Oral Medication For Plaque Psoriasis

Fda Approves First Oral Treatment For All Psoriasis Severities

On December 21, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration extended the approval of Otezla® for the treatment of adult patients with plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy, now including those individuals who have mild or moderate plaque psoriasis severity.1

Otezla® is an oral medication which works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase 4 specific for cyclic adenosine monophosphate . With this expanded indication, Otezla® is now the first oral treatment approved in adult patients across all psoriasis severities.1

This expanded approval is based on findings from the Phase 3 ADVANCE trial, which found that that 5-times as many adults with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis achieved a Static Physician’s Global Assessment response at week 16 compared to placebo. In addition, improvements were seen in Whole Body Itch Numeric Rating Scale response and Scalp Physicians Global Assessment.1

Previously, Otezla® was approved for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, and for oral ulcers associated with Behcetâs Disease.

Treatment Of Skin Lesions

Patients with guttate, erythrodermic, or generalized pustular psoriasis may present to the emergency department. In each of these cases, restoration of the barrier function of the skin is of prime concern. This can be performed with cleaning and bandaging.

Plaque and scalp lesions are frequently encountered in patients seeking care for other problems, and initial treatment of the lesions should be offered.

The simplest treatment of psoriasis is daily sun exposure, sea bathing, topical moisturizers, and relaxation. Moisturizers, such as petrolatum jelly, are helpful. Daily application of moisturizing cream to the affected area is inexpensive and successful adjunct to psoriasis treatment. Application immediately after a bath or shower helps to minimize itching and tenderness. Section 3 of the AAD guideline discusses topical agents and recommends their use adjunctively but not as monotherapy if the disease is extensive or recalcitrant.

Nonprescription tar preparations are available and have therapeutic success, especially when used in conjunction with topical corticosteroids the newer foams are less messy preparations than some of the older ones. Anthralin, tazarotene, salicylic acid, phenolic compounds, and calcipotriene also may be effective especially when used in combination with topical corticosteroids. Systemic corticosteroids are generally ineffective, and they can significantly exacerbate the disease upon withdrawal.

References

Psoriasis Creams And Shampoos

Topical treatments are creams or ointments that you apply directly to the skin. If you have mild psoriasis, a topical treatment may be all you need. For moderate to severe psoriasis, topical treatments can be used in combination with other medications .

There are some remedies you can try at home for mild psoriasis or in combination with prescription medicines. Below are some examples:

• Moisturizers relieve dry, itchy, red skin and can be helpful for everyone with psoriasis.

• is a low-dose, over-the-counter steroid that decreases itching and inflammation. Its great for very mild psoriasis affecting a small area.

• Products with salicylic acid can soften and remove the scale seen in plaque psoriasis.

• Coal tar-containing products relieve symptoms and slow the rapid growth of skin cells.

• Products with calamine, camphor, or menthol can help itching.

Topical psoriasis treatments that require a prescription include:

• Corticosteroids: These medications reduce inflammation, redness, and itching. There are many topical steroids, but two common ones are and .

• Vitamin D analogues : These decrease skin growth, which helps control psoriasis. They may be used in combination with steroids. Examples are and .

• Calcineurin inhibitors : These medications are used for sensitive areas like the face. They include and . Both of these medications are considered off label for psoriasis treatment.

• Keratolytics: These decrease skin growth and break down thick plaques. Examples are and .

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Before And During Treatment

Because systemic treatment affects the entire body, there is a higher risk of serious side effects. So it’s a good idea to find out about the advantages and disadvantages of the different medications before deciding on a treatment. That includes talking with your doctor about any possible reasons why you shouldn’t take them like interactions with other medications or treatments.

Most of the medicines used for psoriasis also affect your immune system. So, before and during the treatment, certain blood tests are done on a regular basis to detect possible harmful effects such as serious infections, or problems with your liver or kidneys, as early as possible.

Treatment Of Psoriasis: An Algorithm

ASHA G. PARDASANI, M.D., STEVEN R. FELDMAN, M.D., PH.D., and ADELE R. CLARK, P.A.-C., Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Am Fam Physician. 2000 Feb 1 61:725-733.

See related patient information handout on psoriasis, written by the authors of this article.

• References

Psoriasis is characterized by red, thickened plaques with a silvery scale. The lesions vary in size and degree of inflammation. Psoriasis is categorized as localized or generalized, based on the severity of the disease and its overall impact on the patient’s quality of life and well-being. Patient education about the disease and the treatment options is important. Medical treatment for localized psoriasis begins with a combination of topical corticosteroids and coal tar or calcipotriene. For lesions that are difficult to control with initial therapy, anthralin or tazarotene may be tried. The primary goal of therapy is to maintain control of the lesions. Cure is seldom achieved. If control becomes difficult or if psoriasis is generalized, the patient may benefit from phototherapy, systemic therapy and referral to a physician who specializes in the treatment of psoriasis.

