[BR]Oral medicationsIf you have severe psoriasis or it's resistant to other types of treatment, your doctor may prescribe oral or injected drugs. Because of severe side effects, some of these medications are used for just brief periods of time and may be alternated with other forms of treatment.
Retinoids. Related to vitamin A, this group of drugs may reduce the production of skin cells in people with severe psoriasis who don't respond to other therapies. Signs and symptoms usually return once therapy is discontinued, however. And because retinoids such as acitretin (Soriatane) can cause severe birth defects, women must avoid pregnancy for at least three years after taking the medication.
Methotrexate. Taken orally, methotrexate helps psoriasis by decreasing the production of skin cells, suppressing inflammation and reducing the release of histamine — a substance involved in allergic reactions. It may also slow the progression of arthritis in some people with psoriatic arthritis. Methotrexate is generally well tolerated in low doses, but when used for long periods it can cause a number of serious side effects, including severe liver damage and decreased production of red and white blood cells and platelets. Taking 1 milligram of folic acid on a daily basis may help reduce some of the common side effects associated with methotrexate.
Azathioprine. A potent anti-inflammatory drug, azathioprine may be used to treat severe psoriasis when other treatment options fail. Taken long term, azathioprine increases the risk of developing cancerous or noncancerous growths (neoplasias) and certain blood disorders. Other potential side effects include nausea and vomiting, bruising more easily than normal, and fatigue.
Cyclosporine. Cyclosporine works by suppressing the immune system and is similar to methotrexate in effectiveness. Like other immunosuppressant drugs, cyclosporine increases your risk of infection and other health problems, including cancer. Cyclosporine also makes you more susceptible to kidney problems and high blood pressure — the risk increases with higher dosages and long-term therapy.
Hydroxyurea. This medication isn't as effective as cyclosporine or methotrexate, but unlike the stronger drugs it can be used with phototherapy treatments. Possible side effects include anemia and a decrease in white blood cells and platelets. It should not be taken by women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Immunomodulator drugs (biologics). Several immunomodulator drugs are approved for the treatment of moderate to severe cases of psoriasis. They include alefacept (Amevive), efalizumab (Raptiva), etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximab (Remicade). These drugs are given by intravenous infusion, intramuscular injection or subcutaneous injection and are usually used for people who have failed to respond to traditional therapy or for people with associated psoriatic arthritis. Biologics work by blocking interactions between certain immune system cells. Although they're derived from natural sources rather than chemical ones, they have strong effects on the immune system and likely pose many of the same risks as other immunosuppressant drugs.
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