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Other Systemic Medications
Approved by the U. S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) for other medical conditions, these medications are
showing promise in treating severe psoriasis:
6-Thioguanine
Approved for treating leukemia, it may be effective in treating
psoriasis, especially pustular psoriasis. Possible side effects include
anemia, decrease in white blood cells and platelets and bone marrow
toxicity.
Biologics
The biologics, etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab, are being studied
in clinical trials to determine their effectiveness in treating
psoriasis. Etanercept is already FDA approved for the treatment of
psoriatic arthritis, and infliximab is FDA approved for Crohn’s disease.
All 3 are FDA approved for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Hydroxyurea
An oral medication used to treat one form of leukemia, hydroxyurea may
also be effective in treating plaque psoriasis. When combined with PUVA
or retinoids, good results have been seen. Possible side effects include
anemia, decrease in white blood cells and platelets and bone marrow
toxicity.
Isotretinoin
FDA approved for the treatment of severe cystic acne, oral isotretinoin
may also be effective in treating
pustular psoriasis. Isotretinoin is a
potent drug that can cause severe birth defects. For this reason, it
should not be used by a woman who is pregnant or breast feeding. Women
planning a pregnancy should discontinue taking isotretinoin and use
birth control for at least one month before trying to become pregnant.
Mycophenolate mofetil
FDA approved for preventing rejection of a transplanted kidney, liver or
heart, this drug is a potent immunosuppressant. Combining this drug with
cyclosporine may increase the effectiveness of cyclosporine and reduce
the risk of kidney damage associated with cyclosporine.
Sulfasalazine
Used to treat psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, this drug
may also be effective in treating some patients with psoriasis. Studies
find that patients who respond tend to respond quickly.
More Information
Topical Preparations
Covers topical medications, moisturizers and agents that remove excess
scale.
Phototherapy
Explains the types of phototherapy used to treat psoriasis; includes
information about the excimer laser.
Systemic Medications
Information about FDA-approved systemic medications used to treat
psoriasis.
AAD Consensus Statement on Psoriasis
Therapy
Table lists the treatments contained in the consensus statement
developed by leading dermatologists and other experts.
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