Dupilumab for treating severe asthma with type 2 inflammation

  • Technology appraisal guidance
  • TA751
  • Published: 

Information for the public

Dupilumab (Dupixent) is available on the NHS as a possible additional treatment for severe asthma with type 2 inflammation. It is available for people 12 years and over with asthma that is inadequately controlled despite maintenance therapy with high-dose inhaled corticosteroids and another maintenance treatment, if:

  • the dosage used is 400 mg initially and then 200 mg every other week subcutaneously
  • the person has agreed to and follows a treatment plan
  • blood eosinophil levels are 150 cells per microlitre or more and fractional exhaled nitric oxide is 25 parts per billion or more, and there have been at least 4 episodes of worse asthma in the past 12 months
  • the person is not eligible for mepolizumab, resilizumab or benralizumab, or has asthma that has not responded well enough to these biological therapies.

Dupliumab can only be used for longer than 12 months if it is working well.

If you are not eligible for dupilumab but are already having it, you should be able to continue until you and your doctor decide when best to stop.

Is this treatment right for me?

Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. Read more about making decisions about your care.

Questions to think about

  • How well does it work compared with other treatments?
  • What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
  • How will the treatment affect my day-to-day life?
  • What happens if the treatment does not work?
  • What happens if I do not want to have treatment? Are there other treatments available?

Information and support

The NHS website may be a good place to find out more.

This organisation can give you advice and support: Asthma UK, 0300 222 5800.

You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.

NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-4335-7

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