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.
Nemluvio
Used for Eczema, Prurigo Nodularis
Used for Eczema, Prurigo Nodularis
Nemluvio (nemolizumab or nemolizumab‑ilto) is an injectable biologic medication used to treat people 12 years and older with moderate‑to‑severe eczema. It can also treat adults with prurigo nodularis (PN). It works as an interleukin antagonist to lessen skin inflammation. Nemluvio (nemolizumab) comes as a prefilled pen. You inject the medication under the skin once every 1 or 2 months. Side effects can include headache and joint or muscle aches.
What is Nemluvio (nemolizumab)?
What is Nemluvio (nemolizumab) used for?
- Prurigo nodularis
- Moderate‑to‑severe eczema; used with topical corticosteroids or topical calcineurin inhibitors
How Nemluvio (nemolizumab) works
Nemluvio (nemolizumab) is an interleukin‑31 (IL‑31) receptor antagonist. It blocks the IL‑31 receptor, which is a protein that sends itch signals and plays a role in skin inflammation. By blocking this receptor, the medication helps calm itching and reduce inflammation. This can lead to less scratching and improved skin.
When does Nemluvio (nemolizumab) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Nemluvio |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Interleukin-31 receptor antagonist |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Nemluvio (nemolizumab) essentials
Side effects of Nemluvio (nemolizumab)
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
Eczema:
- Headache, including migraine (5%)
- Joint pain (1%)
- Hives (1%)
- Muscle pain (1%)
Prurigo nodularis:
- Headache (6%)
- Rash or skin irritation (4%)
- Eczema (4%)
- Nummular eczema (scattered, circular patches; 3%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Injection site reactions, such as redness or pain
- Shingles
- Mild allergic reactions like hives
Nemluvio (nemolizumab) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing, wheezing, tightness of the throat, swelling of the face or around the eyes, severe hives, sudden worsening rash with swelling or peeling, nausea, dizziness
- Shingles (herpes zoster): new painful rash or blisters on one side of the body or face, eye pain or rash around one eye, fever
The following Nemluvio (nemolizumab) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
- Skin rash
Get your GoodRx coupon
$5905.27
GoodRx discount
$4280.17
Pros and cons of Nemluvio (nemolizumab)
Pros
- Only need to take every 1 or 2 months
- Comes as prefilled self‑injector pens for at‑home use after training
- Can help improve overall itch, skin appearance, and sleep in people with PN or with eczema
Cons
- Must activate the pen to mix the powder and liquid before each injection
- Injections might be uncomfortable
- For eczema, still need to use other prescribed topical treatment
Pharmacist tips for Nemluvio (nemolizumab)
- Before you use Nemluvio (nemolizumab) on your own, your healthcare team should show you how to use the pen safely and properly. Read the Instructions for Use and ask your care team if you have any questions.
- Inject Nemluvio (nemolizumab) once every 4 weeks. Some people with eczema can inject once every 8 weeks later during treatment. Be sure to make reminders on your calendar so you take the medication on time to help control your symptoms.
- If you miss a Nemluvio (nemolizumab) dose, inject the missed dose when you can. Then, continue with your next usual dose following your usual schedule. If you have questions, contact your pharmacist or prescriber.
- Expect mild injection site reactions with Nemluvio (nemolizumab). The area might get red or sore after the injection, but this usually goes away on their own. A cool pack after the injection can help you feel more comfortable.
- If you're taking Nemluvio (nemolizumab) for eczema, use it along with your prescription topical therapies. Follow your care team's instructions. As your skin gets better, your care team might have you less of your topical medications so you’re not using more than you need.
- Keep your vaccines up to date during treatment. Before getting any vaccines, let the healthcare professional know you're taking Nemluvio (nemolizumab). They can make sure the vaccine is safe for you. Avoid live vaccines. It's not clear how the medication will affect your response to these types of vaccines.
- Keep Nemluvio (nemolizumab) in its original carton in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F). Be careful not to let it freeze. You can also store the medication at room temperature (up to 77°F) for up to 90 days. Write the date you took it out.
How to use the Nemluvio pen:
- Take the Nemluvio (nemolizumab) carton out of the fridge and let the pen warm up for 30 to 45 minutes on the counter. Check to make sure it isn't expired. Also check that the powder looks white and isn't dissolved and that the liquid is clear.
