Is abreva safe to use during pregnancy

Understanding Cold Sores: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

A cold sore, also known as oral herpes or a fever blister, is an itchy, painful blister that usually appears on your lip or around your mouth. Cold sore blisters typically go away on their own within a couple of weeks.^v A cold sore is sometimes confused with a canker sore, but it’s easy to tell the difference. A canker sore is always inside your mouth and doesn’t have the tingling, itching, or burning sensation that precedes a cold sore.
 

What Causes Cold Sores?

The herpes simplex virus – known as HSV-1 and HSV-2 – is the sole cause of cold sores. However, most cases are due to HSV-1, which is far more common, affecting around half of all American adults,compared to roughly 1 in 8 for HSV-2 variant.ⁱ

Once you’ve caught the virus, it lies dormant in a nerve sheath until something triggers it into becoming active. Cold sore triggers may vary between people, but common ones include:

• UV light from the sun or sunbeds
• Stress
• Illness
• Tiredness
• Injury to the area
• Hormonal change

The Best Cold Sores Treatment

Although the virus isn’t curable, treatment can significantly shorten the time your cold sore lasts. Abreva® Cream works by blocking the spread of the virus to healthy skin cells.* In a clinical study, it could clear up cold sores in just 2½ days^* when applied at the first sign of symptoms – a significant improvement on the usual 8–10 days without treatment. For best results, apply Abreva® Cream five times a day, starting with the first tingle.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about cold sores.

*Based on laboratory studies.

What Are the Stages of a Cold Sore?

1. There are five distinct stages of a cold sore:^v
2. A tingling, itching, or burning sensation that acts as a warning to apply Abreva® Cream.
3. A group of small, fluid-filled, painful blisters appears, usually on or around your lips or mouth. The surrounding area may be red and swollen.
4. The blisters bursts, oozing fluid.
5. A scab forms as the blisters dry out.
6. The scab gradually flakes off.

How Can I Ease the Pain of a Cold Sore?

Over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are effective at easing the swelling of cold sores. Local anesthetic creams, such as lidocaine or benzocaine, temporarily block nerve signals in your skin, numbing pain and stopping itching and irritation.

Alternatively, reduce inflammation, swelling, pain, and itching by holding an icepack covered with a thin cloth or a cold, wet washcloth to the area for up to 20 minutes.ⁱⁱ 

Do Natural Remedies Work?

There’s no scientific evidence that natural remedies such as lysine, lemon juice, acetone or witch hazel are effective against cold sores. Some, such as ice, may provide short-term relief, but won’t treat a cold sore. Opt instead for a treatment supported by scientific evidence such as Abreva® Cream. It contains the only non-prescription ingredient approved by the FDA to shorten the duration of a cold sore. ^vi

When Are Cold Sores Contagious?

Cold sores are contagious from the first moment you feel the characteristic tingle, itch, or burn to the time the sore has completely disappeared. During this time, the virus can spread, even when there isn't a blister. The most contagious time, however, is when the blisters burst.^vii

How Are Cold Sores Spread?

If you have a cold sore, the infection can spread to other parts of your body or other people. Cold sores spread through broken skin or mucous membranes, including the moist surface of your mouth, eyes, or genitals. You can also spread it to other people through saliva or skin-to-skin contact. Most people catch HSV-1, the type of herpes simplex virus that causes most cold sores, in childhood through a kiss from an infected person.^vii

How Can I Avoid Spreading Cold Sores?

To avoid spreading the virus to other parts of your body or other people: ^vii

• Use a disposable applicator, rather than your fingers, to apply Abreva® Cream, sunscreen, lip balm or make-up.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after touching your cold sore.
• Avoid touching your eyes – wash hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses.
• Don’t share items that may have come into contact with your saliva, such as toothbrushes, cutlery, cups, glasses, cold sore cream, lipsticks or lip balm.
• Avoid sexual contact – including kissing – until your cold sore has completely disappeared.

Can I Date With a Cold Sore?