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How Many People Have Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a fairly common skin condition and is estimated to affect approximately 1%-3% of the U.S. population. It currently affects roughly 7.5 million to 8.5 million people in the U.S. It is seen worldwide in about 125 million people. Interestingly, African Americans have about half the rate of psoriasis as Caucasians.

Topical Medications For Psoriasis

Clobetasol , triamcinolone , fluocinolone , and betamethasone are examples of commonly prescribed corticosteroids.

• How corticosteroids work: Corticosteroids decrease skin inflammation and itching.
• Who should not use these medications: Individuals with corticosteroid allergy or skin infections should not use corticosteroids.
• Use: Apply a thin film to affected skin areas. These creams or ointments are usually applied two times a day, but dosage depends on severity of the psoriasis.
• Drug or food interactions: No interactions have been reported with topical use.
• Adverse effects: Corticosteroids may cause adverse effects to the body if used over large areas. They can also cause local thinning of the skin. Do not use for long periods of time. It is best not to put bandages over the treated skin unless directed by the physician because too much of the medicine may be absorbed into the body.

Creams and Ointments Related to Vitamin D

Calcipotriene is a relative of vitamin D-3 that is used to treat moderate psoriasis.

• How vitamin D medications work: Calcipotriene slows the production of excess skin cells.
• Who should not use these medications: Individuals with the following conditions should not take calcipotriene:
• Allergy to calcipotriene cream
• Vitamin D toxicity

Tar-Containing Preparations

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How Do You Pick The Best Treatment Option

Once you are diagnosed with psoriasis, your healthcare provider will help you decide the best treatment for you. Your primary care provider can usually treat mild psoriasis. In some cases, you might need to see a specialist called a dermatologist.

Psoriasis is different for everyone, but treatment generally proceeds as follows:

• If you have mild psoriasis involving a small area of your body, you can try a topical treatment or targeted phototherapy first. If that doesnt work, systemic treatment with an oral medication or biologic is the next step.

• If you have moderate or severe psoriasis involving a larger area of the body or a sensitive area like the palms or soles a systemic treatment with or without phototherapy is recommended as first-line treatment.

• Systemic treatment is also needed if you have both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Finding the right treatment isnt always easy. Its not easy to predict how someone will respond to treatment, and sometimes you have to try a few medications before you find one that works for you. You may even need more than one medication, too. This process can be frustrating, but your healthcare provider can guide you through the process.

If you have already been diagnosed with psoriasis and need prescription refills, it may help to know that there are several services that can provide a consultation and prescription online.

Psoriasis And Oral Medications

Psoriasis is a common autoimmune disorder that causes red, thick, inflamed patches of skin. The patches are often covered in whitish silvery scales called plaques. In some cases, the affected skin will crack, bleed, or ooze. Many people feel burning, pain, and tenderness around the affected skin.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition. Even with treatment, psoriasis will never fully go away. Therefore, treatment aims to reduce symptoms and to help the disease enter remission. Remission is a period of little to no disease activity. This means there are fewer symptoms.

There are a range of treatment options available for psoriasis, including oral medications. Oral drugs are a form of systemic treatment, which means they affect your whole body. These drugs can be very strong, so doctors typically only prescribe them for severe psoriasis. In many cases, these drugs are reserved for people who havent had much success with other psoriasis treatments. Unfortunately, they can cause a variety of side effects and issues.

Read on to learn more about the most common oral medications and their side effects and risks.

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Systemic Psoriasis Treatment: Balancing Risks And Benefits

The fine print on the labels for systemic treatments could give anyone concerns. Most systemic treatments target the immune system. Also:

• Biologic therapies and some oral treatments can raise the chance of having an infection, so your doctor will monitor you while you are taking them.
• Methotrexate requires monitoring for liver, bone marrow, kidney, and lung damage.
• Cyclosporine can cause kidney damage and needs to be monitored.

Each treatment has its own side effects, which you should discuss with your doctor.

What To Discuss With Your Dermatologist

You should tell your dermatologist if you:

• Experience any side effect

• Do not see results after taking all of the medicine as prescribed

• Have questions or concerns

• Become pregnant or plan to become pregnant within three years

ImagesGetty Images

ReferencesHugh J, Van Voorhees A S, et al. From the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation: The risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with psoriasis and the potential impact of current therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Jan 7091):168-77.

Lebwohl M et al. Translating Evidence into Practice: Psoriasis Guidelines. Symposium presented at: American Academy of Dermatologys Summer Academy Meeting 2014. August 7-9, 2014 Chicago.

