What is Lebrikizumab: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Lebrikizumab is a newer medication designed to help people with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) when other treatments haven't worked well enough. This injectable medicine works by targeting specific proteins in your immune system that contribute to the inflammation and itching associated with eczema.

If you're dealing with persistent eczema that affects your daily life, your doctor might consider lebrikizumab as part of your treatment plan. It's given as a shot under the skin, similar to how people with diabetes give themselves insulin injections.

What is Lebrikizumab?

Lebrikizumab is a biologic medication that belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. Think of it as a highly targeted therapy that works like a key fitting into a very specific lock in your immune system.

This medication specifically blocks a protein called interleukin-13 (IL-13), which plays a major role in causing the inflammation, itching, and skin barrier problems you experience with eczema. By blocking IL-13, lebrikizumab helps calm down the overactive immune response that's making your skin react so strongly.

The medication comes as a pre-filled pen or syringe that you inject under your skin. It's designed for people who need more than just topical treatments to manage their eczema effectively.

What is Lebrikizumab Used For?

Lebrikizumab is specifically approved to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents 12 years and older. Your doctor will typically consider this medication when topical treatments like steroid creams haven't provided enough relief.

You might be a candidate for lebrikizumab if your eczema covers a significant portion of your body, causes intense itching that interferes with sleep, or significantly impacts your quality of life. Many people find that their previous treatments stopped working as well over time, or they experienced side effects that made long-term use difficult.

This medication is particularly helpful for people whose eczema flares frequently or never seems to fully clear up between episodes. It's designed to provide consistent, long-term control rather than just treating individual flare-ups.

How Does Lebrikizumab Work?

Lebrikizumab works by precisely targeting one specific pathway in your immune system that's overactive in eczema. It blocks interleukin-13 (IL-13), a protein that acts like a messenger telling your skin cells to become inflamed and itchy.

When IL-13 levels are high, your skin barrier becomes weak and leaky, allowing irritants and allergens to penetrate more easily. This creates a cycle where your skin becomes more sensitive and reactive over time.

By blocking IL-13, lebrikizumab helps restore your skin's natural barrier function and reduces the inflammatory response. This means less redness, less itching, and stronger, healthier skin that can better protect itself from triggers.

The medication is considered moderately strong in the biologic category. It's more targeted than systemic immunosuppressants but may take several weeks to show full effects as your skin begins to heal.

How Should I Take Lebrikizumab?

Lebrikizumab is given as a subcutaneous injection, which means you inject it into the fatty tissue just under your skin. Most people inject it into their thigh, upper arm, or abdomen, rotating between different sites to prevent irritation.

You'll typically start with a loading dose, followed by regular maintenance injections every two weeks. Your healthcare provider will show you exactly how to prepare and give yourself the injection, and you'll practice together until you feel comfortable.

You can take this medication with or without food since it's injected rather than taken by mouth. Store the medication in your refrigerator, but let it come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before injecting to make it more comfortable.

Choose a consistent day and time for your injections to help you remember. Many people find it helpful to mark their calendar or set a phone reminder.

How Long Should I Take Lebrikizumab For?

The duration of lebrikizumab treatment varies significantly from person to person, and there's no standard timeline that applies to everyone. Some people may need it for several months, while others might continue treatment for years to maintain clear skin.

You'll typically start seeing improvements within 4-6 weeks, with more significant results becoming apparent after 12-16 weeks of consistent treatment. Your doctor will monitor your progress and skin condition regularly to determine how long you should continue.

The decision to stop or continue treatment depends on how well your skin responds, whether you experience any side effects, and your overall health goals. Many people find that their eczema returns when they stop the medication, so ongoing treatment is often necessary.

Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the right balance between managing your eczema effectively and minimizing any potential long-term risks from the medication.

What Are the Side Effects of Lebrikizumab?

Like all medications, lebrikizumab can cause side effects, though many people tolerate it well. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and know when to contact your healthcare provider.

