How to Reduce T Cell Infiltration in the Dermis

T-cells help protect the body against infection and disease. When T-cells are activated by mistake, they cause other immune responses. This causes swelling and fast turnover of skin cells, which results in psoriasis, characterized by rough, scaly patches of skin.

Biologic medicines made from living organisms can block the effects of T-cells in the dermis (skin), and are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of psoriasis. These prescription medications include Amevive, Enbrel, Humira, Stelara and Remicade.

Things You'll Need

• Prescription medicines

Instructions

1. Ask your doctor if you should use Amevive. Amevive is injected once a week for 12 weeks, followed by another round of 12-week injections. Benefits of the injections last even after treatment is stopped. Side effects can include itching, headache, sore throat, dizziness, nausea and muscle aches. Your doctor will order blood tests every two weeks during your treatment to monitor your white blood cell count. Amevive is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, children, elderly people or anyone with infections.

2. Ask your doctor if you should use Enbrel. You can inject Enbrel under your skin at home. It is used twice a week for three months, and once a week thereafter. Skin rashes and irritation can occur. Enbrel is not given to people with multiple sclerosis or heart failure.

3. Ask your doctor if you should be given Remicade. It is given intravenously in your doctor's office over a two- to three-hour period. You will receive additional treatments two and six weeks after the first treatment, and then once every eight weeks. Worrisome side effects can include tuberculosis, fungal infections and other serious infections that can be fatal. You should be monitored for signs of infection when using Remicade, and if a serious infection occurs, the therapy should be stopped.

4. Ask your doctor if you should use Humira. You can inject Humira under the skin yourself every other week. Those with heart failure or multiple sclerosis should not use this medication. Humira's side effects can include serious and fatal infections such as tuberculosis, an increased risk of cancer such as lymphoma and an increased risk of lupus or other auto-immune diseases.

5. Ask your doctor if you should use Stelara. Stelera is administered by injection every four weeks, and then once every 12 weeks. Stelara can increase your chances of getting serious infections, cancer and a rare condition called reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy, which can result in death.

Tips & Warnings

• These drugs suppress your immune system, and can make your body more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. They should not be prescribed to anyone who takes other medications that also suppress the immune system.

• Biologic therapy is in its early stages of use, so their long-term effects aren't known. You should be monitored regularly while you use these drugs.

References

• National Institutes of Health
• Web MD