Biologics for Eczema: What to Know About Dupixent, Adbry, and More
Biologics for eczema (atopic dermatitis) can help reduce inflammation. From Dupixent and Adbry to Nemluvio, here’s how these eczema injections compare.
Adbry
Used for Eczema
Used for Eczema
Adbry (tralokinumab or tralokinumab-ldrm) is a biologic medication called an interleukin antagonist. It's FDA approved to treat moderate-to-severe eczema in people 12 years and older. It's used when topical medications don't work well enough or can't be used. Adbry (tralokinumab) comes in prefilled syringes. Autoinjectors are also available for adults. You inject your dose under the skin once every 2 or 4 weeks. Side effects include upper respiratory tract infections and injection site reactions.
What is Adbry (tralokinumab)?
What is Adbry (tralokinumab) used for?
- Moderate-to-severe eczema in people ages 12 years and older
How Adbry (tralokinumab) works
Adbry (tralokinumab) is a type of immune modulator known as an interleukin antagonist. It works by blocking and stopping interleukin-13 (IL-13) from working. IL-13 is a protein that's part of your immune system that can cause inflammation.
By blocking IL-13, Adbry (tralokinumab) helps treat symptoms of eczema or atopic dermatitis. This includes skin inflammation and itchiness.
When does Adbry (tralokinumab) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Adbry |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Interleukin-13 (IL-13) antagonist |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Adbry (tralokinumab) essentials
Side effects of Adbry (tralokinumab)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Upper respiratory infections (24%)
- Pink eye (8%)
- Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling; 7%)
Less Common Side Effects
- High eosinophil count
Adbry (tralokinumab) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing; hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
When do Adbry (tralokinumab) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Injection site reactions
Pink eye
The following Adbry (tralokinumab) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge with blurry or decreased vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
Get your GoodRx coupon
$7198.40
GoodRx discount
$4295.57
Pros and cons of Adbry (tralokinumab)
Pros
- Given every 2 or 4 weeks
- Available as prefilled syringes (and autoinjectors for adults) for easier administration
- Can use with or without topical steroids
- Can use with topical calcineurin inhibitors (on problem areas only)
Cons
- Must inject the medication under the skin
- Might need to give more than one injection to get the full dose each time
- Doesn't cure eczema
- Not approved for children younger than 12 years old
Pharmacist tips for Adbry (tralokinumab)
- Your first injection of Adbry (tralokinumab) will be at a higher dose than the rest of your injections. This is called a loading dose and it helps the medication reach a certain level in the body to work well.
- You might need to use more than one prefilled syringe or autoinjector to get your full dose of Adbry (tralokinumab). Ask your dermatologist or pharmacist how many you need for each dose. This depends on your age and which device you use.
- Most times, you'll inject Adbry (tralokinumab) once every 2 weeks. The dermatologist might let some adults inject once every 4 weeks if the skin improves a lot after some time of treatment. Put reminders on your calendar or your phone for your injections to stay on track with treatment.
- If you miss a dose of Adbry (tralokinumab), inject the medication as soon as you remember. Don't double up on the dose to make up for the missed one since it could raise your risk of side effects. Afterwards, you can continue with your usual dosing schedule.
- After each Adbry (tralokinumab) injection, the area might be sore, red, or swollen. These reactions usually happen a few minutes after the injection and go away in a couple days. You can place an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the area for a few minutes to help. Call your care team if the reaction gets worse or doesn't go away.
- Before getting any vaccines, tell the healthcare professional that you're taking Adbry (tralokinumab). They can make sure the vaccine is safe for you. Avoid live vaccines because it's not known if this medication can affect your immune system and raise your risk of getting sick from the vaccine.
- Tell your dermatologist if you become pregnant, are planning to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding while taking Adbry (tralokinumab). It's not known how safe this medication is during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Your dermatologist can explain the benefits and risks. They can also talk about other options for treating eczema that might be better for you.
Tips for using Adbry (tralokinumab) at home
- Carefully read the instructions for using Adbry (tralokinumab) prefilled syringes (or the autoinjectors for adults). Your care team will show you how to inject before you do it at home. If you have any questions about how to use the medication, ask your dermatologist or pharmacist.
- How to store Adbry (tralokinumab): Store the medication in the refrigerator in the original container away from light. Don't let it freeze. If needed, you can keep the medication at room temperature up to 86ºF for up to 2 weeks before you have to throw it away. This can be convenient for short trips. Don't put the medication back into a refrigerator after it's reached room temperature.