- Activate the Nemluvio pen first: Hold the pen upright. Turn the activation knob all the way to the right to move the water into the powder. Then, wait for the gray rod to stop moving in the pen window.
- Mix the Nemluvio medication before injecting: Hold the pen upright and shake it for 30 seconds. Wait 5 minutes for bubbles to settle (it's okay if there are a few small air bubbles left). Repeat if the medication hasn't dissolved all the way yet. Check that the mixture is clear and particle‑free. After mixing, use the medication within 4 hours or throw it away.
- Where to inject Nemluvio (nemolizumab): Inject the medication under the skin of your upper thighs or stomach (at least 2 inches away from your belly button). A caregiver can also inject it into your outer upper arm. For each injection, choose a spot at least 1 inch away from the last. Avoid skin that's tender, bruised, red, scarred, or has stretch marks. This protects your skin, prevents irritation, and helps the medication absorb evenly.
- For 60 mg doses of Nemluvio (nemolizumab): You'll need to use two pens to get your full dose. Give the two injections at different areas of skin, at least 1 inch away from each other.
- How to inject Nemluvio (nemolizumab): Clean your injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry. Twist off the gray cap of the pen. Then, place the orange needle guard flat on your skin. Gently press down and hold for 15 seconds. The injection starts right away when you hear a click. Lift the pen straight up when it's done (the orange and gray rod have both stopped moving in the pen window).
- After each Nemluvio injection: Don't reuse the pen. Put the used pen in an FDA‑cleared sharps container right away. This helps keep you and others safe from needle sticks and infection.
Risks and warnings for Nemluvio (nemolizumab)
Nemluvio (nemolizumab) 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.
Allergic reactions
Some people have had allergic reactions to Nemluvio (nemolizumab). These reactions can include severe swelling in the face and anaphylaxis. They can sometimes be life-threatening.
Watch for signs like a rash, fever, feeling unwell, dizziness, and joint pain. Also look out for swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat and trouble breathing. If this happens, stop Nemluvio (nemolizumab) and get medical help right away. Your care team might tell you not to restart the medication after a serious reaction.
Shingles
In studies, shingles happened rarely in people taking Nemluvio (nemolizumab). Most cases were mild or moderate. Shingles can cause a painful, blistering rash on one side of the body, sometimes with a fever.
Ask your care team if you should get a shingles vaccine before starting Nemluvio (nemolizumab). During treatment, let your prescriber know about any new rashes, fever, or nerve pain. If the rash is on your face or near your eye, get medical care right away to protect your vision. Treating shingles early helps prevent other problems.
Interaction with vaccines
Before starting Nemluvio (nemolizumab), talk to your healthcare team about your vaccine history. It's a good idea to be up to date on your vaccines before treatment.
While taking Nemluvio (nemolizumab), tell your prescriber, pharmacist, or nurse that you're taking this medication before getting any vaccines. They can check if the vaccine is safe for you. We don't completely know how this medication affects how some vaccines work or how safe they are for you. To be safe, avoid live vaccines while taking Nemluvio (nemolizumab).
Nemluvio (nemolizumab) dosage
The average cost for 1 pen of 30mg of Nemluvio (nemolizumab) is $4,280.17 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 27.52% off the average retail price of $5,905.27. 
Pen
Pen| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30mg | 1 pen | $4,280.17 | $4,280.17 |
Typical dosage for Nemluvio (nemolizumab)
-
Eczema
- Adults and children 12 years and older: The first dose is 60 mg (two 30 mg pens) injected under the skin. Then, the next doses are 30 mg injected every 4 weeks. If your skin is clear or almost clear after 16 weeks of treatment, you can continue at a dose of 30 mg every 8 weeks.
-
Prurigo nodularis
- Adults who weigh less than 90 kg (198 lbs): The first dose is 60 mg (two 30 mg pens) injected under the skin. Then, the rest of the doses are 30 mg injected every 4 weeks.
- Adults who weigh 90 kg (198 lbs) or more: The typical dose is 60 mg (two 30 mg pens) injected under the skin every 4 weeks.
How much does Nemluvio (nemolizumab) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Nemluvio (brand)
$4,280.17
What are alternatives to Nemluvio (nemolizumab)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Nemluvio (nemolizumab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Used for:
Moderate-to-severe inflammatory conditions in which other treatments haven't worked:
$3,273.52View prices
News about Nemluvio (nemolizumab)
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Nemluvio (nemolizumab) images