Absolutely, but be honest with your date and let them know that you can’t have sexual contact – including kissing – until your cold sore has disappeared completely. You should also avoid sharing personal items such as cutlery, straws, or toothbrushes.

Can I Prevent Cold Sore Breakouts?

You can significantly reduce your risk of a cold sore by getting to know your triggers and avoiding or managing them. The most common triggers are UV light from the sun or sunbeds, stress, illness, tiredness, injury to the area, and hormonal changes. ^vii

For instance, if your trigger is UV light, wear a sunscreen of SPF30+ when you go outside. Generally looking after your immunity by getting plenty of sleep, eating healthily and managing stress will reduce your overall risk.

Are Cold Sores Serious?

Cold sores are minor ailments, but there can be potential complications if they affect:

• Babies – Infants and babies can’t fight the virus easily as their immune systems haven't yet fully developed. If the virus infects a baby's vital organs, it can be potentially fatal.ⁱⁱⁱ
• People with weakened immunity – The virus can spread easily and cause far more severe complications in people with weak immune systems caused by cancer treatment, illness and conditions such as diabetes and HIV.^iv
• Your eyes – Your sight may be at risk if the virus reaches the inner part of your cornea, the transparent layer at the front of your eye, and is left untreated. ^iv

When Should I Consult My Doctor?

See your doctor or healthcare professional if:

• Your symptoms haven’t cleared up in 10 days or keep coming back.
• The infection has spread to your eye area.
• You have weakened immunity either through cancer treatment or a condition such as diabetes or HIV.
• You have sores on your genitals.

Affect on Baby and Safe Treatments

If you’ve ever had cold sores — those annoying, painful, tiny, fluid-filled blisters that usually form around your mouth and on your lips — you know how inconvenient they can be.

But also if you’ve ever had cold sores (and therefore already have the virus that causes them), did you know they can recur, especially when you’re under stress or are undergoing hormonal fluctuations?

Stress and hormonal changes. That sounds an awful lot like pregnancy.

Cold sores in pregnancy aren’t unheard of, and they don’t usually have any impact on your growing baby. So first, let out a deep sigh of relief. Next, read on — because there are still important things to know about cold sores if you’re expecting.

Cold sores are caused by a virus — the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Of the two types of HSV, cold sores are generally caused by HSV-1, whereas genital herpes is usually a result of exposure to HSV-2. There have been a few instances where HSV-1 sores have been found in the genitals and vice versa.

Once you’ve had a cold sore (oral herpes), the virus remains in your system for life — it’s just not active unless you have a current outbreak.

But when we say that stress and hormones can cause the virus to reactivate, it’s important to know that stress and hormones don’t cause the virus in the first place.

If you’ve never had HSV, you can only get it through contact with someone who has. When it comes to a first-time cold sore infection, this can happen via activities like:

• kissing
• sharing food or utensils
• using someone else’s ChapStick or lip gloss
• oral sex

Here’s the really good news: If you already have the virus that causes cold sores, and you have an outbreak of oral herpes during pregnancy, it’s most likely not going to have any impact on your growing baby.

Cold sores are a localized infection, usually around the mouth area. They don’t typically cross the placenta and reach your baby.

The highest risk scenario is if you get HSV for the first time during your third trimester of pregnancy.

When you get the virus for the first time, your body hasn’t developed any protective antibodies to it yet. And while HSV-1 is usually associated with oral herpes, it can cause a genital herpes outbreak, which can be dangerous to your baby — especially as they pass through the birth canal.

Birth-acquired herpes is serious. However, it’s a concern with genital rather than oral herpes. That being said, because the same virus can cause both, it’s important to talk to your OB about any cold sores during pregnancy.

The most common treatment for cold sores is docosanol (Abreva), an over-the-counter topical cream. But the Food and Drug Administration hasn’t evaluated it for safety in pregnancy.

