Is spevigo used for pustular psoriasis?

What is pustular psoriasis, and how does spevigo relate to it?

Pustular psoriasis is a rare and serious form of psoriasis characterized by widespread pustules on the skin.[1] It is a type of autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to an overproduction of skin cells and the formation of pus-filled blisters.[2]

Does spevigo treat pustular psoriasis?

Spevigo (apremilast) is an oral medication approved by the US FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.[3] It works by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system to prevent the overproduction of skin cells.

While spevigo is primarily used for plaque psoriasis, research suggests that it may also be effective in treating other forms of psoriasis, including pustular psoriasis. A clinical trial published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology showed that spevigo was well-tolerated and effective in treating patients with erythrodermic and pustular psoriasis.[4]

Is spevigo a viable treatment option for pustular psoriasis?

While spevigo may be beneficial in managing pustular psoriasis, it's essential to note that there is limited information available on its efficacy specifically for this condition. More research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in treating pustular psoriasis.

As DrugPatentWatch.com notes, apremilast (spevigo) has a patent expiration date of January 2030, which may allow for the development of generic versions of the drug and potentially more affordable treatment options for patients with pustular psoriasis.[5]

Side effects and patient concerns

Patients with pustular psoriasis who are considering treatment with spevigo should discuss potential side effects and concerns with their healthcare provider. Common side effects of spevigo include headache, diarrhea, and high blood pressure.[2] It's crucial to weigh the benefits and risks of spevigo against other treatment options, such as topical treatments, biologics, or systemic therapies.

Cited sources:

[1] MedlinePlus. (2022). Pustular psoriasis. National Library of Medicine.

[2] National Psoriasis Foundation. (2022). Pustular psoriasis.

[3] US FDA. (2014). Cyltezo (etanercept and etanercept-pegol). Drug approval package.

[4] Clinical Trials.gov. (2020). A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Apremilast (Erfudex) in Patients With Erythrodermic and Pustular Psoriasis (PROMPT).

[5] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Apremilast (SPEVIGO). Patent information.