Biologic drugs

For more information download the Systemics booklet (PDF).

Amevive (alefacept)

• FDA-approved for treating psoriasis
• Being studied for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis
• Given by an intramuscular injection in a doctor’s office once per week for 12 weeks
• Additional 12-week treatment cycles might be necessary or recommended
• Blood tests required every two weeks during treatment to monitor immune cell counts

Enbrel (etanercept)

• FDA-approved for treating psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
• Patients give themselves an injection once or twice a week
• Taken continuously to maintain results
• May reduce the progression of joint damage
• Occasional blood tests are recommended

 Humira (adalimumab)

• FDA-approved for treating psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Individuals give themselves an injection usually every other week
• Patients should be screened for latent (hidden) tuberculosis (TB) before taking Humira
• May reduce the progression of joint damage
• Occasional blood tests are recommended

Raptiva (efalizumab)

On April 8, 2009, Genentech, Inc. announced a phased voluntary withdrawal of Raptiva from the U.S. Market; the drug will no longer be available after June 8, 2009.

• FDA-approved for treating psoriasisPatients give themselves an injection once per week
• Taken continuously to maintain results
• Occasional blood tests may be recommended

Remicade (infliximab)

• FDA-approved for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn’s disease
• Given by three infusions in a doctor’s office during the first six weeks of treatment
• Later infusions repeated every eight weeks
• Patients should be screened for latent (hidden) tuberculosis (TB) before taking infliximab
• May reduce the progression of joint damage
• Blood tests are recommended on a regular basis