Dupilumab-related conjunctivitis can be treated without stopping therapy

Conjunctivitis is a common side effect in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) treated with dupilumab, especially in those with facial or eyelid involvement, but it can usually be effectively managed with topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors without stopping dupilumab therapy, according to a study.

The study included adults with AD who had been receiving dupilumab for at least 8 weeks and compared those who developed conjunctivitis and those who did not. Among the 46 participants, 35 had conjunctivitis (Group 1) and 11 did not (Group 2). Group 1 patients had a longer average duration of AD, more frequent facial and eyelid involvement, and more ocular findings such as blepharitis, bulbar hyperemia, and conjunctival papillary changes.

Nearly all patients with conjunctivitis were treated with multiple ophthalmic therapies, most commonly topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors. These treatments were largely successful and by the end of the study, 96% of conjunctivitis cases had resolved or were improving. No patients discontinued dupilumab due to eye symptoms.

Reference
Asbell P, Akpek E, Chamberlain W, et al. Conjunctivitis in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis Treated with Dupilumab: An Observational Study of Clinical Characteristics, Symptomatology, and Treatment. Adv Ther. 2025;doi: 10.1007/s12325-025-03209-4. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40388089.