TLDR: Dupixent treatment costs approximately $2200 - $2800 a month in Singapore.
The difference in costs are due to the following factors:
- Private vs Public (eg. National Skin Centre)
- The dosage of Dupixent treatment you need to be on
- How long you need to take Dupixent treatment for
The Public dermatologist route will cost less ($2200/month), but takes about 4-6 weeks until your 1st consult. Do note that Dupixent treatment is NOT subsidised, even in Public Hospitals. You also cannot claim Medisave for this treatment.
The Private dermatologist route will cost you more ($2500 - $3000/month), but you'll be able to get a consult within 1 week.
Since treatment takes a minimum of 4 months, you are looking at a total expense of at least $8800 for Dupixent treatment to be most effective, not including doctor consultation fees.
What is Dupixent?
Dupilumab works by suppressing the part of your immune system that causes eczema symptoms such as skin redness and itch.
Dupilumab has been approved since 2019 by the Health Science Authority in Singapore.
After 4 months of treatment, 7 in 10 patients who are treated with Dupilumab get a 75% improvement in their eczema symptoms.
How often is Dupixent treatment given in Singapore?
The drug is given by injection once every 2 weeks, and you can also self-administer this injection at home to save on consultation fees.
Experts generally recommend a minimum of 4 months of treatment for the best effects.
Source: https://www.dupixent.com/atopicdermatitis/starting-dupixent/dupixent-injection-instructions
How fast can you expect results after Dupixent treatment, and what are the side effects?
You will be able to see results as early as after 1 month of treatment.
The most commonly reported side effects are:
- Conjunctivitis (sore eye)
- Injection site infections
- Cold sores on the lips and in the mouth
Dupixent treatment in private vs public (National Skin Centre) - are there any subsidies and is it Medisave claimable?
Dupixent treatment is NOT Medisave claimable.
Because it is a very new treatment, there are also no subsidies - even in public hospitals such as the National Skin Centre.
Having said that, you will probably find that the price of treatment is cheaper at about $2200/month, not including the price of consulting a dermatologist there.
Private dermatology clinics in Singapore do offer Dupixent treatment for eczema, however, it costs about $2500-$2800/month for treatment.
Who is not suitable for Dupilumab treatment?
Dupilumab is not approved for use on children below 12 or pregnant women.