- Before each Adbry (tralokinumab) injection: Take the medication out of the refrigerator and let it to warm up to room temperature. This takes at least 30 minutes for prefilled syringes and 45 minutes for autoinjectors. Don't warm it up any other way like microwaving or leaving it in direct sunlight because that could damage it. Make sure the medication is clear and colorless to pale yellow before using.
- Where to inject Adbry (tralokinumab): Inject the medication under your skin in either your stomach (at least 2 inches away from the belly button) or thighs. You can also have someone help inject it under the skin into your upper arm. Choose a different area to inject into each time and don't inject into tender, damaged, bruised, or scarred skin. This helps prevent skin irritation. Don't inject through clothes.
- If you need to give more than one injection for a full dose of Adbry (tralokinumab): For each injection, use a different spot within the same body area. Make sure the injection areas are at least 1 inch away from each other.
- How to inject Adbry (tralokinumab) using the prefilled syringe: Take off the needle cover and throw it away (don't put it back on). Gently pinch a fold of skin with one hand. With your other hand, insert the needle into the fold of skin at a 45-degree angle and push the plunger all the way down. When you let go, the needle will pull back into the syringe on its own.
- How to inject Adbry (tralokinumab) using the autoinjector: Pull off the cap and throw it away (don't put it back on). Place the autoinjector flat against your skin at a 90-degree angle, with the viewing window facing you. Press down and hold it firmly. You'll hear a click when the injection starts. Then, you'll hear another one when the viewing window turns completely yellow. After the second click, keep pressing down for 5 more seconds. Then, lift the autoinjector straight off your skin.
- After each Adbry (tralokinumab) injection: Throw away used prefilled syringes and autoinjectors, even if there's some medication left inside. Put them in a sharps container or a heavy-duty plastic container, like an empty laundry detergent bottle. Don't throw them away in the regular trash. This helps keep you and others safe from needle sticks.
Risks and warnings for Adbry (tralokinumab)
Adbry (tralokinumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Serious allergic reactions
Some people can have a serious allergic reaction to Adbry (tralokinumab). This can include a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis, which can make your throat close up. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing, feel like you're choking, feel dizzy, sweat a lot, or have swelling around your eyes, lips, or tongue. These can be signs of an allergic reaction.
Eye infection or inflammation
Some people have had pink eye and eye inflammation while taking Adbry (tralokinumab). These problems usually go away over time. Contact your dermatologist or optometrist if you notice vision changes, blurry vision, eye irritation, or itchy or watery eyes while taking this medication.
Get parasitic worm infections treated
Adbry (tralokinumab) blocks IL-13, a protein that plays a role in how your immune system works. We don't know if the medication can affect how well your immune system can fight certain infections like parasitic worm infections.
To be safe, get any parasitic worm infections treated before you start Adbry (tralokinumab). If you get one while taking this medication, tell your dermatologist or primary care provider. They can give you medication to treat the infection. If treatment doesn't help, you might need to stop Adbry (tralokinumab) until the infection goes away.
Caution when getting vaccines
It's best to be up to date on all your vaccines before starting Adbry (tralokinumab). You should avoid live vaccines while taking this medication because it might affect your immune system. This could make you more likely to get sick from the infection the live vaccine is meant to prevent. Live vaccines include Varivax (chickenpox vaccine) and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine).
Before getting any vaccines during treatment, let the healthcare professional or pharmacist know you're taking Adbry (tralokinumab). They can help make sure it's safe for you.
Adbry (tralokinumab) dosage
The average cost for 2 cartons of 1 autoinjector of 300mg/2ml of Adbry (tralokinumab) is $4,295.57 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 14.02% off the average retail price of $4,996.14. 
Carton
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 syringes of 150mg/ml | 2 cartons | $4,295.57 | $2,147.79 |
| 1 autoinjector of 300mg/2ml | 2 cartons | $4,295.57 | $2,147.79 |
| 2 autoinjectors of 300mg/2ml | 1 carton | $4,295.57 | $4,295.57 |
Typical dosage for Adbry (tralokinumab)
Adbry (tralokinumab) is injected under the skin into the thigh or stomach. A caregiver can also help inject the medication into the upper arm.
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Adults: The typical dose is 600 mg injected under the skin as a single dose, then 300 mg injected every 2 weeks.
- For adults under 220 lbs who have clear or almost clear skin after 4 months of treatment: Your dermatologist might have you continue at a dose of 300 mg injected every 4 weeks.
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Children ages 12 years and older: The typical dose is 300 mg injected under the skin as a single dose, then 150 mg injected every 2 weeks.
How much does Adbry (tralokinumab) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Adbry (brand)
$4,295.57
What are alternatives to Adbry (tralokinumab)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Adbry (tralokinumab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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