Thinking
About Biologics?
Try Out These Links*
Amevive
Enbrel
Humira
Remicade
AMEVIVE
(alefacept) — Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
purchased Amevive from Biogen Idec. Sections of this web site include "Unique Mechanism of
Action," "Unique Dosing," "Efficacy," "Safety Profile," "Important
Safety Information," "Amevive Start Assistance Program (ASAP)," and
"Prescribing Information."
- Consumer site:
"Psoriasis Support" - none at this time
- Administration:
Intramuscular injection given at your doctor's office once a week for
12 weeks. If necessary, a second course of 12 weeks injections
can be prescribed after about 12 weeks "off treatment."
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ENBREL(etanercept) —
Amgen, Wyeth
Main
sections are devoted to each of the five diseases for which this
biologic has been approved—including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Within these sections find "Disease Description," "How Enbrel Works on
the Disease," "Help Finding a Dermatologist" and "Safety Information."
You may also sign up to receive a printed info kit.
http://www.enlivenservices.com/index.jsp
-
Consumer
site: "Psoriasis Connection" - http://www.psoriasisconnect.com
Main pages include "Learn About Psoriasis" (what it is, type,
immune system role, psoriatic arthritis), "Live Your Life" (caring
for mind and body, getting out and about, managing relationships,
patient connections), "Treat the Disease" (options, working with a
dermatologist). Also an online tool for recording symptoms
—especially
good for new psoriasis patients.
-
Administration:
Depending on need, weekly or twice weekly self-administered subcutaneous injections
i
nto midsection using a prefilled "injector"
or a more conventional syringe. Duration unlimited (barring adverse reactions).
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HUMIRA (adalimumab)
— Abbot
Covers
several diseases for which Humira is an FDA-approved treatment.
Especially useful section on financial assistance:
http://www.humira.com/Global/FinancialHelp/Default.aspx.
-
Administration: Typically a twice-a-month (every OTHER week)
subcutaneous injection using a "pen" or syringe. Both versions
come prepackaged and ready for use (no mixing or filling the injector
required). For particularly recalcitrant cases, some rheumys (and,
possibly, derms) are
prescribing weekly dosages.
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REMICADE
(inflimiximab) —
Centocor
Under "plaque psoriasis" find "Understanding Psoriasis,"
"Remicade for Plaque Psoriasis," "Living with Psoriasis," "Doctor
Discussion Guide," and "Your Psoriasis Community."
- Administration: Intravenous (IV) infusion at doctor's office or
Infusion Center. Infusions take about two hours and, after the
initial three infusions, more infusions come at 8-week
intervals. No more than 6 are given during the course of a year.
Some patients receive additional medication orally immediately preceding
an infusion to control side effects.
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* Links on this page last
validated on 9/23/2009. Search FlakeHQ.com using any of these drug names
for email exchanges about their use. Search.
If you are considering the use of any biologic medicine you should study
the ADVERSE EFFECTS and weigh these against your own health history and
life style. All biologic drugs for psoriasis are currently expensive
(more than $1,000 per month) though insurance coverage and some
financial assistance available through the manufacturers may
significantly lower out-of-pocket costs to patients. -ED 9/23/09
Contents
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