Encounters and medication use for ocular surface disorders among patients treated with dupilumab: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND

Although dupilumab has been associated with the development of conjunctivitis, little is known about other ocular surface disorders such as dry eye and how these side effects are managed.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence and management of ocular surface disorders, including dry eye and conjunctivitis, among patients treated with dupilumab.

METHODS

Using US claims data, we evaluated the incidence of encounters for ocular surface disorders among patients treated with dupilumab. Secondary outcomes included ophthalmic medication use. A propensity score matched, active-comparator, new-user cohort design was used to compare the incidence of ocular surface disorders between those starting dupilumab versus methotrexate.

RESULTS

Among those with a history of atopic dermatitis, encounters for ocular surface disorders were more common in the 6 months after starting dupilumab than in the 6 months prior (11.7% versus 8.7%,  < .001); 59.7% of those with a new ocular surface disorder diagnosis filled a prescription for an ophthalmic medication. The incidence of ocular surface disorders was higher among those treated with dupilumab than that in those treated with methotrexate (odds ratio 1.64; 95% confidence interval 1.17-2.30).

LIMITATIONS

Observational design.

CONCLUSIONS

Dupilumab use for atopic dermatitis was associated with an increased risk of ocular surface disorders. Most patients who developed an ocular surface disorder received a prescription for an ophthalmic medication.