(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis (prolonged inflammation of the sinuses) with nasal polyps.
This new medication is called Dupixent (brand) and dupilumab (active ingredient). The FDA approved it to treat adults with uncontrolled nasal polyps with chronic rhinosinusitis.
Nasal polyps are growths on the lining of the sinuses. Chronic rhinosinusitis is inflammation of the nasal cavity and sinuses that does not go away. Nasal polyps can damage your sense of smell, according to the FDA. Surgery is often required to remove them.
This medication is already approved for other conditions like atopic dermatitis. It is also an add-on treatment for certain types of asthma.
Now, Dupixent has been granted approval for another condition. And the FDA approved it to be given with other medications.
This medication is available as an injection to be given under the fatty layer of the skin of the thigh or stomach area every other week. If a health care provider will administer the injection, it can be given into the upper arm.
The FDA approved Dupixent for this use after two studies. Patients who received this medication reported that they could smell better. They were also less likely to require nasal polyp surgery or oral steroids.
Common side effects of dupilumab may include reactions at the injection site and inflammation of the eye and eyelid. Serious side effects include eye problems, such as changes in vision or eye pain, as well as inflammation of the blood vessels.
Those who are taking this medication are not to receive live vaccines.
The FDA granted this recent approval to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
