Is anyone using Dupixent for COPD?

Posted by taipan @taipan, Jun 21, 2023

I read this pill is quite effective

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Support Group.

@ktf

Dupixent has not been approved yet for COPD. It is under priority review as of Feb 2024. Before you ask to get it check with your insurance to see if it’s covered off label.
https://www.news.sanofi.us/2024-02-23-Dupixent-R-sBLA-accepted-for-FDA-Priority-Review-for-treatment-of-COPD-with-type-2-inflammation
Off label means:
https://www.fda.gov/patients/learn-about-expanded-access-and-other-treatment-options/understanding-unapproved-use-approved-drugs-label

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thank you, but I don't care about insurance rather if it is helpful for copd
So I really want to hear from people using it

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I believe that I stated that the FDA has not given final approval for Dupixent to be used for COPD but it is under priority review. Under certain situations and prior treatment failure protocols and with approval and prior authorization it can be prescribed, but that is entirely between you and your practitioner. I agree with you, if I would gain benefit then I would be willing to by-pass insurance assistance and thankful that I am able to do so! I would like to hear from those that have received it and their experiences.

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@kndaustin71

I will recant my comments re the side-effects of Dupixent side-effects of vertigo/dizziness etc. I have since discovered that coincidentally those symptoms started at the same time I started the Dupixent. I have found the Dupixent to be a life saver in dealing with my State IV COPD/emphysema. My O2 Sats are consistently in the 95 and upper percentile, the secretions have significantly decreased and I can do most things that a 75 y/o woman would want to do aside from terribly strenuous activity. My quality of life has improved so very much! I apologize sincerely for any misinformation that I may have put out there.

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That's fabulous news! I have preliminary approval for Zephyr valves myself. Can't wait...

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@kndaustin71

I will recant my comments re the side-effects of Dupixent side-effects of vertigo/dizziness etc. I have since discovered that coincidentally those symptoms started at the same time I started the Dupixent. I have found the Dupixent to be a life saver in dealing with my State IV COPD/emphysema. My O2 Sats are consistently in the 95 and upper percentile, the secretions have significantly decreased and I can do most things that a 75 y/o woman would want to do aside from terribly strenuous activity. My quality of life has improved so very much! I apologize sincerely for any misinformation that I may have put out there.

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May I ask how long the procedure took and length of hospital stay? Also how long before you felt the significant improvement?
Thanks so much in advance!

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@11moondog11

May I ask how long the procedure took and length of hospital stay? Also how long before you felt the significant improvement?
Thanks so much in advance!

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Oh, I'm so happy for you! Each facility may differ in their protocols. I had mine inserted at Duke University. Procedure was done on a Thursday under general anesthesia which took approximately 2 hours. I was then placed in a hospital room on O2 at about 2 liters, and a cardiac monitor and of course had an IV for fluids. Hospital stay was 4 days for monitoring of cardiac status (routine) and O2 levels. Physical Therapy did evaluate me for ambulation and we marched around the Nurse's station several times a day. I was sent home with a portable O2 unit I had one at home but didn't know that I would need it post-op so had to purchase another one.. Recuperation will vary on the person, but bouncing back after general anesthesia and several days in the hospital does take a little out of you. I did not use the O2 when I got home. Let your body be your guide.... I noticed appreciable difference within the week that I got home. However, I still had the secretions to deal with (valves will not improve secretions), hence starting on Dupixent. Within 1-2 weeks I was up and at 'em! Able to do morning activities, ambulating in the house etc without shortness of breath. The valves have been a God-sent! Wish you well! And please let me know if you have any more questions.

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@kndaustin71

Oh, I'm so happy for you! Each facility may differ in their protocols. I had mine inserted at Duke University. Procedure was done on a Thursday under general anesthesia which took approximately 2 hours. I was then placed in a hospital room on O2 at about 2 liters, and a cardiac monitor and of course had an IV for fluids. Hospital stay was 4 days for monitoring of cardiac status (routine) and O2 levels. Physical Therapy did evaluate me for ambulation and we marched around the Nurse's station several times a day. I was sent home with a portable O2 unit I had one at home but didn't know that I would need it post-op so had to purchase another one.. Recuperation will vary on the person, but bouncing back after general anesthesia and several days in the hospital does take a little out of you. I did not use the O2 when I got home. Let your body be your guide.... I noticed appreciable difference within the week that I got home. However, I still had the secretions to deal with (valves will not improve secretions), hence starting on Dupixent. Within 1-2 weeks I was up and at 'em! Able to do morning activities, ambulating in the house etc without shortness of breath. The valves have been a God-sent! Wish you well! And please let me know if you have any more questions.

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Thanks so much for your detailed reply! I hope your condition continues to improve everyday!

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@kndaustin71

Oh, I'm so happy for you! Each facility may differ in their protocols. I had mine inserted at Duke University. Procedure was done on a Thursday under general anesthesia which took approximately 2 hours. I was then placed in a hospital room on O2 at about 2 liters, and a cardiac monitor and of course had an IV for fluids. Hospital stay was 4 days for monitoring of cardiac status (routine) and O2 levels. Physical Therapy did evaluate me for ambulation and we marched around the Nurse's station several times a day. I was sent home with a portable O2 unit I had one at home but didn't know that I would need it post-op so had to purchase another one.. Recuperation will vary on the person, but bouncing back after general anesthesia and several days in the hospital does take a little out of you. I did not use the O2 when I got home. Let your body be your guide.... I noticed appreciable difference within the week that I got home. However, I still had the secretions to deal with (valves will not improve secretions), hence starting on Dupixent. Within 1-2 weeks I was up and at 'em! Able to do morning activities, ambulating in the house etc without shortness of breath. The valves have been a God-sent! Wish you well! And please let me know if you have any more questions.

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Thank you for the information. It's great to hear how well Dupixent is working for you and others. It gives me hope. I have COPD/Emphysema and a double lobectomy on my upper right lung. When Dupixent gets approved maybe my Doctor will hook me up. I heard that it is over $10,000 a shot if you are paying for it off label. It is good to hear something positive about a treatment. Would love to hear more about Dupixent. Please
Thank you

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@jeffsmock

Thank you for the information. It's great to hear how well Dupixent is working for you and others. It gives me hope. I have COPD/Emphysema and a double lobectomy on my upper right lung. When Dupixent gets approved maybe my Doctor will hook me up. I heard that it is over $10,000 a shot if you are paying for it off label. It is good to hear something positive about a treatment. Would love to hear more about Dupixent. Please
Thank you

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I can assure you that I am not paying $10,000/shot. Have your physician collaborate with the drug representative, a pharmacist, and Regeneron and your insurance company. There are numerous ways to obtain a prior authorization for off-label use of medication. If your physician is unable to negotiate around this then perhaps he can seek some guidance.

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