Important Message for Our Psoriasis Biologic Patients

Important Message for Our Psoriasis Biologic Patients

The recent coronavirus outbreak has led to many questions about what patients should do if they are on biologic or oral medications to treat their psoriasis. Unfortunately, there are no official recommendations from groups like the American Academy of Dermatology: if those are forthcoming, we will alert you immediately.

In the meantime, these are our current recommendations. They are certainly subject to changes as we get more information about the outbreak:

  1. On Otezla, Dupixent, or IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors (Stelara, Tremfiya, Ilumya, Cosentyx, Taltz, Siliq, Skyrizi) can continue their treatment IF they are symptom-free and have not had any contact with potential coronavirus-infected people, and have not traveled to a Level 1, 2, or 3 country.
  2. Patients on TNF inhibitors (Enbrel, Humira, Cimzia) who have other risk factors for coronavirus (age > 50, people who have serious chronic medical conditions like Heart disease, Diabetes, or Lung disease should discuss with their provider whether they should stop treatment, or switch to a different class of medication.
  3. Patients on TNF inhibitors (Enbrel, Humira, Cimzia) WITHOUT any known risk factors for coronavirus, including older age, other medical conditions, contact with potentially infected people, travel to high-risk areas may still want to consider switching to alternate medications, or holding doses of medication. In some cases, it may be possible to continue their treatment under close observation.

ALL patients should practice all of the CDC-recommended strategies to minimize risk of coronavirus infection.