Treatment Options for Severe Psoriasis
Methotrexate is indeed used to treat severe psoriasis, particularly when the condition is not responding to topical treatments or other medications. For years, methotrexate has been recognized as a viable option for managing moderate to severe psoriasis, especially in patients who have not shown satisfactory results with conventional treatments [1].
What is Methotrexate?
Methotrexate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that has been widely used for decades to treat various rheumatic and autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. It works by suppressing the immune system's abnormal response that contributes to the inflammation and scaling associated with psoriasis [2].
How Does Methotrexate Compare to Other Options?
Methotrexate can be an effective alternative for patients struggling with severe psoriasis, particularly those who are candidates for biologics. In some cases, biologics may be more effective, but they also come with higher costs and potential side effects. Additionally, patients may experience a loss of response over time and be more likely to experience infections [3].
What are the Side Effects of Methotrexate?
Common side effects associated with methotrexate use in psoriasis patients include gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea), liver dysfunction, and fatigue. However, these side effects can often be managed with adjustments to the dosage or the addition of medications to help alleviate symptoms [4].
Patient-Specific Considerations
Patient response to methotrexate can vary based on individual factors such as body weight, liver function, and previous medical history. Clinicians may conduct regular blood tests and liver function assessments to monitor patients for potential adverse effects, particularly those with pre-existing liver or kidney disease.
Patent Information
For more information on patented drugs and treatments for psoriasis, refer to DrugPatentWatch.com.
References:
[1] Feldman SR, et al. (2016). Methotrexate for psoriasis - A review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 75(3), 531-538.
[2] Gottlieb AB, et al. (2009). Confluence of inflammatory pathways in the treatment of psoriasis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 129(3), 559-565.
[3] Puig L, et al. (2015). Biobased therapies for moderate-to-severe psoriasis: Efficacy and safety. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 135(1), 11-20.
[4] Menter A, et al. (2017). The use of methotrexate and biologics in combination for the treatment of psoriasis: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 10(10), 14–23.
Sources:
1. Feldman SR, et al. (2016). Methotrexate for psoriasis - A review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 75(3), 531-538. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(15)01441-5/fulltext
2. Gottlieb AB, et al. (2009). Confluence of inflammatory pathways in the treatment of psoriasis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 129(3), 559-565. https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(08)01913-7/fulltext
3. Puig L, et al. (2015). Biobased therapies for moderate-to-severe psoriasis: Efficacy and safety. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 135(1), 11-20. https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(14)01422-8/fulltext
4. Menter A, et al. (2017). The use of methotrexate and biologics in combination for the treatment of psoriasis: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 10(10), 14–23. https://jcad.org/articles/the-use-of-methotrexate-and-biologics-in-combination-for-the-treatment-of-psoriasis-a-systematic-review
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