While some research has determined that it’s “likely safe” during pregnancy, at least one pharmaceutical company that manufactures the drug warns against using it unless it’s definitely needed — which really means you need to check with your doctor. There may be other treatments you should try first.

If you’ve had herpes in the past, your doctor may recommend antivirals — like acyclovir or valacyclovir — starting at week 36 and continuing until delivery of your baby, even if you don’t have a current outbreak of lesions around the genital area. This helps prevent reactivation and spread of the virus to the genital area.

This precaution is because you shouldn’t expose your baby to herpes in the vaginal area during delivery.

Alternatively, your doctor may suggest a cesarean delivery, which avoids the birth canal altogether — something that’s especially important if you have a current outbreak of genital herpes.

Cold sores are highly contagious, despite the fact that they won’t affect your baby in the womb. If you have them after your baby is born, avoid kissing those adorable little cheeks or touching any sores and then touching your newborn without first washing your hands with soap.

In the extremely rare event that you have cold sores on either breast, avoid breastfeeding from that breast while you’re still contagious.

Your cold sores are contagious until they crust over, at which point they’ll start to heal.

If you do pass a cold sore infection on to your newborn, it’s known as neonatal herpes. While not as serious as the birth-acquired version, it can still cause serious complications in a baby who hasn’t yet developed a robust immune system.

The cold sore on your mouth is likely to be more of an annoyance to you than a serious risk to your developing baby, particularly in your first two trimesters of pregnancy and especially if you’ve had one before. But you should still let your OB know about it.

The virus that causes cold sores — usually HSV-1 — can also cause genital herpes, which is more of a risk to your pregnancy and growing little one.

If you have an outbreak in your third trimester — or if you acquire the virus for the first time in your third trimester — your doctor may want you to follow certain treatment or precautionary guidelines, like antivirals or a cesarean delivery.

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• Overview
• Benefits
• Side effects
• Precautions
• Interactions
• Contraindications

Overview

Abreva Cream / Abreva Cream is used to treat cold sores or fever blisters and other conditions.

Abreva Cream contains Docosanol as an active ingredient. Available in cream form.

Detailed information regarding the use, composition, dosage, side effects of Abreva Cream, as well as user reviews are provided below:

Uses and symptoms:

• Herpes or fever blisters

Learn more: Benefits

Side effects

The following is a list of possible side effects that may be caused by the ingredients of Abreva Cream. This list is not final. These side effects have been recorded previously, but are not always recorded when using the drug. Some of these side effects may be extremely rare, but have incredibly severe consequences. If you notice any side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Especially in the case of observing side effects for a long time. nine0004

• Redness of the skin
• Swelling
• Dizziness
• Difficulty breathing

If you experience side effects not listed above, please contact your healthcare provider for advice. In addition, you can report side effects to your local Food and Drug Administration.

Precautions

Before starting this drug, tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, dietary supplements (such as vitamins, natural supplements, etc.), allergies, existing medical conditions, and current health conditions (such as pregnancy, upcoming surgery, and etc.). The side effects of the drug may be more pronounced depending on the state of your body. Take this medicine as directed by your doctor, or follow the directions for use that come with your medicine. The dosage of the drug depends on your condition. Tell your doctor if there is no change or if your condition worsens. Important points to discuss with your healthcare provider are listed below. nine0004

• Pregnant women planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding

To obtain this information, please consult your therapist, pharmacist or get acquainted with the information on the packaging of the product.

Hypersensitivity to Abreva Cream is a contraindication. In addition, Abreva Cream should not be used if you have the following conditions:

• hypersensitivity

Composition and active ingredients

Abreva Cream contains the following active ingredients (salts)

• Docosanol

each of the active ingredients listed above.

Packing Options and Strengths

Abreva Cream is available in the following packages and strengths

Available packages of Abreva Cream / Abreva Cream: 10%

FAQ

• Should I use this product on an empty stomach, before or after meals?

