Latest news with #psoriasis
Medscape
2 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Role of GLP-1 Drugs in Psoriasis and PsA Is Debated
BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Most dermatologists and rheumatologists agree that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), such as liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, powerful antidiabetes and weight-loss drugs, have the potential to help some patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Besides mitigating obesity, an established risk factor for psoriasis and PsA, GLP-1 drugs have shown promise in improving psoriasis symptoms and are associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular events, for which people with psoriasis and PsA are at increased risk. Some researchers predict that the drugs will prove to have immunomodulatory effects and become an important addition to current treatments for psoriasis and PsA, even in patients without obesity or diabetes. At the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) 2025 Annual Meeting and Trainee Symposium, investigators with the GRAPPA dove into hours' worth of discussions and debates about a class of drugs whose emergence Artie Kavanaugh, MD, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Diego, described as a possible 'watershed moment' for the field, akin to the advent of biologic therapies in the 1990s. But with evidence still sparse in patients with psoriatic disease and ancillary concerns about access, cost, patient selection, and physician confidence in prescribing, there was little agreement as to how, whether, or when these drugs should be integrated into clinical practice. A GLP-1 Pioneer Endocrinologist Daniel J. Drucker, MD, professor in the Department of Medicine's Division of Endocrinology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who discovered some key biological actions of the hormone GLP-1 in the 1980s and '90s, kicked off the conference with a video presentation affirming GLP-1 RAs potential as immunoregulatory agents with anti-inflammatory activity beyond their well-documented effects on body weight. In a 2023 trial of semaglutide in patients with obesity who did not have diabetes, Drucker noted prevention of cardiovascular events and death was seen as independent of weight loss. Similarly, Drucker said, a recent trial in people with metabolic liver disease saw improvements associated with semaglutide that were independent of weight loss. With psoriasis and PsA, randomized controlled trial evidence has yet to support weight-loss independent improvements in symptoms. However, this may soon change: In two separate trials, Eli Lilly is studying a combination of tirzepatide and the interleukin-17A antagonist ixekizumab in patients with overweight or obesity and psoriasis or PsA. The trials will wrap up next summer. Results from trials of GLP-1 inhibitors in nonobese populations, including cohorts of people with Alzheimer's disease, stand to shed further light on their anti-inflammatory effects outside the context of weight loss, Drucker said. 'These medicines are diversifying. We're going to see a wave of new molecules and new indications to treat inflammation,' he predicted, including that of skin, joints, and bone. Still, Drucker cautioned, the drugs 'are not magic bullets, and each condition will need to be assessed on its own.' Real-World Experience From Latin America In a subsequent talk, Enrique Soriano, MD, head of rheumatology at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina, presented a real-world perspective from Latin America, where GLP-1 drugs are approved in most countries for diabetes or obesity — but still not easy to access and far from becoming a routine part of any rheumatologist's or dermatologist's daily practice. 'We all know that obesity increases the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis in psoriasis patients,' Soriano said — and that weight loss can decrease that risk. 'We also know that treatment response is lower in PsA patients with obesity,' he said. 