STL Index for: Efalizumab

Biologic agents were introduced during the past decade as a new class of treatments for chronic psoriasis. This review will discuss data from clinical trials that have provided new insights into the efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness of alefacept as a treatment for psoriasis.

Update on Ustekinumab Stelara®, Photopheresis System THERAKOS™ CELLEX™, Calcitriol Vectical™ Ointment, Autologous Collagen Cellular Processing System Isolagen Therapy™.

Update on Alitretinoin (Toctino®), Denileukin Diftitox (Ontak™), Bimatoprost Ophthalmic 0.03% Solution (LATISSE®), Maraviroc (SELZENTRY®), Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2% + Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% (Acanya® Gel), Etanercept (Enbrel®).

Update on Ceftobiprole (Zeftera®) Johnson & Johnson/ Basilea Pharmaceuticals, IV Iclaprim Arpida Ltd., HPV Vaccine (Gardasil®) Merck & Co., Alitretinoin (Toctino®) Basilea Pharmaceuticals, and Atazanavir sulfate (REYATAZ®) Bristol-Myers Squibb.

This article provides an overview for the drug, Efalizumab (RAPTIVA®) for the treatment of psoriasis. Indications, mechanism, contraindications, side-effects are considered.

Hand and foot psoriasis is a chronic and debilitating disease that manifests as plaque-type or pustular-type lesions. Although the palms and soles represent only 2% of the total body surface area, psoriasis of these regions may lead to physical dysfunctions that can greatly impair dexterity, mobility, and the quality of life.

Moderate-to-severe psoriasis is known to affect millions of people around the globe. This chronic disease substantially impacts patients by impairing their quality of life. The biologics are the newest and most effective therapeutic weapon in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Biologics are one of the more effective and relatively safe options for long-term control of psoriasis. They have reduced the time needed to clear the signs of chronic disease, and are effective in maintaining a disease-free state for longer durations. Biologics can safely be used with other treatment modalities (i.e., methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin and hydroxyurea).

The elderly population is increasing and drug dosing requires special considerations for efficacy and decreasing toxicity. This overview provides algorithms for adjusting drug and dosage based on current evidence-based knowledge with emphasis on drugs prescribed in dermatological practice.

Update on Zoster Vaccine Live Zostavax®, Doxycycline, 40mg Oracea®, Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler Juvéderm® Gel, Mycophenolate Mofetil CellCept®, Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid (SAHA) Zolinza®, Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Gardasil®, and Adalimumab Humira®.

Although the developing fetus was once considered protected from the outside world, we now know that it can potentially be affected by any medication given to the mother. Therapeutic options available for these patients will be discussed.