Systemic treatments, aimed at those with varying degrees of psoriasis and psoriatic disease severity, are prescription drugs that work throughout the body. They are also used in those who are not responsive or are unable to tolerate topical treatments or phototherapy.
Systemics
Systemic psoriasis drugs have been around for more than 10 years and are taken by mouth in liquid or pill form or given by injection or infusion.
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Learn More About Traditional Systemics
Biologics and Biosimilars
Biologic drugs, or biologics, are given by injection (shot) or intravenous (IV) infusion (a slow drip of medicine into your vein). A biologic is a protein-based drug derived from living cells cultured in a laboratory. While biologics, such as vaccines and insulin, have been used to treat disease for more than 100 years, modern-day techniques have made biologics a viable treatment option for psoriasis in the past 15 years.
Biosimilars are modeled after an already FDA-approved biologic medicine or biologic (also called the “reference product”). They may be administered by injection or intravenous infusion.
Oral Treatments
Oral treatments are small-molecule medicines that are taken by mouth. Unlike earlier pills used for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, the latest oral treatments selectively target specific molecules inside immune cells.
Get the Facts on Systemic Medications
NPF’s Patient Navigation Center will help you wade the waters with what your treatment options are.