Take Action: treatment for severe eczema still not available in Ireland

This advocacy campaign ran from November 2020 to January 2021

The ISF is calling on supporters to “Take Action”. Write to your TD for fair access to dupilumab in Ireland!

Dupilumab developments

The ISF has been working to raise awareness and to secure access to dupilumab, a potentially life-changing treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic eczema in adult patients.

“The HSE will consider whether or not to make the treatment available in the coming weeks”, according to the ISF’s David McMahon. “In advance of that we are asking for your support, and that of your local TD, to advocate for people living with severe atopic eczema”.

This new drug is the first ever targeted treatment designed specifically for atopic eczema. For decades, the existing treatments have been repurposed immunosuppressive drugs which have significant toxicity profiles, may lead to potential side effects, and are often poorly tolerated. For some people with eczema, even these treatments do not work.

Dupilumab has been available to patients in Northern Ireland and western Europe since 2018, but is still waiting for approval by the HSE in Ireland, where the treatment is manufactured.

Recently when speaking about dupilumab, Prof Alan Irvine, Consultant Dermatologist at St James’ Hospital and Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin said, “Those living with severe eczema endure a huge burden to their quality of life, sleep is severely affected, itch and discomfort are a constant companion.”

“Irish patients with severe eczema have been waiting for approval for dupilumab for 2 years since the UK’s NHS made this often life-transforming drug available in the North. They and those who care for adolescents and children with eczema are anxiously awaiting parity of access across the island of Ireland.”

Follow access-to-dupilumab advocacy developments:

For more information about atopic dermatitis and eczema, visit our main eczema page here. If you need help or guidance about managing your eczema, contact the ISF Helpline here.