. The difference in technique depends on the specific device prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Dupixent Device Types: Pre-filled Pen vs. Pre-filled Syringe
Dupixent is available in two main formats for at-home use: a pre-filled pen (autoinjector) and a pre-filled syringe. The key differences in their design directly impact the recommended injection technique.
- Pre-filled Pen (Autoinjector): This device features a hidden needle and automates the injection process after it's pressed against the skin. Its automated, spring-loaded mechanism is designed to deliver the medication quickly and consistently at a 90-degree angle, making the need for manual skin pinching unnecessary for older patients. You simply press and hold.
- Pre-filled Syringe: This is a manual injection system with a visible needle. The patient or caregiver controls the needle insertion and the speed of the plunger to deliver the medication. For this device, pinching the skin is a required step to ensure proper subcutaneous delivery.
Pinching the Skin: When and Why
The decision to pinch the skin is determined by the device and the patient's age. Following the manufacturer's specific instructions is the most important step to ensure a successful injection.
For the Pre-filled Pen:
For patients using the Dupixent pre-filled pen, the instructions are clear and vary by age:
- Adults and adolescents (12 years and older): Pinching the skin is not necessary. The autoinjector design ensures the needle reaches the subcutaneous layer without manual manipulation of the skin. You simply press the pen firmly against the injection site.
- Children (2 years to less than 12 years): Pinching the skin is required. For this younger age group, a caregiver must pinch a fold of skin before and during the injection to ensure the medication goes into the fatty tissue and not the muscle.
For the Pre-filled Syringe:
Regardless of age, the process for using the Dupixent pre-filled syringe consistently requires pinching the skin:
- All patients (6 months and older): Pinch a fold of skin at the injection site. After inserting the needle at a 45-degree angle into the fold, you relax the pinch while pushing the plunger slowly and steadily to inject the medication.
| Feature | Dupixent Pre-filled Pen | Dupixent Pre-filled Syringe |
|---|---|---|
| Pinching (Adults 12+) | Not needed | Required |
| Pinching (Children 2 to <12) | Required | Required |
| Needle Visibility | Hidden before injection | Visible before injection |
| Injection Control | Automatic, spring-loaded | Manual plunge control |
| Typical Angle | 90-degree angle | 45-degree angle into pinched fold |
Best Practices for a Smooth Injection
Following proper procedures can minimize discomfort and ensure the full dose is administered. Always receive training from a healthcare professional before attempting a self-injection.
- Prepare the Medication: Allow the Dupixent syringe or pen to warm up to room temperature for the recommended time (30 or 45 minutes, depending on the dose) by leaving it on a flat surface. Never heat it artificially.
- Rotate Injection Sites: Alternate between approved injection sites—the thighs or abdomen (avoiding the 2 inches around the navel). A caregiver can also use the outer area of the upper arm. Rotating sites reduces irritation, scarring, and bruising.
- Clean the Site: Use an alcohol wipe to clean the chosen injection site and let the skin air-dry completely. Do not touch the site after cleaning.
- Inject and Remove: Once the injection is complete (indicated by a click for the pen or the syringe's plunger reaching the end), remove the device straight out of the skin. Do not twist or pull at an angle.
- Do Not Rub: After removing the needle, do not rub the injection site. Applying light pressure with a cotton ball or gauze is acceptable if there is a small amount of blood.
- Safe Disposal: Place the used syringe or pen into an FDA-approved sharps disposal container immediately after use to prevent accidental needle sticks.
Conclusion: Device and Patient Age are Key
The core takeaway for patients and caregivers is that the need to pinch the skin when injecting Dupixent is not a universal rule. Instead, it is a specific instruction dictated by the device and the patient's age. For adults and adolescents (12+), the pre-filled pen's automated mechanism makes pinching unnecessary, while the manual control of the pre-filled syringe requires it. For younger children (under 12), pinching is always required regardless of the device. Following your healthcare provider's training and carefully reading the 'Instructions for Use' included in your Dupixent packaging will ensure the correct, safest, and most effective injection technique is used every time.
For more detailed information on injection techniques, consult the official Dupixent website or your healthcare provider.
