Biologic Psoriasis Treatment
New treatments offer hope to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis. Until recently, most psoriasis treatments focused on clearing the skin or relieving the itchy, painful symptoms. The new class of drugs, by contrast, strikes at the immune system reaction that causes skin outbreaks in psoriasis. The new drugs, known as biologics, don't really cure psoriasis, but they have offered substantial relief to many people. Of course, there can be side effects and risks involved.
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No Cure
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There is no cure for psoriasis. A variety of treatments exist, however, and many psoriasis patients find some degree of comfort and control of their symptoms through various treatments. Biologic medications have some side effects and risks, and they therefore are recommended only for moderate-to-severe cases.
Mechanism
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Current biologics fall into two many categories, TNF-alpha blockers and T-cell blockers. TNF-alpha blockers work to prevent a chemical known as tumor necrosis factor alpha. High levels of TNF-alpha have been linked to an overactive immune system. By blocking this TNF, the biologics prevent the chain reaction that leads to abnormally fast skin growth. Available TNF-alpha blockers include adalimumab, infliximab and etanercept.
T-cell blockers help trigger an immune response. In psoriasis patients, T-cells may be triggered too frequently. T-cell blockers prevent the cells from activating, thereby slowing the immune system. The currently available T-cell blocker is known as alefacept.
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Administration
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Patients can inject adalimub and etanercept by themselves at home, on a schedule set by their doctor. Alefacept requires a weekly visit to the doctor for an injection directly into the muscle tissue. Infliximab patients receive IV infusions, also during a doctor's visit.
Side Effects
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When some patients first take biologics, they experience fever, coughs, infections and rashes. Most patients who experience side effects find their bodies adjust within a week or two after beginning treatment.
Risks
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Biologics "switch off" parts of the immune system. This can leave patients more vulnerable to infection, lymphoma, blood cancers, necrotic skin disease and other complications. Patients should be sure to discuss their risk with a physician before taking a biologic medication. Pregnant or nursing women are often advised not to take biologics. Patients who start biologics and have persistent cough or fever should notify their doctors.
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