Can Dupilumab reduce itching and flares long term?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 22-year-old woman with severe eczema since childhood. My skin flares up badly during winter and around my period. I have used topical steroids, but they stop working after some time, and my skin becomes thinner. I heard about new biologic injections like Dupilumab.

Are they safe for long-term use, and do they help control itching and flare frequency?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I read your query and understand your concern.

Given that you have had severe atopic eczema since childhood, with frequent flares (especially in winter and around your period), and that topical steroids, though helpful, are now less effective and causing skin thinning, considering a biologic like Dupilumab is absolutely reasonable.

Dupilumab is currently one of the most studied and widely used biologic options for moderate to severe eczema (atopic dermatitis), particularly when conventional topicals and emollients are insufficient.

Regarding long-term safety, data from extension studies lasting up to four to five years indicate that Dupilumab remains well-tolerated, with no new major safety signals, and that efficacy (reduced eczema severity, fewer flares, and less itching) is maintained over time.

In real-world practice, many patients report persistent improvement in itching, sleep, quality of life, and reduced need for other eczema medications after two to three years on Dupilumab.

Many patients also see improved sleep, less skin pain/soreness, and overall better quality of life.

As with any treatment, there are potential side effects. The most commonly reported side effects with Dupilumab are injection site reactions, eye or eyelid inflammation (conjunctivitis, dry eye), and occasionally mild upper respiratory infections. In most long-term studies, these adverse effects remain manageable and do not outweigh the benefits for many patients.

Given your history with severe eczema flaring with seasons and hormones, inadequate control with topical steroids, skin thinning, and likely high disease burden on quality of life, you are potentially a good candidate for Dupilumab.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.