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Treatment Guide:
Biologics for Psoriasis
Immune system pathway
Biologics for Psoriasis
Treatment Guide:
How to administer biologics
tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)
interleukin (IL) 12
IL-17
IL-23
The specific immune system messengers involved in the development of psoriasis are:
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Placing the auto-injector flush to an area not affected by psoriasis.
Biologics are injectable medications made from living cells in a lab or through a biological process. They modulate or block the activity of specific cytokines inside immune cells that cause the inflammation associated with psoriasis. This helps minimize inflammation and stop immune attacks on the skin.
When the overactive cytokines are under control, the skin can return to its typical state.
How biologics work
As biologics suppress the body’s immune response, the main side effects are infections and malignancies. Other side effects include chest pain and difficulty breathing. In addition, TNF blockers may increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. IL-17 blockers may increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease.
Adverse side effects are extremely rare. People may follow up with a dermatologist regularly to monitor for side effects.
Side effects
Administered every 8–12 weeks.
Types of biologics
The skin inflammation a person experiences with psoriasis is due to the overactivation of cytokines. Cytokines are signaling molecules in the immune system pathway. They trigger cell activity by binding to receptors on the surface of the cell.
Four classes of biologics are currently available:
Administered once every week or every
other week.
Administered every 12 weeks.
Administered every 2–4 weeks.
IL-23 inhibitors:
IL-17 inhibitors:
IL-12/23 inhibitors:
TNF-alpha blockers:
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Cleaning the skin again and applying an adhesive bandage.
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Washing the hands and injection site thoroughly.
A person can safely administer many biologics at home using an auto-injector pen and following these steps:
Pressing the releaser and lifting the auto-injector from the skin only when the total dosage is complete.
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