Menter A, Korman NJ, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis Section 4. Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with traditional systemic agents. J Am Acad Dermatol2009 61:451-85.

All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology

The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from Amgen and .

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Oral Medication For Plaque Psoriasis

Specialists and then there is a disorders such as eczema is dryness. What those who treat patients with psoriasis. You will keep 100% of damages which approaches. Psoriasis Treatments?

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recommended by the doctors mostly prescribed. It does have several homeopathic treatments that have psoriasis would be a must for any injury exposure may develop other cytokin proteins on the cheeks foreheads scalp neck legs and for others. Psoriasis causes complications as well.

Researchers know there were different compared to other major plus of regular skin lotion as well as making your medical history:

Use moisturize to OTC drugs and pay attention to an exotic tropical beach. If that option drugs antimalarials . Alcohol and cigarette smoking skin lesions on the cause.

Other Systemic Agents For Psoriasis

Antimetabolites, Immunosuppressives, and Biologic Response Modifiers

These agents are potent drugs given by mouth or injection. They block inflammation and have effects on the immune system. The effect on skin is probably secondary to the effect on white blood cells.

Adalimumab , etanercept , infliximab , ustekinumab , secukinumab , ixekizumab , methotrexate , cyclosporine , and apremilast are in this group of systemic drugs. They may be prescribed for moderate to severe psoriasis.

How these drugs work: These medications can block inflammation. They are used to treat people with severe disabling psoriasis who have not responded to or tolerated other treatments.

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Glenmark To Unveil Oral Drug To Treat Psoriasis

3 min read.Isha Trivedi

Glenmark received approval to launch apremilast from the Drug Controller General of India after conducting clinical trials on psoriasis patients for 16 weeks

Mumbai: Indian patients of psoriasis, a chronic, autoimmune skin disease, will soon get a new treatment option with the launch of apremilast, a new class of oral medication by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

In India, Glenmark received approval to launch the product from the Drug Controller General of India after conducting clinical trials on psoriasis patients for 16 weeks.

The company will launch apremilast tablets in India this week and the treatment cost is expected to be Rs2,000 per month. Glenmark is proud to be the first player to introduce apremilast, an advanced oral treatment for psoriasis in India. The introduction of this revolutionary treatment will open a new treatment paradigm for millions of patients across the country by overcoming several challenges of the existing therapies,” said Sujesh Vasudevan, president and head of India Formulations and Africa Region at Glenmark.

According to the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, about 33 million people in India suffer from psoriasis.

Glenmark is the number two player in the dermatology market in India, with key brands such as Candid, Candid B, Elovera, Scalpe, Onabet, and Syntran. The dermatology segment contributes 25-27% to the companys India business.

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Vitamin D Analogues And Combo Products

These creams, liquids, and foams are believed to stop the overgrowth of skin cells, which may help prevent future psoriasis flares. They also help clear current patches by sloughing off scaly skin and flattening plaques so they are less noticeable.

• Dovonex is a synthetic form of vitamin D that comes in a cream or a liquid for scalp psoriasis. You apply it twice a day for up to eight weeks.

• Vectical is a natural form of vitamin D that comes in an ointment formulation to use twice daily. While most topicals are okay to use during pregnancy, Vectical is not.

• Enstilar is a foam thats a combination of a synthetic form of vitamin D and a steroid. Its approved for adults only and used once a day for up to a month.

• Taclonex is a liquid vitamin D-steroid combo thats approved for use in children ages 12 and up. Use it once a day for up to a month.

Research has shown that using a vitamin D analogue with a corticosteroid may not only be more effective than using either one alone, but the combo can even reduce the side effects that can come with strong steroid use. But side effects can include:

• Skin burning

• Peeling

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Is Psoriasis Hereditary

Although psoriasis is not contagious from person to person, there is a known hereditary tendency. Therefore, family history is very helpful in making the diagnosis.

There are many effective psoriasis treatment choices. The best treatment is individually determined by the treating doctor and depends, in part, on the type of disease, the severity, and amount of skin involved and the type of insurance coverage.

For mild disease that involves only small areas of the body , topical treatments , such as creams, lotions, and sprays, may be very effective and safe to use. Occasionally, a small local injection of steroids directly into a tough or resistant isolated psoriatic plaque may be helpful.

For moderate to severe psoriasis that involves much larger areas of the body , topical products may not be effective or practical to apply. This may require ultraviolet light treatments or systemic medicines. Internal medications usually have greater risks. Because topical therapy has no effect on psoriatic arthritis, systemic medications are generally required to stop the progression to permanent joint destruction.