The most common side effects are generally mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Here are the reactions you might experience:

• Injection site reactions like redness, swelling, or mild pain where you gave the shot
• Upper respiratory tract infections such as colds or sinus infections
• Headaches that are usually mild to moderate
• Eye irritation or conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Fatigue or feeling more tired than usual

These common side effects usually resolve on their own within a few days and rarely require stopping the medication.

More serious side effects are less common but require immediate medical attention. These include severe allergic reactions, unusual infections, or significant changes in your vision or eye health.

Some people may experience rare but serious side effects such as severe skin reactions, persistent fever, or signs of immune system problems. If you develop any concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly rather than waiting for your next appointment.

Who Should Not Take Lebrikizumab?

Lebrikizumab isn't suitable for everyone, and certain medical conditions or circumstances make it inadvisable. Your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing this medication.

You should not take lebrikizumab if you have a known severe allergic reaction to the medication itself or any of its ingredients. Additionally, people with certain active infections may need to wait until they're fully recovered before starting treatment.

Several medical conditions require extra caution and close monitoring when considering lebrikizumab. Your healthcare provider will evaluate these factors carefully:

• Active infections, especially those affecting your respiratory system or eyes
• History of recurrent or chronic infections
• Recent vaccinations with live vaccines
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
• Breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
• Other autoimmune conditions that might complicate treatment

Your doctor may also recommend avoiding live vaccines while you're taking lebrikizumab, as the medication can affect your immune system's response to certain immunizations.

Lebrikizumab Brand Name

Lebrikizumab is marketed under the brand name Ebglyss in the United States. This is the name you'll see on your prescription and medication packaging.

The medication is manufactured by Dermavant Sciences and was approved by the FDA specifically for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. When talking with your healthcare provider or pharmacist, they may refer to it by either name.

Since this is a relatively new medication, it may not be available at all pharmacies immediately. Your healthcare provider can help you find a pharmacy that stocks Ebglyss or arrange for special ordering if needed.

Lebrikizumab Alternatives

Several other treatment options exist for moderate to severe eczema, and your doctor might consider these alternatives based on your specific situation and how well you respond to different approaches.

Other biologic medications work similarly to lebrikizumab but target different parts of the immune system. These include dupilumab (Dupixent), which blocks both IL-4 and IL-13, and tralokinumab (Adbry), which specifically targets IL-13 like lebrikizumab.

Non-biologic alternatives include traditional immunosuppressants and newer oral medications. Here are some options your doctor might discuss:

• Dupilumab (Dupixent) - blocks IL-4 and IL-13 pathways
• Tralokinumab (Adbry) - another IL-13 blocker
• Upadacitinib (Rinvoq) - an oral JAK inhibitor
• Abrocitinib (Cibinqo) - another oral JAK inhibitor
• Cyclosporine - a systemic immunosuppressant
• Methotrexate - helps reduce inflammation

Your healthcare provider will help you weigh the benefits and risks of each option based on your medical history, lifestyle, and treatment preferences.

Is Lebrikizumab Better Than Dupilumab?

Both lebrikizumab and dupilumab are effective biologics for treating moderate to severe eczema, but they work slightly differently and may be better suited for different people. There's no universal "better" option since individual responses can vary significantly.

Dupilumab (Dupixent) has been available longer and blocks both IL-4 and IL-13 pathways, while lebrikizumab specifically targets IL-13. This difference in mechanism means some people may respond better to one medication over the other.

Dupilumab is approved for a wider range of conditions including asthma and chronic sinusitis, while lebrikizumab is specifically focused on atopic dermatitis. If you have multiple conditions, dupilumab might address more of your health concerns simultaneously.

The choice between these medications often comes down to factors like your specific symptoms, other health conditions, insurance coverage, and how you respond to treatment. Your doctor will help you determine which option aligns best with your individual needs and circumstances.