Dupilumab (Dupixent)

Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) recommends that Dupixent be reimbursed by public drug plans for the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe prurigo nodularis (PN) whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable, if certain conditions are met. Dupixent should only be covered to treat adult patients with moderate-to-severe PN who have been diagnosed by a dermatologist, have severe itching (based on a Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale score of 7 or higher), have at least 20 PN lesions on both sides of the body, and have tried topical prescription therapies and had an inadequate response. Dupixent should only be reimbursed if the patient is under the care of a dermatologist who has expertise in the management of PN, and if the cost of Dupixent is reduced. When first prescribed, Dupixent should only be reimbursed for 6 months. Dupixent should not be used in combination with other systemic therapies for PN.