"I would encourage anyone who has given up on his treatment to see his dermatologist to discuss the idea of using a biologic to treat psoriasis."
(BRUCE BEBO,PHD)
Q: What are biologic drugs and how do they treat psoriasis?
A: The definition of a biologic is a medicine that is derived from a living organism. They are generally large molecules, compared to other drugs, such as aspirin, which are small. And biologics are most often proteins. They must be administered by injection under the skin, into the veins or muscles, because the enzymes and acid in the digestive tract would destroy them if they were taken orally.
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A: They all have different frequencies, ranging from once every few days to once every few weeks. Many patients find self-injection convenient, but others prefer to have a doctor or nurse perform the injections. Many, if not all, of the pharmaceutical companies that make biologics will provide in-home training for self-injection.
Q: How have these drugs changed the treatment of psoriasis?
A: There are a lot of people who are not treating their psoriasis at all—about 40%. My feeling is that some people have given up, because in the past the treatments have been inconvenient and modestly effective. In most cases, the biologics are more effective and convenient. So I would encourage anyone who has given up on his treatment to see his dermatologist to discuss the idea of using a biologic to treat psoriasis.
