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.
Ebglyss
Used for Eczema
Used for Eczema
Ebglyss (lebrikizumab or lebrikizumab-lbkz) is an injectable medication that treats moderate-to-severe eczema. It’s approved for people 12 years of age and older weighing at least 88 lbs. It works as an interleukin-13 antagonist to reduce skin inflammation and discomfort from eczema. Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) is used when topical products don't work well enough or when you can’t use them at all. Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) is injected under the skin using the prefilled pen or syringe. You start with injections every 2 weeks until your eczema is controlled. Then, it's injected every 4 weeks or every 8 weeks. Side effects can include pink eye and pain at the injection site.
What is Ebglyss (lebrikizumab)?
What is Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) used for?
- Moderate-to-severe eczema in people 12 years and older weighing at least 88 lbs
How Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) works
Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) is an interleukin-13 (IL-13) antagonist. It blocks a protein in your body called IL-13, which plays a role in causing eczema. By blocking IL-13, Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) helps to decrease swelling and irritation in the skin.
When does Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Ebglyss |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Interleukin-13 antagonist |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) essentials
Side effects of Ebglyss (lebrikizumab)
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
- Pink eye (10%)
- Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, swelling, redness; 3%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Herpes zoster (shingles)
- Upper respiratory tract infection
Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: breathing problems; swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat; hives; itching; stomach cramps; dizziness
- Eye problems: eye pain, changes in vision, blurred vision
When do Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Injection site reactions
The following Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) 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
N/A
Sponsored copay card
Subject to eligibility$5.00
Pros and cons of Ebglyss (lebrikizumab)
Pros
- Can use with or without topical corticosteroids
- Approved for eczema in certain children 12 years and up who weigh at least 88 pounds
- Maintenance dose is once every 1 or 2 months
Cons
- Must inject under the skin
- Can increase the risk of pink eye
- Can’t get any live vaccines during treatment
Pharmacist tips for Ebglyss (lebrikizumab)
- You can inject Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) yourself or have a caregiver help you. But both of you must get trained by a healthcare professional first. They’ll teach you how to safely inject the medication under the skin. Be sure to review the instructions on how to use Ebglyss (lebrikizumab). Ask your care team if you have questions.
- Follow the dosing schedule for your Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) injections. At first, your injections will be once every 2 weeks. Then when your eczema is under control, your injections will change to once every 4 weeks or once every 8 weeks. You can use a calendar reminder or alarm to help remember when your injections are.
- If you miss a dose of Ebglyss (lebrikizumab), inject the medication as soon as you remember. Then, inject your next dose following your usual schedule.
- Some people can have swelling, redness, or warmth at the injection site within a few hours after using Ebglyss (lebrikizumab). This usually goes away within 1 to 2 days. Try using warm compresses, ice packs, and over-the-counter pain medications to relieve symptoms. If your symptoms get worse after a day, tell your prescriber.
- You can use Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) with or without topical corticosteroids. You can also use topical calcineurin inhibitors, like tacrolimus (Protopic), on sensitive areas like the face, neck, and genitals.
- Before getting any vaccines, tell the healthcare professional you're taking Ebglyss (lebrikizumab). This medication can change your immune response to some vaccines. Avoid live vaccines during treatment. You might be more likely to get sick from this type of vaccine. Your care team can make sure the vaccine is safe for you.
How to use Ebglyss (lebrikizumab)
- How to store Ebglyss (lebrikizumab): Keep the medication in the refrigerator in its original carton to protect it from light. Don’t let it freeze or shake the medication. If needed, you can also store it at room temperature (up to 86°F) for up to 7 days before you have to throw it away.
- Before each Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) injection: Check the expiration date on the label. Also check that the medication is clear and colorless to slightly yellow or brown. Don’t use it if it's past the expiration date. Also don't use it if the liquid has particles in it or looks cloudy. If this happens, use a new pen or syringe. You might need to ask your pharmacist to get you another one from the pharmacy.