  TabletWise.com users have reported using Abreva Cream anytime. However, this information may not apply to your specific situation. Please check with your healthcare provider for a schedule. Click here and view survey results to find out what other patients report as timing of using Abreva Cream. nine0004

• Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery while using this product?

  If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension or a headache as side-effects when using Abreva Cream medicine then it may not be safe to drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery. You should stop driving if taking this medicine makes you drowsy, dizzy, or hypotensive. Doctors recommend that you stop drinking alcohol with such drugs, because. alcohol greatly increases the side effects and drowsiness. Please check for these effects on your body when using Abreva Cream. Be sure to consult your doctor for advice based on the characteristics of your body and general health. nine0004

• Is this drug (product) addictive or addictive?

  Most drugs are not habit-forming or addictive. In most cases, the state classifies drugs that can be addictive as controlled dispensing drugs. For example, schedule H or X in India and schedule II-V in the USA. Please check the information on the drug packaging to make sure that this drug is not in the controlled category. Also, do not self-medicate or accustom your body to medications without consulting your doctor. nine0004

• Can I stop using this product immediately or do I need to slowly stop using it?

  Some medications need to be stopped gradually due to a rebound effect. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider for advice based on your body, general health, and other medications you may be taking.

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More information about Abreva Cream

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• What are the side effects of Abreva Cream?
• What other medicines does Abreva Cream interact with? nine0008
• When should you not use Abreva Cream?
• What precautions should you take while using Abreva Cream?

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All about Dupixent - Drink-Drink

Side effects of Dupixent, such as joint pain, can vary among people with different medical conditions. For example, joint pain was a common side effect in studies of people who took Dupixent to treat chronic sinusitis (long-term swelling of the sinuses) with nasal polyps. (Polyps are growths of tissue that can make breathing through the nose difficult.)

But joint pain is not usually a common side effect in people taking Dupixent for eczema or asthma. nine0004

Joints are the places in your body where your bones meet, such as your elbows, hips, and knees. Joint pain may be felt as pain or soreness, which may be aggravated by movement.

Here are some tips you can do at home to relieve joint pain:

• Stretch daily and before exercise to maintain a healthy range of motion in your joints.
• Stay physically active to keep your joints strong. nine0008
• Listen to your body and let your joints rest when needed if they hurt.
• Consider over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Some examples include acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a topical product that is applied to the skin, such as diclofenac gel (Voltaren). If you're not sure if over-the-counter pain relievers are safe for you, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor if your joint pain doesn't get better or gets worse with these tips. They may want to examine you for other causes of joint pain. Or they may suggest other ways to reduce pain. nine0004

eye problems

Mild to severe vision problems have occurred in people treated with Dupixent.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is a common side effect in people taking eczema medication. Although this side effect is less common, it has also been seen in people receiving Dupixent for chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps. Conjunctivitis has not been reported as a side effect in people taking the drug for asthma.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis may include swelling, itching, and redness of the eyes and eyelids. nine0004

Serious vision problems such as corneal ulcers are also possible with Dupixent. Symptoms of this condition include eye pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. If you develop these symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

It is also possible that Dupixent may cause eye pain or vision problems. If you have problems with your eyes or vision while taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.

Itching or irritation of the eyes due to conjunctivitis can be troubling, but usually not serious. You can feel relief just by applying a cool compress. You can also try over-the-counter itchy eye drops such as ketotifen (Alaway, Zaditor).

If you have eye crusts, colored mucus, or a fever, this could be an eye infection. If this happens or your eye symptoms become severe, call your doctor. They may recommend treatment with eye drops or prescription medications. nine0004

If you notice changes in vision or eye pain, you should not wait until it goes away on its own. Just in case, call your doctor. They may suggest the following steps to help manage your vision problems.

Herpes due to herpes virus

Dupixent does not cause herpes infection. But if the virus is already inside your body, Dupixent may increase your risk of getting cold sores (oral herpes). Herpes is a common side effect in people taking this drug. nine0004

Herpes may appear on the lips or in the mouth. These are small blisters that are usually caused by the herpes virus. Sometimes people notice itching or tingling in the lips or mouth before the cold sore appears.

