I should find out this week whether my insurance will cover this state-of-art drug for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (also asthma). The list price is $3,110.09 per application (a self-administered injection every 2 weeks). $37k/year is a bit rich for my immuno-compromised blood.

Anyone else using it? Experiences? I've heard some life-changing stories. Just need to get off this damn Prednisone.



Dupixent

300ml injections every other week. It cleared my skin and havent found any side effects. Out if pocket is $75. For 4 injections. My pharmacist said the cost would over 5k without insurance.
The end result on my end is no more excema, itchy, flaky skin. Its been great for me! I started using it in January. The Dr insisted on going to the office to receive/learn how to do the injections. Good luck !

That's great, Sigguy. Mirrors what I've heard. Works great, no side effects. Unlike steroids, shuts off the inflammation response at the skin, rather than depressing the entire immune system.

This would allow me to get off Prednisone, ending serious side effects (including how it's been eating away at my heart).

I never thought I'd be able to try it due to the cost. Should know this week.

Good luck kkina!

Interesting, At the last visit with Allergy Asthma Dr he suggested this product for me. I am being evaluated by Dupixent for their program. Not looking forward to injections. I did that years ago and quit.

The possibility of getting my sense of smell back is what I want. I took large doses of Prednisone for ~10 years. My body shows the signs.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
I should find out this week whether my insurance will cover this state-of-art drug for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (also asthma). The list price is $3,110.09 per application (a self-administered injection every 2 weeks). $37k/year is a bit rich for my immuno-compromised blood.

Anyone else using it? Experiences? I've heard some life-changing stories. Just need to get off this damn Prednisone.



Dupixent

I'm amazed insurance will even cover this. Then again they may negotiate steep discounts.

Approved!!!

Congrats!!!!

I've been using it for about 18-months. Its been life changing, cleared everything up with no issues. With my insurance, each prescription is $50 for two injectors.

The only side-effect I experienced was itchy eyes. The edges of my eye-lids (where eyelash follicles are) would itch however, that irritation would subside after about 6-8 months from initial usage. Occasionally I get some dryness on my finger knuckles but, nothing that can't be knocked-down with a steroid scream/ointment.

For me, I noticed small improvements like skin-calming within 48-hours, within 3-weeks, things will clear, by 1.5 months, any spots of irritation were gone. I never was on Prednisone however, I hope your quality of life improves as it has with my usage of Dupixent.

kkina- I am on Dupixent and have been on for a little over 15 months. It has cleared the extremely severe eczema I was having, and I am told that another year of this treatment, I will be fully cured of the condition. However, MCare ( my insurance co.), refused to pay for this medication, said that it was too expensive. So, I applied for the Patient Assistance Program, and the company sends me the medication straight to my door every month.
I have had no side effects from taking Dupixent, and I would highly recommend it to you, kkina.
Best of luck to you.
-Sid

quote:

The only side-effect I experienced was itchy eyes.

Conjunctivitis is the only common side effect that worries me. Glad to hear yours eventually went away.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:

quote:

The only side-effect I experienced was itchy eyes.

Conjunctivitis is the only common side effect that worries me. Glad to hear yours eventually went away.

Well, it wasn't the eyeball itself but the edges of the eyelid. Post shower and dry air like freezing temps or, dry winds would encourage the irritation; I would use Costco Systane eyedrops to help moisturize the area. Fortunately, things calmed down and it doesn't happen much any more.

Got my first shot (actually 2 initial shots) today. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Good luck and keep us updated.

Two weeks in, how are you doing kkina?

It's still too early to call, but I can report that my usual bedtime itching sessions have been getting progressively less severe. I am getting way more sleep than I usually do. My mother also mentioned how my skin seems much clearer.

It takes many people about a month to fully realize the effect. So far, things seem to be right on track.

Shot #2 is this coming Tuesday.

Good to hear, hope the progression continues as the doses build upon each other.

You'll defiantly notice the calming effect, and odd but refreshing return to 'normalcy'. You'll also notice decrease in the creams/ointment prescriptions. Further along, I noticed myself not using as much lotion, a bottle will last me a few months now.

Already noticed using way less cortisone and moisturizing creams.

EDIT Dec. 1: Gave myself first self-administered shot, went well. And yes, I do feel an odd sense of well-being and "normalcy", which for me isn't normal as I've had eczema all my life. Wow, this is how most people feel?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kkina,