- Where to inject Ebglyss (lebrikizumab): Inject the medication under the skin in your stomach (at least 2 inches from the belly button) or thigh (at least 2 inches above the knee and 2 inches below the groin). You can also have someone help inject it into the back of your upper arm. Choose a different spot each time to avoid scarring and soreness. You can use the same general area on your body but not the exact same spot every time. Avoid any areas of skin with eczema, bruising, or redness.
- How to inject Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) using the prefilled pen: Make sure the pen is locked before you start. Twist off the gray base cap, place and hold the clear base flat against your skin, and unlock it. Press and hold the purple button for about 15 seconds. Listen for two clicks before removing the pen from your skin. The first tells you that the injection started and the second means that it’s complete. When the injection is done, you should see the gray plunger through the clear base.
- How to inject Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) using the prefilled syringe: Hold the syringe in the middle and pull off the needle cap. Gently pinch a fold of your skin with one hand and fully insert the needle at a 45° angle with your other hand. Then, relax the pinch and push the plunger all the way down to inject the medication. Let go of the plunger until the needle is covered by the safety shield. If there's a little bleeding, you can press a cotton ball on the area, but don't rub.
- After each injection: Throw the used pen or syringe away in a sharps container or an appropriate household container. Sharps containers protect people from accidentally getting hurt from needle sticks. Don't throw the pen or syringe away in your household trash.
More on Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) tips
Risks and warnings for Ebglyss (lebrikizumab)
Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) 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.
Risk of allergic reaction
Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue have occurred after taking Ebglyss (lebrikizumab). Some people have also experienced hives. Stop taking Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) and seek help if you notice any of these reactions.
Risk of pink eye and inflammation of the cornea
Studies showed that the risk of pink eye was higher in people taking Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) than those who weren’t taking any medication. These cases included both allergic and bacterial pink eye during the first 4 months of treatment. Other people also reported inflammation of the cornea, with symptoms like eye redness and pain. Most times, these eye problems were mild or moderate and went away on their own. Let your primary care provider know about any new or worsening eye symptoms to prevent permanent damage.
Use with caution in people with parasitic (worm) infections
Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) wasn’t tested in people with parasitic (worm) infections. So, we don’t know if this medication will change how your immune system fights these infections.
Before starting Ebglyss (lebrikizumab), make sure any parasitic infections are treated. If you get a parasitic worm infection while taking this medication, let your prescriber know so you can start treatment to kill the bug. If the infection doesn’t go away, you’ll probably have to stop using Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) until it clears up.
Risk of infection with live vaccines
Avoid getting any live vaccines right before starting treatment and also while taking Ebglyss (lebrikizumab). Live vaccines contain weakened germs, which your body can normally fight. But Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) can weaken your immune response, which can increase your risk of infection from live vaccines.
Tell your primary care provider that you’re taking Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) before getting any vaccines. Even though you can’t get live vaccines, you might still be able to get some other vaccines. This includes the flu shot that’s injected into the muscle.
Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) dosage
The average cost for 2 cartons of 1 Prefilled Pen of 250mg/2ml of Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) is $5.00 with a free GoodRx coupon.
Carton
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 syringe of 250mg/2ml | 2 cartons | $5.00 | $2.50 |
| 2 syringes of 250mg/2ml | 1 carton | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| 1 Prefilled Pen of 250mg/2ml | 2 cartons | $5.00 | $2.50 |
Typical dosage for Ebglyss (lebrikizumab)
You’ll typically follow the dosing schedule below.
- Week 0 (when you start the medication): The dose is two 250 mg injections (500 mg) under the skin once.
- Week 2: The dose is two 250 mg injections (500 mg) under the skin once.
- Weeks 4 through 16 (or until symptoms are controlled): The dose is one 250 mg injection under the skin every 2 weeks.
- The following weeks (maintenance): The dose is one 250 mg injection under the skin every 4 weeks or every 8 weeks.
How much does Ebglyss (lebrikizumab) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Ebglyss (brand)
$5.00
What are alternatives to Ebglyss (lebrikizumab)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ebglyss (lebrikizumab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
