Dupixent pen and syringe are two different devices used to inject the drug. They’re prefilled with the same amount of Dupixent and share other features, but certain factors make the pen easier to use for some people.
Dupixent (dupilumab) is a brand-name injectable drug prescribed for asthma, eczema, and other inflammatory conditions in some adults and children.
Dupixent comes in two forms: pens and syringes. Each pen or syringe is prefilled with a single dose of Dupixent. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will give your Dupixent doses, or they can show you or a caregiver how to inject doses at home.
When you start Dupixent treatment, you and your doctor will discuss which form (pen or syringe) is right for your (or your child’s) situation.
This article describes how the Dupixent pen and syringe are alike and different. For an in-depth look and details about the drug’s uses, see this Dupixent overview article.
Dupixent pen and Dupixent syringe are used to give Dupixent doses by subcutaneous injection. Dupixent pen and syringe share several features but also have some differences, including needle visibility.
Dupixent pen is an auto-injection system with a hidden needle. You press the pen against your skin to trigger the injection automatically.
Dupixent syringe is a manual injection system with a visible needle. You manually push the needle into your skin and press the plunger rod to deliver the medication. The syringe is designed with a shield that automatically covers the needle after the injection.
Due to these differences, some people find that auto-injectors (pens) are easier to use than traditional syringes. In studies, people who self-injected the drug preferred Dupixent pen over Dupixent syringe for ease of use. However, there were more reports of injection pain with the pen than with the syringe. Learn how to manage injection site pain.
You’ll find key features of Dupixent pen and syringe in the table below. The strengths are in milligrams per milliliter of solution (mg/mL).
| Dupixent pen | Dupixent syringe | |
|---|---|---|
| Approved age group | adults and children ages 2 years and older | adults and children ages 6 months and older |
| Strengths | • 200 mg/1.14 mL • 300 mg/2 mL | • 200 mg/1.14 mL • 300 mg/2 mL |
| Needle | hidden 27-gauge needle | 27-gauge needle with needle shield |
| Injection sites | thigh, abdomen, and upper arm | thigh, abdomen, and upper arm |
| Available packages | pack of two prefilled pens | pack of two prefilled syringes |
Extra supplies you’ll need with either form of the drug include:
- alcohol wipes
- cotton balls or gauze
- a sharps container*
Note: For children younger than 12 years old, a parent or caregiver should give doses of Dupixent. Children ages 12 years and older may self-inject Dupixent with training and adult supervision.
* You’ll dispose of Dupixent pen or syringe using an
Dupixent pen is for use in adults and children ages 2 years and older. If you self-inject your doses at home, your doctor can show you how to inject Dupixent into your thigh or abdomen. The upper arm is also an option if you’re giving a dose of the drug to someone else. Be sure to use Dupixent pen exactly as your doctor prescribes.
In general, you’ll follow these steps:
- About 30 minutes before your dose, remove one Dupixent prefilled pen from the refrigerator. Place it on a flat surface.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe.
- When you’re ready to inject, remove the cap from the pen’s needle cover.
- Place the needle cover on your skin at a 90-degree angle. For children younger than 12 years old, pinch the skin.
- Firmly hold the pen so that you can see the window on the side.
- Press the pen against your skin until you can’t see the needle cover. You’ll hear a click as the injection starts. The pen viewing window will start to turn yellow. The window will turn completely yellow, and then you’ll hear a second click.
- Continue pressing for 5 seconds to make sure you inject the full dose of Dupixent.
- Pull the pen straight up to remove it.
- Discard the pen and cap in your
FDA-clearedTrusted Source sharps disposal container.
For more information, you can watch a Dupixent pen injection video on the manufacturer’s website.
Dupixent syringe is used in adults and children ages 6 months and older. Your doctor will show you or a caregiver how to use the Dupixent syringe. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.
You’ll follow the same general steps as described for Dupixent pen, but there are some exceptions, which are listed here:
- When you’re ready to inject, remove the needle cap from the syringe.
- Pinch a fold of skin at the injection site.
- Push the needle into the fold at a 45-degree angle.
- Relax the fold and press the plunger rod slowly and as far as it will go, until the syringe is empty.
- Lift your thumb off the plunger rod until the needle shield covers the needle.
- Discard the syringe in your
FDA-clearedTrusted Source sharps disposal container.
For more information, you can read the manufacturer’s step-by-step instructions for Dupixent syringe.
Dupixent is given as an injection under the skin in your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. It should not be injected into a muscle or vein. If you think you’ve injected Dupixent the wrong way, call your doctor’s office for guidance. Your doctor will be able to determine whether you received a full dose.
The cost of Dupixent pen versus syringe should be similar, according to the drug manufacturer. For example, a manufacturer’s copay card is available for use with certain forms of insurance. The copay card does not appear to specify Dupixent pen vs. syringe.
However, the cost of Dupixent depends on several factors. To learn more, see this article about Dupixent and cost.
Dupixent pen and Dupixent syringe come in the same strengths, so you can use either device regardless of your Dupixent dosage.
Your doctor can give your Dupixent doses or teach you how to inject them at home. Adults and children ages 2 years and older can use Dupixent pen or syringe. But for children ages 6 months to under 2 years, doctors prescribe Dupixent syringe.
Whether you use Dupixent pen or syringe may depend on which device is easier for you to use. Some people prefer Dupixent pen for ease of use and convenience.