Untreated, cold sores usually go away on their own within 1 to 2 weeks.

Some over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) medicines can make cold sores heal faster. Examples of these treatments include:

• Abreva (OTC)
• Denavir (Rx)
• Valtrex (Rx)

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Dupixent. Allergic reactions have been reported in studies of Dupixent, but these have been rare.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction may include:

• skin rash
• itching
• redness (temporary warmth, redness, or increased skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include swelling under the skin, usually on the eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They may also include swelling of the tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause breathing problems. nine0004

Some people who had allergic reactions during Dupixent's studies developed the following symptoms:

• urticaria (raised, itchy bumps on the skin)
• erythema nodosum (reddish or discolored, painful bumps under the skin, usually on the legs)
• serum sickness (immune system reaction that causes fever, rash, and joint pain or swelling)

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Dupixent. But if you think you need a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

How is Dupixent administered?

Your doctor will tell you how to administer Dupixent. They will also explain how much to inject and how often. Be sure to follow their instructions.

Dupixent Injection

Dupixent is available as a liquid solution in pre-filled syringes. Each syringe contains one dose.

You will receive Dupixent as an injection under the skin.

You can get Dupixent injections at your doctor's office. Or, after your healthcare provider shows you how to do it, you can inject yourself. nine0004

You can view step-by-step instructions for injecting Dupixent on the manufacturer's website.

Dupixent injection sites

For each Dupixent injection, you can choose one of the following injection sites:

• thigh
• abdomen, but no closer than 2 inches from the navel
• external upper arm, but only if your caregiver gives you an injection 9000 3005 When choosing an injection site, avoid painful skin, bruising, or scarring. Also, it is better to choose a different site for Dupixent injection each time. nine0004

  Taking Dupixent with other drugs

  Doctors often prescribe Dupixent with other types of medicines.

  Some examples of other types of medicines you can take with Dupixent include:

  • topical corticosteroids for atopic dermatitis (eczema)
  • inhaled corticosteroids or rescue inhalers for asthma
  • nasal corticosteroids or nasal decongestants for asthma nine0008

  If you have any questions about taking other medicines with Dupixent, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

  Questions about taking Dupixent

  Here are some frequently asked questions about taking Dupixent.

  • Should I take Dupixent with food? Because you will be injecting Dupixent under your skin, what you eat will not affect how the drug works in your body.
  • What should I know about Dupixent storage? How long can it be kept out of the refrigerator? nine0054 Store Dupixent in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Once you have taken Dupixent out of the refrigerator, you must allow the drug to warm to room temperature before injecting it. Depending on which mold you are using, you may need to leave it out of the refrigerator for 30 or 45 minutes. Dupixent can be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for up to 14 days. After that, it must be thrown away. Be sure to store Dupixent in its original packaging to protect the drug from light. nine0008
  • How do I stop taking Dupixent? If you and your doctor decide that you will stop your treatment with Dupixent, you simply will not take additional doses. There are no special instructions for stopping Dupixent.

  Questions to ask your doctor

  You may have questions about Dupixent and your treatment plan. It is important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

  Here are some tips to help you in your discussion:

  • Before the meeting, write down questions such as:
    • How will Dupixent affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
  • Take someone with you to the meeting if it makes you feel more comfortable.
  • If you do not understand something about your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

  Remember that your doctor and other healthcare professionals are always available to help you. And they want you to get the best possible care. So don't be afraid to ask questions or leave feedback about your treatment. nine0004

  What is the dosage of Dupixent?

  Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Dupixent that is right for you. The following are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor has prescribed.

  Form

  Dupixent is available as a liquid solution in pre-filled syringes. Each syringe contains one dose.

  You will receive Dupixent as an injection under the skin.

