When Ebglyss Isn't Available, You Still Have Options

If you've been prescribed Ebglyss (Lebrikizumab-lbkz) for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis but can't fill your prescription — whether due to availability issues, insurance denials, or cost — you're probably wondering what your alternatives are.

The good news: there are several effective medications in the same category that treat the same condition. In this article, we'll walk you through what Ebglyss is, how it works, and the best alternatives you can discuss with your doctor.

What Is Ebglyss?

Ebglyss is a biologic medication approved by the FDA in September 2024 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents (12 years and older, weighing at least 40 kg). It's manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company.

Atopic dermatitis — commonly known as eczema — is a chronic skin condition that causes intense itching, redness, dryness, and rashes. For people with moderate-to-severe disease, topical treatments like steroid creams may not be enough, which is where systemic therapies like Ebglyss come in.

For a full overview, see our article on what is Ebglyss.

How Does Ebglyss Work?

Ebglyss belongs to a class of drugs called interleukin-13 (IL-13) inhibitors. IL-13 is a protein (cytokine) produced by your immune system that drives the type 2 inflammation responsible for eczema symptoms — itching, skin barrier damage, and redness.

By binding to IL-13 and blocking its activity, Ebglyss interrupts this inflammatory cycle. It's given as a subcutaneous injection, starting with a loading dose of 500 mg (two injections), then 250 mg every two weeks, eventually transitioning to 250 mg every four weeks for maintenance.

For more details, read how Ebglyss works: mechanism of action explained.

Alternatives to Ebglyss for Atopic Dermatitis

If Ebglyss isn't available or isn't the right fit for you, here are four proven alternatives. All of these are FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis and target the same inflammatory pathways.

1. Dupixent (Dupilumab)

Dupixent is the most widely used biologic for atopic dermatitis and was the first FDA-approved biologic for eczema (approved in 2017). It works by blocking both IL-4 and IL-13, giving it a slightly broader mechanism of action than Ebglyss, which targets only IL-13.

• How it's given: Subcutaneous injection every two weeks
• Approved for: Adults and children aged 6 months and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis
• Common side effects: Injection site reactions, conjunctivitis, cold sores
• Cost: Approximately $3,500-$4,000 per month without insurance; manufacturer copay card available

Dupixent has the longest track record among biologic eczema treatments and is often the first biologic that insurance plans approve. If you haven't tried Dupixent yet, your insurer may require you to try it before approving Ebglyss.

2. Adbry (Tralokinumab)

Adbry is another IL-13 inhibitor, making it the closest alternative to Ebglyss in terms of mechanism. Like Ebglyss, it specifically targets IL-13 without blocking IL-4.

• How it's given: Subcutaneous injection every two weeks (after loading doses)
• Approved for: Adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis
• Common side effects: Upper respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, injection site reactions
• Cost: Approximately $3,000-$3,700 per month without insurance

Since Adbry works through the same pathway as Ebglyss, it may be a natural substitute. However, note that Adbry is currently only approved for adults (18+), while Ebglyss is approved for adolescents 12 and older as well.

3. Rinvoq (Upadacitinib)

Rinvoq takes a completely different approach. Instead of being a biologic injection, it's an oral JAK inhibitor — a pill you take once daily. JAK inhibitors work by blocking Janus kinase enzymes inside cells, which helps reduce the overactive immune response that causes eczema.

• How it's taken: One pill daily (15 mg or 30 mg)
• Approved for: Adults and adolescents 12 and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who haven't responded to other systemic treatments
• Common side effects: Upper respiratory infections, acne, headache, elevated creatine phosphokinase
• Important safety note: Rinvoq carries a boxed warning about risks of serious infections, blood clots, cardiovascular events, malignancies, and death. Regular blood monitoring is required.
• Cost: Approximately $5,500-$6,000 per month without insurance

Rinvoq may be a good option if you prefer a pill over injections. However, the boxed warning means it's generally reserved for patients who haven't responded to other treatments.

4. Cibinqo (Abrocitinib)

Cibinqo is another oral JAK inhibitor similar to Rinvoq. It works by selectively inhibiting the JAK1 enzyme to reduce inflammation.

• How it's taken: One pill daily (100 mg or 200 mg)
• Approved for: Adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who haven't responded to other systemic treatments
• Common side effects: Nausea, headache, acne, herpes simplex infections
• Important safety note: Like Rinvoq, Cibinqo carries a boxed warning about serious infections, blood clots, cardiovascular events, and malignancies.
• Cost: Approximately $5,000-$5,800 per month without insurance

Cibinqo is another oral option for patients who prefer pills over injections. It's currently approved for adults only (not adolescents).

How to Choose the Right Alternative

The best alternative to Ebglyss depends on your individual situation:

• If you want the closest match: Adbry (same IL-13 mechanism)
• If your insurance requires step therapy: Dupixent (usually the first biologic insurers approve)
• If you prefer a pill: Rinvoq or Cibinqo (oral JAK inhibitors)
• If you're an adolescent: Dupixent or Rinvoq (both approved for ages 12+)

Always discuss your options with your dermatologist or allergist. They can help determine which medication is the best fit based on your medical history, insurance coverage, and treatment goals.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your Ebglyss prescription is stressful, especially when your eczema is flaring. But the landscape of atopic dermatitis treatment has expanded significantly in recent years, and there are strong alternatives available.

Whether you go with another biologic like Dupixent or Adbry, or switch to an oral option like Rinvoq or Cibinqo, you and your doctor can find a treatment that works. In the meantime, you can use Medfinder to check availability for Ebglyss and other medications near you.

For more on managing costs, see our guide on how to save money on Ebglyss.