Oral and Injection Therapy for Psoriasis.
This type of psoriasis cure is reserved for severe forms of psoriasis and when the psoriasis is resistant to other forms of therapy such as topical treatments and/or phototherapy. The oral pills and injections (part of systemic therapy) have severe side effects which necessitates their use for a short period only and are often alternated with other treatments.
Medications for Psoriasis Treatment.
Retinoids.
Generic name: Acitretin
Brand name Soriatane.
Acitretin is an oral second generation retinoid which is typically used in the treatment of psoriasis. Retinoids are synthetic vitamin A chemical compounds which help in psoriasis cure by regulating the growth of the epithelial skin cells and also by modulating the immune system. You could read more details in the post on retinoids.
Methotrexate (MTX).
Brand name: Rheumatrex.
Methotrexate was originally developed and is still used as a chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of cancer. Being an immunosuppressant (suppresses the immune system of the body), it has also found to be beneficial in the treatment of autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. However its doses for these diseases is small.
It is used to treat severe forms of psoriasis and is taken orally. Due to its depressive action on the T cells of the immune system, it inhibits the overproduction of the skin cells (which is seen in psoriasis) and reduces inflammation. It is also beneficial in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.
In psoriasis, it is used to treat mainly pustular psoriasis, erthyrodermic psoriasis and widespread plaque psoriasis and with good effect. More details on methotrexate are given here.
Cyclosporine.
Generic name: Cyclosporine.
Brand name: Neoral, Gengraf, Sandimmune.
Cyclosporine or Ciclosporin (as it is sometimes spelt) is an immunosuppressant drug (suppresses the immunity of the body), similar in effectiveness to Methotrexate. It is used in the treatment of severe forms of psoriasis that is widespread and difficult to treat. It was first used to prevent organ rejection after organ transplant. It was approved as late as 1997 by the FDA for the treatment of severe psoriasis in adults with a normal immune system. Details about this drug are given in the post on cyclosporine.
Hydroxyurea (Hydroxycarbamide).
This is an oral drug which was effectively used in treating psoriasis in the late 1960s.This drug isn’t as effective as methotrexate or cyclosporine but it can be used in combination with phototherapy to treat psoriasis. It is particularly effective against plaque psoriasis and acts by slowing down the excessive growth rate of the skin cells. Its advantage is that it can be used instead of Methotrexate in patients with liver damage such as cirrhosis.
Side effects. It potential and dangerous side effect includes bone marrow toxicity which can cause decrease in red blood cells (leading to anemia), decrease in white blood cells (leading to fall in immunity) and fall in platelet count (Thrombocytopenia leading to bleeding disorders). Blood tests before starting this therapy are advised and also periodically when on this drug. This drug is contraindicated in pregnancy.
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