'But the question for us is whether this drug [class] can improve symptoms and inflammation in our patients and whether this improvement, if it happens, is related to the weight loss or is an independent effect.' Soriano presented a retrospective review from his institution's service of 6800 patients with psoriasis (mostly mild) and 488 with PsA. In each group, just over 1% of patients were taking a GLP-1 RA for obesity, diabetes, or both. While acknowledging the limitations of his study's retrospective design, Soriano noted that 'there was no report of any improvement or change in the skin involvement, and there was also no record of any change in their joint symptoms after starting these drugs.' Soriano also conducted a survey of rheumatologists across several countries in Latin America and found that under a third said that they had encountered a patient whom they thought could benefit from the addition of a GLP-1 drug, while fewer than 10% said that they would feel confident prescribing one. More than half said that if they did think a patient could benefit, they would refer that person to a specialist, such as an endocrinologist. Dermatologist Describes Current Data as 'Weak' Anthony Fernandez, MD, PhD, director of medical and inpatient dermatology at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, praised GLP-1 RAs as 'fascinating medications' with 'a very attractive adverse event profile.' Fernandez cited studies dating back over a decade in which use of these medications has been shown to improve psoriasis. 'And we have some data to suggest that the mechanism…is not entirely related to weight loss. In fact, there's data to support that these medications affect psoriasis-relevant immune pathways. So, in that way, they share similarities with many of the systemic medicines that we already prescribe to treat psoriasis.' Still, Fernandez cautioned, 'The data right now is really weak,' limited to small studies and randomized trials enrolling mostly men. While a few patients in these studies saw dramatic improvements in psoriasis after starting these drugs, 'the reality is that most have, at best, a modest improvement,' he said, 'certainly nowhere near the improvement we are used to seeing' from targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (tsDMARDs) and biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs). Moreover, he said, some patients enrolled in the studies were effectively treatment naive. 'That raises a critical question about whether or not a patient [on ts- or bDMARDs] would actually see any further improvement adding GLP-1 RAs,' he said. Fernandez said he thought that dermatologists can safely prescribe and manage GLP-1 therapies. The bigger question is whether they should. 'My opinion is no,' he concluded. 'There will be rare patients who are obese and or have type 2 diabetes and either fail or have a contraindication to all the great systemic medicines we already have available to us. And in those patients, a trial of a GLP-1 RA would seem to be reasonable. But personally, I think we need much, much better data for recommendations concerning general use by dermatologists.' During a question-and-answer period after Soriano's and Fernandez's presentations, other physicians shared their experiences and practical concerns about insurance approvals, referrals, and whether most dermatologists and rheumatologists were simply too busy to manage all the comorbidities of chronic immune-mediated disease for their patients. Some shared anecdotes about patients whose disease had improved after treatment with GLP-1 RAs, including in the absence of other systemic therapies. Patients Intrigued — but Share Clinician's Caution At the same session, Suzanne Grieb, PhD, a patient research participant (PRP) with GRAPPA and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore , presented results from a survey of her fellow GRAPPA PRPs about their experiences and interests regarding GLP-1 drugs. None of the 11 respondents reported having been prescribed the medications. 'The majority of us described our psoriatic disease as mostly manageable with our current treatment,' Grieb, who has PsA, told the conference. However, that did not mean they weren't curious about GLP-1s. Grieb's survey revealed that while all participants were aware of the importance of exercise and healthy weight in disease management, many continued to struggle with both. Few reported having spoken with their providers about specific interventions. While three respondents expressed interest in taking GLP-1s, they were uncertain whether they would be able to access them. Patients 'are interested in GLP-1s' impact on our psoriatic disease, but also on other elements of our health, thinking more holistically [about] the benefits that could be achieved through these medications,' Grieb said. But the respondents in her survey also reported concerns about adding medications and 'the potential for having to take this medication for the rest of our lives.' In an interview after her presentation, Grieb elaborated on her personal perspective. 'I don't meet the requirement for obesity,' she said. 'But I'm overweight, and I could probably benefit from a GLP-1. Without clear weight-related indications, it's hard, perhaps to be able to justify prescribing it if it's not going to be available. So it's a hard conversation [for clinicians] to bring up with their patients.'
