Tremfya for plaque psoriasis: How Tremfya works and more
With this condition, an overactive immune system leads to an overgrowth of skin cells. This can cause inflammation and skin changes.
Symptoms of plaque psoriasis include darkened or discolored patches of skin that may be itchy or painful. These symptoms typically affect the scalp, elbows, and knees but may appear on other areas of the body.
Plaque psoriasis may also cause nails to become ridged, thickened, or pitted. » Learn more about plaque psoriasis.
Tremfya is prescribed for adults with plaque psoriasis in certain situations. Specifically, the drug is used when this condition can be treated with systemic (whole-body) treatments or light therapy.
Tremfya is not approved for use in children.
Plaque psoriasis can occur when the immune system becomes overactive. This leads to inflammation and an overgrowth of skin cells.
Tremfya works by blocking the activity of a protein called interleukin-23 (IL-23). This protein is thought to play a role in an overactive immune system. By targeting IL-23, Tremfya can help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms of plaque psoriasis.
To learn more about how Tremfya works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Tremfya has been shown to be effective for treating plaque psoriasis. In clinical trials, Tremfya treatment eased symptoms of plaque psoriasis and resulted in clearer skin.
Below is information about the dosage of Tremfya for plaque psoriasis in adults. However, your doctor will determine the dosage that's best for your needs.
For plaque psoriasis, the typical dosage of Tremfya is 100 milligrams (mg) per dose. The first two doses are given 4 weeks apart. Afterwards, it's given every 8 weeks.
Note: In addition to treating plaque psoriasis, Tremfya has other uses. Keep in mind that the drug's dosage may differ for these other uses. To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Tremfya is given as a subcutaneous injection (an injection under the skin). Your doctor or another healthcare professional will teach you or a caregiver how to inject the drug. You'll inject it under the skin of your upper arm, lower abdomen, or front thigh.
If you have other questions about Tremfya treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
For plaque psoriasis, the first two doses are given 4 weeks apart. Afterward, it's given every 8 weeks. » Get more detaisl about Tremfya's dosage.
The use of Tremfya for plaque psoriasis may cause side effects that are mild or serious. The lists below include some of the main side effects that have been reported with Tremfya. For information about other potential side effects of the drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to Tremfya's prescribing information.
Tremfya is also approved to treat other conditions. It's important to note that side effects from Tremfya may differ depending on the condition it's being used to treat.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while receiving Tremfya and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088. » Learn details about Tremfya's side effects.
Mild side effects that can occur with Tremfya for plaque psoriasis include:
These side effects of Tremfya may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. But if they last longer than this, or if they bother you or become severe, it's important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor right away if you develop serious side effects during Tremfya treatment. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. ALLERGIC REACTION
For some people, Tremfya can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn't reported in the drug's clinical trials.
In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They'll also let you know whether you should keep using the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you've had a serious allergic reaction to Tremfya, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.
Before you start Tremfya treatment, there's some important information to keep in mind. The drug may not be a safe option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Some of these are mentioned as follows.
If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before starting Tremfya treatment: if you have an infection or ever had tuberculosis (TB)
if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering either
if you've had an allergic reaction to Tremfya drug or any of its ingredients
if you've recently received a vaccine or are scheduled to receive one
Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions about Tremfya for plaque psoriasis.
Possibly, if your doctor recommends it.
Doctors prescribe Tremfya when plaque psoriasis can be treated with systemic (whole-body) treatments or light therapy. Sun exposure is a type of light therapy. However, many other types of light therapy for plaque psoriasis are available.
If you have questions about Tremfya treatment with sun exposure therapy, talk with your doctor. They can recommend which type of light therapy is right for you.
No, Tremfya is not a corticosteroid. Tremfya and corticosteroids help reduce inflammation with plaque psoriasis, but they work in different ways.
Tremfya works by blocking the activity of a specific protein involved in inflammation. For details, see the 'How Tremfya treats plaque psoriasis' section.
Corticosteroids, on the other hand, work by mimicking natural hormones in the body that help reduce inflammation.
To learn more about how Tremfya compares with corticosteroids, talk with your doctor. They can recommend which drug may be suitable for treating your condition.
Although uncommon, Tremfya may cause side effects at any point during treatment, even after long-term use.
This risk may be greatest for infections. This is because Tremfya blocks the activity of a specific protein in the immune system, which could lower the ability of your immune system to fight against infection.
Mild infections, such as cold sores, were common in clinical trials of Tremfya for plaque psoriasis. However, serious infections were rare.
If you're concerned about long-term side effects from Tremfya, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on your risk and recommend whether Tremfya is the right treatment option.
How much Tremfya costs is based on several factors. These can include your prescribed treatment regimen, your insurance plan, the pharmacy you use, and your location.
Tremfya is a biologic drug. It's a brand-name medication that's not available in a biosimilar version. Brand-name biologics usually cost more than biosimilars.
If you have other questions about the cost of Tremfya, such as its cost per month, talk with your doctor or insurance provider. » Get details on Tremfya's costs.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Psoriasis
Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Drugs Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
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