  You can get Dupixent injections at your doctor's office. Or, after your healthcare provider shows you how to do it, you can inject yourself. nine0004

  Recommended dosage

  For certain applications of Dupixent, you will start with a loading dose. For a loading dose, the drug is started at a higher dose than subsequent doses. Loading doses deliver more of the drug to the body to relieve symptoms more quickly.

  Loading dose of Dupixent is usually given in the doctor's office. It involves two injections in two different areas of your body.

  Your Dupixent dosing schedule will be based on the condition it is being used to treat and your age. For example:

  • In adults, the dose for atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a loading dose of Dupixent followed by one dose every two weeks.
  • In adults, the asthma treatment dose is a loading dose of Dupixent followed by one dose every two weeks.
  • In adults, the dose for chronic sinusitis is one dose of Dupixent every other week. A loading dose is not recommended for this condition.
  • Pediatric doses for children are as follows:
    • Children 6 years of age and older with eczema receive a loading dose of Dupixent followed by one dose every 4 weeks.
    • Children 12 years of age and older with asthma receive a loading dose of Dupixent and then one dose every two weeks.
    • Children aged 6 to 11 with asthma receive a dose of Dupixent either every two weeks or every 4 weeks.

  You can see more detailed information about the dosage of Dupixent in this article. nine0004

  Dupixent Dosage Questions

  Below are some common questions about Dupixent dosage.

  • What if I miss a dose of Dupixent? If you miss a dose of Dupixent, give it within 7 days of missing it. But if you miss a dose by more than 7 days, skip the missed dose. Then wait until it's time to take your next scheduled dose of Dupixent.
  • Do I need to use Dupixent for a long time? nine0054 Dupixent is intended for long-term use. If you and your doctor decide that Dupixent is safe and effective for you, you are likely to take it for a long time.
  • How long does Dupixent last? Dupixent starts working in your body after the first injection. But it can take several weeks to months before you notice relief of symptoms.

  How much does Dupixent cost?

  The cost of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. For current Dupixent pricing in your area, visit WellRx.com. nine0004

  If you have questions about how to pay for a prescription, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Dupixent manufacturer's website for support options.

  What is Dupixent used for?

  Your doctor may prescribe Dupixent if you have certain forms:

  • atopic dermatitis (eczema)
  • asthma
  • chronic sinusitis (swelling of the sinuses) with nasal polyps

  your immune system. Read on to learn more about these conditions and how Dupixent is used for them. nine0004

  Moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema)

  Dupixent is used for eczema in adults and children 6 years of age and older. It is prescribed when medications applied to the skin do not manage the symptoms of eczema. It is also an option to try when these drugs cannot be used.

  With eczema, you get dry, itchy patches on your skin that can develop into a rash. Certain triggers, such as scented soaps or detergents, can cause eczema to flare up. Eczema is a skin condition that is most common in children but can continue into adulthood. nine0004

  For the treatment of eczema, Dupixent can be used alone or with corticosteroids applied to the skin.

  Moderate to severe asthma

  Dupixent is used as adjunctive treatment for certain types of asthma in adults and children 6 years of age and older. (As an adjunctive treatment, it is used along with one or more other medicines.) These types of asthma include:

  • eosinophilic asthma, which is associated with high levels of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the body. nine0008
  • asthma that must be treated with corticosteroids taken by mouth, such as prednisolone

  Asthma is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes inflammation (swelling) and narrowing of the airways. Asthma symptoms may include:

  • wheezing
  • shortness of breath
  • chest tightness
  • coughing
  • increased mucus

  Some triggers, such as sudden exacerbation of symptoms, cold weather, can cause asthma symptoms. This is called an asthma attack. nine0004

  It is important to note that Dupixent should not be used to treat an asthma attack. Instead, you should use a rescue inhaler to relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack. Albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA) is an example of a rescue inhaler.

  Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps

  Dupixent is used in adults to treat chronic (long-term) sinusitis (swelling of the sinuses) with nasal polyps. (Polyps are growths on the inside of the nose.) Dupixent is used as an adjunctive treatment in people who are already using other treatments but whose symptoms are still poorly controlled. (As an adjunctive treatment, it is used along with one or more other medicines.)

