Biologics treament for psoriasis. Avail?

Biological are the latest in the treatment of psoriasis. Once or twice weekly injections Given subcutaneously of a biological called etanercept for about 3 months will help give a remission (relief from the disease for atleast 3 months, but only seen in 20% of cases) before the disease recurs however when it does it will be much more under control. There are very few side effects however considering that the drug acts on the immune system, certain blood test should be done such as look for hepatitis B or C, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular diseases, any live vaccines given in the last six months. However, if there are no comorbidities you will be an ideal candidate for the treatment Now coming to the cost, per injection cost starts at 5000/- and you may require atleast twice weekly for 3 months so that’s about 24 injections so keep a budget of atleast 1,20,000/-. But I believe if your insured it may be covered, please check with your area consultant. This is just one among the many biological available in India today. Yes it’s expensive and it’s only given for the following types of psoriasis: 1. Extensive, (more than 10%) resistant to conventional treatment 2. Pustular type of psoriasis 3. Psoriatic arthritis 4. Psoriasis involving the palms and soles that inhibit the individual the ability to do his or her daily work.

Please consider everything, evaluate with a dermatologist in your area and together decide if you wish to proceed ahead with this, but considering the cost factor and if not tried conventional treatment first then go ahead for biological.

First go for conventional therapy, these biological are still in clinical trials stage, but promising. There are safer non invasive procedures such as UV therapy and excimer lamp which specifically targets the lesions without the unwanted systemic side effects of oral or injectables. Hope this was useful