Emily Kozera, Elizabeth Chow, Stephen Ong, Anne Lee, Monisha Gupta
On the 1st of March 2021, Dupilumab (Dupixent) was made available to patients with severe atopic dermatitis via Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This is the first biologic medication made accessible to atopic dermatitis patients via the PBS. Since this time the Dermatology Department at Liverpool Hospital has already prescribed Dupilumab to 21 patients._x000D_
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Dupilumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody which inhibits interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 and has been demonstrated to be effective in managing severe atopic dermatitis, reducing pruritus and improving quality of life2. Whilst dupilumab has a favourable safety profile1, one of the most common associated side effects is conjunctivitis2,3. Non-infectious conjunctivitis has been reported in 14–19% of patients being treated with dupilumab3. Prior history of ocular surface disease and more severe atopic dermatitis are considered risk factors for the development of dupilumba-associated conjunctivitis5._x000D_
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In the context of the ophthalmological side effects associated with dupilumab, the Dermatology Department and Opthalmology Department at Liverpool Hospital liased to develop a patient handout regarding eye care for patients receiving dupilumab (Fig. 1)._x000D_
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By developing this handout to provide to patients at the time of dupilumab commencement, we endeavour to lessen the prevalence of conjunctivitis experienced by our patients and prevent the progression onto more severe inflammatory blepharon-conjunctivitis. There are currently no published guidelines regarding eye care for patients receiving dupilumab. We hope that our suggested eye care guidelines may be useful to other dermatologists around Australia who are now prescribing dupilumab to patients with severe atopic dermatitis._x000D_
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