Medical News Today
2 days ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Spevigo side effects and how to manage them
As with other drugs, Spevigo (spesolimab-sbzo) can cause side effects, such as injection site reactions and urinary tract infections. If side effects of Spevigo become difficult to tolerate, talk with your doctor or (spesolimab-sbzo) is a brand-name subcutaneous or intravenous (IV) injection prescribed for generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) in adults and certain you have problems with side effects from Spevigo, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss ways to manage side effects or other available treatment options. Do not stop taking Spevigo without consulting your doctor first.»Learn more about Spevigo, including details about its common side effects of SpevigoSpevigo can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects persist, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Spevigo in clinical trials:urinary tract infection (UTI)joint painitchingweaknessfatigueinjection site reactionFor more information about some of these side effects, see the 'Managing side effects' section. Mild side effects of SpevigoMild side effects can occur with Spevigo use. This list may not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To find out more, you can refer to Spevigo's prescribing side effects that have been reported with Spevigo include:itchingheadachenauseaweaknessfatigueThese side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects continue, worsen, or become too difficult to tolerate, be sure to talk with your doctor or 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 taking Spevigo and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call side effects of SpevigoSpevigo may cause serious side effects. The following list may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Spevigo's prescribing you develop serious side effects while taking Spevigo, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency side effects that have been reported include:active or recurrent infectionsinfusion reactionsAllergic reactionFor some people, Spevigo can cause an allergic side effect was reported in the drug's general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious, including a severe allergic reaction called drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Ways to manageFor 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 taking the severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble 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 Spevigo, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication side effectsWhile taking Spevigo, you may be able to take steps to make side effects easier to manage. If you have problems with side effects that do not go away or become worse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss options for managing side effects or other available treatment was a common side effect reported in studies of Spevigo. Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:using a gentle cleanser or moisturizerapplying a cold compress to the affected areasusing an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-itch medicationUTIUTI was a common side effect reported in studies of Spevigo. Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:notifying your doctor of any urinary symptomstaking any medications your doctor prescribes as treatmentdrinking plenty of liquids to help flush bacteria from your urinary systemtaking OTC pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophenPrecautions for SpevigoBefore taking Spevigo, discuss your health history with your doctor. Spevigo may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:active or recurrent infectionstuberculosis (TB)upcoming vaccinationsprevious allergic reaction to this or a similar drugpregnancybreastfeedingDisclaimer: 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.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
This Gloves-In-A-Bottle Hand Lotion Has Changed Lives, According To Reviewers With Troubled Skin
As someone who has dedicated decades of their life to finding solutions for the chronic eczema and severely dry skin on my hands, it's surprising that I only just learned about Gloves in a Bottle, a unique hand lotion that appears to be the gold standard among nurses and other industry workers who frequently wash their hands. And although I've yet to put this stuff to the test myself, the first-person testimonials I've read attesting to its skin-saving abilities have been incredibly convincing, to say the least. Gloves in a Bottle calls itself a 'shielding lotion,' meaning that it 'bonds with the outermost layer of skin cells,' according to the brand, to create an invisible film that protects skin from losing vital moisture, while also keeping potential irritants and surfactants out for up to 12 hours, even through hand washing. This type of protection grants compromised skin the ability to restore itself and rebuild its natural barrier so deep cracks, flakiness and irritation can be a thing of the past. Trust me when I say that this is an indispensable allowance for people with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. 'Every finger tip has had multiple, painful cracks that hurt terribly and bleed quite a bit,' one Amazon customer with chronic eczema wrote. 'This stuff works like a dream. I've only been using it [for] about three to four days, and the difference is amazing! I can use my fingers again! My hands are nearly completely healed.' This same reviewer claimed that they had previously (and desperately) tried everything from folk remedies to prescription creams, yet nothing managed to accomplish what Gloves in a Bottle did in just a few short days. Another Amazon reviewer who is a hairdresser said the formula worked so well, they no longer needed to use their prescription eczema ointment. 