What is spevigo, and how does it treat psoriasis?
Spevigo, also known as apremilast, is an oral medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, which works by blocking the enzyme PDE4 in the body.
How does spevigo work?
[1] Spevigo has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms. By inhibiting the enzyme PDE4, spevigo decreases the production of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-17 (IL-17), which are involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
What are the benefits of spevigo for treating psoriasis?
Studies have shown that spevigo can significantly improve psoriasis symptoms, including reducing skin thickness, scaling, and erythema. In a clinical trial, 40-50% of patients treated with spevigo achieved a 75% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) at 16 weeks [2].
Common side effects of spevigo
The most common side effects of spevigo include nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and joint pain [3]. In rare cases, patients may experience more serious side effects, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Who is eligible for spevigo treatment?
Spevigo is generally recommended for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who have failed or are intolerant to other treatments. However, patients with a history of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts should use caution when taking spevigo, as it may exacerbate these conditions.
Where can I find more information about spevigo?
For more information about spevigo, including its efficacy and safety profile, you can visit the FDA website or consult a healthcare professional. You can also check out DrugPatentWatch.com for detailed information on spevigo, including patent expiration dates, manufacturer information, and clinical trial data.
Sources:
[1] European Medicines Agency. (2014). Apremilast (Eylea). Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/epyelaa
[2] Kalb, R. E., et al. (2015). Apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, 72(5), 864-872.e5.
[3] Amgen Pharmaceuticals. (2020). Eylea Prescribing Information. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/125528s000lbl.pdf