  Your sinuses are hollow spaces behind your nose, forehead, and cheekbones. Sinusitis occurs when your sinuses become inflamed (swollen) due to allergies, recurrent sinus infections, or other causes. Symptoms of sinusitis typically include:

  • runny nose
  • stuffy nose
  • pain or pressure on the face, especially around the eyes and nose
  • sore throat due to postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of the throat)
  • decreased sense of smell

  If you have sinusitis for more than 3 months, it is considered chronic sinusitis. Over time, nasal polyps can form in the inflamed sinus tissue. They can make it difficult to breathe through your nose.

  As an adjunctive treatment for this condition, Dupixent is used with one or more other treatments.

  What are the frequently asked questions about Dupixent?

  Find answers to some frequently asked questions about Dupixent.

  Is Dupixent used to treat cancer, dyshidrotic eczema, alopecia or psoriasis? nine0313

  No, Dupixent is only approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema), asthma and chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps. For these conditions, see "What is Dupixent used for?" section above.

  But it is possible that healthcare professionals may prescribe this drug off-label for other conditions. (When used off-label, the drug is used to treat a condition other than the one for which it was approved.)

  If you have questions about the effectiveness of Dupixent for other conditions, talk to your doctor. nine0004

  Can Dupixent cause weight gain, hair loss, diarrhea or headaches?

  Dupixent should not cause weight gain, hair loss, diarrhea or headache. These problems were not reported as side effects during drug trials.

  Be aware that other drugs may be used with Dupixent. These drugs, such as corticosteroids, often cause multiple side effects.

  If you have concerns about any side effects while using Dupixent, talk to your doctor. nine0004

  Where can I find before and after pictures of Dupixent treatment?

  You can view the results of treatment with Dupixent for adults and children with eczema on the Dupixent manufacturer's website.

  How does Dupixent work? And what is its half-life?

  Eczema, asthma and chronic sinusitis are aggravated by inflammation (swelling of the body). Dupixent helps reduce the symptoms of these conditions by reducing inflammation.

  Specifically, Dupixent's mechanism of action is to block certain proteins from binding to their receptors (attachment sites) in your immune system. These proteins are called interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). nine0004

  Normally, when IL-4 and IL-13 bind to their receptors, your immune system releases cytokines. And this release of cytokines leads to inflammation.

  The exact half-life of Dupixent is not known. (The half-life of a drug is the time it takes the body to eliminate half a dose of the drug.) But it takes about 3 months for Dupixent to be completely cleared from the body.

  Is Dupixent an immunosuppressant? Does it lower the activity of your immune system? nine0313

  No, Dupixent is not an immunosuppressant. Instead, it's a monoclonal antibody drug that targets very specific targets in your immune system.

  Dupixent is not known to weaken your immune system in a way that makes it easier for you to get infected. Instead, the drug reduces inflammation signals in your immune system that can cause eczema, asthma, and chronic sinusitis. (Dupixent is used to treat these conditions.)

  Keep in mind that inflammatory signals are important for your immune system to respond to certain vaccines. For information about vaccinations during treatment with Dupixent, see Vaccine Interactions under Does Dupixent interact? section below.

  If you have questions about how Dupixent affects your immune system, talk to your doctor.

  How does Dupixent compare to Phazenra and Nucala?

  Dupixent, Fasenra and Nucala are similar in that they are all monoclonal antibody preparations. (Monoclonal antibodies are large proteins that target specific targets in your immune system.) These three drugs are used for the same conditions, but they also have several different uses. And they contain different active drugs. nine0004

  For example, they are all used to treat eosinophilic asthma in adults and some children.

  Nucala is also used to treat other conditions such as:

  • eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA)
  • hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) in some people

  AND Dupixent is also used for:

• chronic sinusitis (swelling of your sinuses)