'This is only my second day using Gloves In A Bottle, and the pain, cracking, flaking and bleeding has STOPPED,' they said in their review. As someone who has tried the gamut of hand creams and lotions, I'm keenly aware that if the texture is too greasy or feels too obvious on the skin, then I'm not going to use it. Luckily, the makers of Gloves in a Bottle considered this and promise to have created a truly invisible-feeling formula that immediately soaks into the skin, won't leave slick trails of product on everything you touch and permits you to go about your regular routine, while still having protected and hydrated skin. 'It honestly feels like there is nothing on you, and you immediately work on your computer or any other device without smearing lotion residue anywhere. It honestly did last throughout several hand washes and only came off in the shower several hours after I used it,' an Amazon shopper wrote in a review. In terms of ingredients, this lotion contains a few hallmark hydrators and skin softeners like glycerin, a dermatologist-adored humectant, and dimethicone, an emollient that's responsible for creating the formula's key shielding power. Some reviewers also acknowledge that the price may seem a little steep when compared to drugstore hand lotions, however, they insist it's worth it since you only need a small amount, and you don't need to constantly reapply throughout the day. As I previously mentioned, the sheer number of enthusiastic and convincing words from users of Gloves in a Bottle was overwhelming, but I managed to compile a few below, just in case you need more persuading to grab a bottle from any of the featured links. Promising Amazon reviews: 'I wasn't really sure what to expect I was just looking for a product to help my incredibly dry scaly and cracked hands. This year has been incredibly challenging and I'm not quite sure why but regular cream and lotion and things I used to do just weren't working. I watched quite a few YouTube dermatologists and many of them recommended this so I figured why not! After one use I am a believer. This product was incredible. For anyone who doesn't like greasy slimy or even a normal lotion on their hands perhaps because of transfer or just texture you will absolutely love this. It honestly feels like there is nothing on you and you immediately work on your computer or any other device without smearing lotion residue anywhere. It honestly did last throughout several hand washes and only came off in the shower several hours after I used it. May I also add that I only used it one time and this was the effect. I will definitely be recommending this product and buying it again.' — Valerie V. Perez 'This truly is the BEST moisturizer I've ever used!! I have been battling with psoriasis on my face, arms, and legs for about 3-4 months now and nothing I used would help and I used many different kinds of creams and moisturizers. But I used this stuff for just 4-5 days and my face cleared completely up and my arms and legs are almost completely cleared up as well!! Thank you so much for this product! It has truly changed my life! It really is like having a moisturizing shield on your skin! I will recommend this to everyone I know! Thank you thank you!!' — Christina White 'This is absolutely, by far, the best lotion for eczema and atopic dermatitis. I have suffered with eczema since birth and for the last 18 months have not been able to clear it up. Every finger tip has had multiple, painful cracks that hurt terribly and bleed quite a bit. I use cotton liner gloves with lotions and steroid creams and came across this product on Amazon looking for those. I thought I'd give it a try, but I really wasn't expecting much. Boy was I wrong! This stuff works like a dream. I've only been using it about 3-4 days and the difference is amazing! I can use my fingers again! My hands are nearly completely healed. I have tried so many prescriptions, non-prescriptions, folk remedies, boric acid, Apple cider vinegar, been desperate. This one product did the trick in just a few short days. I wished I had taken a picture of my fingers before using so you could see the difference, but I hate those catty comments women make about posting pics of hands online without a manicure. I have not been able to get a manicure for the last year and a half because it is too painful. If you have severe painful eczema, you will be so glad you tried Gloves In A Bottle.' — shannon miller 'Saving my skin! I'm a hairstylist, and have dry skin & eczema (not the best combo!). I saw another hairdresser post about this lotion, and decided to give it a try - IT WORKS! My hands are often wet, and I'm washing them many many times throughout the day. Even with moisturizing constantly, my hands were red, flaky, itchy, and often cracked and bleeding. This is only my second day using Gloves In A Bottle, and the pain, cracking, flaking and bleeding has STOPPED! I only apply a small amount once on clean house when I get to work, and once before I leave. It's not greasy, has no odor, and lasts through all of my clients' shampoos and my hand washings. I haven't even needed to use my exzcema ointment!' — Mike Related... The Best Retinol Creams To Turn Back Time On Your Hands Here's My Definitive List Of Products That Actually Make My Eczema Tolerable I Refuse To Go Anywhere Without This $4 Hand Cream That's Transformed My Dry Skin
