Drug therapy for psoriasis plaques: Repercussions, mode of action, and other details
In the realm of dermatology, Humira (adalimumab) has emerged as a significant treatment option for moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in certain adults. This biologic drug, belonging to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker class, works by decreasing certain actions in the immune system, specifically by blocking a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
The first dose of Humira is typically a 80-mg subcutaneous injection given at a doctor's office, with subsequent doses of 40 mg given every other week. These injections can be administered in the thigh or abdomen, avoiding bruised or tender areas. With time, patients may learn to self-administer Humira at home after learning the proper technique from a healthcare professional.
Plaque psoriasis, a condition where the immune system attacks the body's skin cells, causing rapid skin cell production and discolored, dry patches called plaques, can be debilitating for many. Symptoms may include intense itchiness and feelings of skin burning, tightness, or pain.
While Humira has shown to be an effective treatment for plaque psoriasis, it carries risks typical of TNF-alpha inhibitors. These include an increased risk of infections, lymphoma, leukemia, and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), especially in patients with prior prolonged immunosuppressant therapy or PUVA treatment history. Clinical studies have shown that lymphoma has occurred more among patients treated with Humira compared to controls, though incidences are relatively low considering total patient exposure. Safety monitoring for these malignancies during long-term use is recommended.
In addition, the immune suppression caused by Humira elevates the risk of infections. This necessitates vigilance and close monitoring for any signs of infection.
Despite these risks, long-term use of Humira in treating plaque psoriasis generally shows sustained efficacy in reducing the severity of skin plaques and improving symptoms. In clinical studies, Humira was used to treat plaque psoriasis for up to 12 months, with retention rates and effectiveness persisting up to about a year or more. Some patients may switch to biosimilars with comparable efficacy and potentially lower cost as they become available.
It is important to note that Humira has a boxed warning for the risks of serious infections and cancer. Patients should discuss these risks with their healthcare provider and carefully consider the benefits and potential risks before starting treatment.
In conclusion, Humira offers a viable long-term management option for plaque psoriasis, but the risks, especially those related to malignancies and infections, necessitate ongoing monitoring and personalized assessment of benefit versus risk for each patient. Video instructions for self-administration of Humira can be found on the manufacturer's website, providing a valuable resource for patients embarking on this treatment journey.
- Seekers of treatments for moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in certain adults might find Humira (adalimumab), a TNF blocker, beneficial.
- Humira is a biologic drug that works by decreasing certain actions in the immune system, particularly by blocking the protein known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
- Treatmentseekers with psoriatic diseases, such as plaque psoriasis, may consider Humira as an option due to its effectiveness in reducing the severity of skin plaques and improving symptoms.
- Autoimmune disorders like psoriasis can lead to chronic diseases, and Humira could potentially provide health-and-wellness improvements for disease sufferers.
- Pharmaceutical company AbbVie developed Humira, which has emerged as a significant treatment option in the realm of dermatology.
- Some patients may switch to biosimilars with comparable efficacy and potentially lower cost as they become available, making Humira a option for treatment switchers as well.
- Besides its effectiveness, Humira carries risks typical of TNF-alpha inhibitors, such as an increased risk of infections, lymphoma, leukemia, and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), especially in patients with prior prolonged immunosuppressant therapy or PUVA treatment history.
- For those with medical-conditions like plaque psoriasis, chronically debilitating symptoms may occur, including intense itchiness and feelings of skin burning, tightness, or pain.
- Clinical studies have shown that lymphoma has occurred more among patients treated with Humira compared to controls, though incidences are relatively low considering total patient exposure, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and personalized assessment of benefit versus risk for each patient.
