Dupixent vs. Adbry for Eczema: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Dupixent (dupilumab) and Adbry (tralokinumab) are both biologic medications used to treat moderate-to-severe eczema. They work by targeting proteins in the immune system to reduce inflammation. However, they have some important differences. Dupixent is approved for a wider range of conditions, including asthma and sinus congestion with nasal polyps, whereas Adbry is specifically for eczema. Dupixent can be used in children as young as 6 months, while Adbry is only for those 12 years and older. Dupixent is typically injected every 1 to 4 weeks, while Adbry is injected every 2 to 4 weeks. Common side effects of Dupixent include injection site reactions and eye inflammation, while Adbry may cause upper respiratory infections and pink eye.

Dupixent

(dupilumab)

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Adbry

(tralokinumab)

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Summary for Dupixent

Prescription only

Dupixent (dupilumab) is an injection that helps treat certain inflammatory conditions. This includes eczema, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), among others. It's a biologic medication known as an interleukin antagonist that lowers inflammation. Dupixent (dupilumab) comes as prefilled pens and prefilled syringes. It's injected under the skin of the belly or thighs (or in the back of the upper arm with someone's help). The dosing schedule depends on the condition you have, your age, and your weight. It's injected either every week, every 2 weeks, or every 4 weeks. Side effects include injection site reactions and eye problems.

Indications for Dupixent

Moderate-to-severe eczema - for people 6 months and older
Moderate-to-severe asthma - add-on maintenance for people 6 years and older
Long-term sinus congestion with nasal polyps - add-on maintenance for people 12 years and older
Eosinophilic esophagitis - for people 1 year and older
Prurigo nodularis (long-term itchy skin bumps) - for adults
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - add-on maintenance for adults
Long-term hives - for people 2 years and older
Bullous pemphigoid (blisters on the skin) - for adults
Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (sinus swelling due to fungi) - for people 6 years and older

Pros and Cons for Dupixent

Pros

Taken every other week or monthly for most conditions
Approved for some children (specific age depends on the condition)
Available as prefilled pens (for people ages 2 years and older)
Available as prefilled syringes (for people ages 6 months and older)

Cons

Given as an injection under the skin
Not used for helping with asthma attacks
Can cause injection reactions, such as pain, bruising, and swelling
Unknown if it's safe or works well while pregnant or breastfeeding

Common Side Effects for Dupixent

Injection site reaction (e.g., pain, swelling, bruising; 10%)
Eye redness or eye inflammation (10%)
Cold sores (4%)

Warnings for Dupixent

Allergic reactions
Eye inflammation
Other inflammation in the body
Risk of worsening of breathing problems in people with asthma or COPD
Risk of psoriasis
Joint pain and psoriatic arthritis
Unknown effect in people with parasitic worm infections
Interaction with vaccines

Summary for Adbry

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Adbry

Moderate-to-severe eczema in people ages 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Adbry

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)