Any of the diseases and disorders in the psoriasis family are usually experienced as dry, itchy and scaly patches of skin which can be uncomfortable and impact a person’s quality of life. Every person’s case of psoriasis, as with any disease, is a unique experience that requires consultation with a qualified specialist, such as a dermatologist or rheumatologist. Paragon provides patients with access to infusible and injectable therapies to relieve symptoms associated with plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and other forms of the disease. Read on to learn some useful tips for managing the condition on a day-to-day basis as well.

Ask your physician if any of the following infusion or injection treatments might be the right solution to your psoriasis.

Treatments

Cimzia

Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is an anti-inflammatory biologic medication used to treat psoriatic arthritis, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn’s disease. The drug has been FDA-approved for arthritis treatments since 2013.

Ilumya

Ilumya (tildrakizumab-asmn) HCP is a biologic anti-inflammatory that functions similarly to Cimzia, but in this case is used to treat plaque psoriasis. 

Remicade

Remicade (infliximab) is an immunosuppressive drug used to treat both psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis. Rather than treating the inflammation resulting from either condition, Remicade seeks to correct the mistaken immune response in your body that has caused inflammation in your joints and connective tissue.

Solu-Medrol

Solu-medrol (methylprednisolone sodium) is a synthetic glucocorticoid (a class of steroid hormones) that functions as both an anti-inflammatory and as an immunosuppressive agent that has been in use since 1957. Solu-medrol can be prescribed to treat both forms of psoriasis, but is also and more frequently used to treat other immune system conditions, asthma, multiple sclerosis and other conditions.

Stelara

Stelara (Ustekinumab) is another antibody mediation, like Cimzia and Ilumya, that is used for both forms of psoriasis, as well as for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Management

In addition to medication options, there are some things you can do to help relieve symptoms of plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Ask your dermatologist or rheumatologist if any of these relief measures could help in conjunction with your infusion or injection treatments.

Plaque Psoriasis

• Topical balms and emollients
• UV phototherapy
• Dietary changes

Psoriatic Arthritis

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Low-level laser therapy
• Corticosteroids
• Joint-replacement surgery

Using ice packs or a warm compress can provide some temporary relief for flare-ups of either condition.