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Bride-to-Be Wants Bridesmaid to Wear Body Makeup to Hide Her Psoriasis. The Reason Was Worse Than She Thought
The bridesmaid thought that her friend was worried about photos, but the actual reason for the request was worseNEED TO KNOW A woman was hurt when her friend asked if she'd wear body paint to cover up her psoriasis while acting as the maid of honor at her wedding While the bride initially told her it was so that she'd have "beautiful photographs that make everyone feel beautiful and confident," the real reason eventually came out and shocked the potential bridesmaid The revelation left her confused, concerned about her friendship and with a bad case of "emotional whiplash"A bridesmaid was upset and hurt when her friend asked if she'd wear body makeup to hide her psoriasis on her big day. She was then shocked to learn the reason for the request. Taking to Reddit's popular "Am I the A------" subreddit, the woman explained that she was "beyond thrilled" when her longtime friend asked if she would be the maid of honor at her wedding. However, an "impractical" condition accompanied the request: She'd have to cover her skin in body makeup. The woman said that her psoriasis was "well controlled," and that her "skin is simply very red." She wrote that she has a routine that she follows to keep it that way, which includes exfoliation and a moisturizer that she applies "a couple times a day." Not only would the makeup make it impossible for her to moisturize, she wrote that "any make up that will actually cover it will exacerbate the condition and make life miserable for me." When she pushed back, the bride-to-be said that she wanted to have "beautiful photographs that make everyone feel beautiful and confident." Her "heated" friend laid down an ultimatum: Wear the makeup or don't come to the wedding at all."I ended up telling her either she has me as is or not at all and left. She is now not speaking to me, but has told her fiancé that I accepted the role," the woman wrote, asking if she was in the wrong for taking a stance. After being assured that she was right to stand up for herself, the woman provided an update revealing the real reason that her friend had made the request. She wrote that her friend's fiancé called to talk about role as maid of honor. During the conversation, he offered to "reimburse [her] any costs for body makeup." Explaining why she had not accepted the offer, she told him "that even mild inflammation would cause days and weeks of irritation at best, or months of pain/cracked skin and possible infections at worst." The groom was "completely oblivious and very confused" by the revelation. After their conversation, the bride called back and "apologized profusely." "It turns out that her future Mother and Sister in law had been picking away at her, making her feel awful about herself and how she needs to be 'perfect, presentable and beautiful' on the day, that nothing can distract from her," the woman wrote. She continued, adding, "They both had convince[d] her that she is especially kind in not worrying or caring about how I looked, but that everyone else is just lying to me/her about not caring. [It's] been going on for months, even before they knew of the engagement, little digs about me trying to turn my friend against me." Saying that the women "are apparently disgusted by my psoriasis," they apparently warned the bride-to-be that it would steal all the focus on the day and "will make everyone miserable." "They didnt want me there at all, and were threatening my friend with not allowing the wedding at all," she wrote. "It was never about the photographs, it was about my condition being visible in general." The revelation left the potential maid of honor with "emotional whiplash." "[I'm] hurt and confused my friend let them convince her to go through with this, but I do think and hope we can get through this," she ultimately wrote. In her update, she also noted that she was grateful to get support from people, saying that she expected many to tell her to "suck it up."Many fellow Redditors did offer support. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "What is this fascination with wanting people to not look like themselves at weddings?! You may love your friend. But she doesn't love you for exactly who you are. Do not put yourself in pain for her," one wrote, with another calling the bride "shallow." "I, too, have psoriasis and it's pretty noticeable (it's on both feet and legs). My friends are supportive, but if I wear clothing and/or footwear that doesn't cover my skin (like shorts and sandals), I do notice strangers staring," one user replied. They continued, adding, "I also know how painful my skin becomes if I apply anything topically that is not prescribed or recommended for me specifically. It's quite literally excruciating. I would hate for you to put yourself through that by applying body makeup, which is almost guaranteed to exacerbate your psoriasis." "Your friend sounds shallow and selfish. She obviously has made the decision that unless you can meet her exacting beauty standards, then you can't be in her bridal party," the poster concluded. Read the original article on People Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Novartis CEO on Psoriasis Drug, China Growth, Tariffs, M&A
Novartis AG announced disappointing sales for a key psoriasis drug and the looming retirement of its respected finance chief, which overshadowed a modest outlook raise. Novartis CEO Vasant Narasimham speaks with Scarlet Fu on these topics and the impact of tariffs. Sign in to access your portfolio
