Off-Label Systemics

There are additional systemic medications that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, some health care providers prescribe them “off-label” — a common and accepted medical practice.

What Are Off-Label Systemics?

Types of Off-Label Systemics

Hydrea (hydroxyurea) is an oral cancer medication found to be effective for psoriasis in the late 1960s. Hydrea can produce significant improvement in stable plaque psoriasis, but it also has potentially dangerous side effects, including bone marrow toxicity. Long-term use has been associated with skin cancer.

Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid approved as a treatment for severe cystic acne. The most common side effects of isotretinoin are eye and lip dryness, and nosebleeds. Bone spurs and hair loss occur to a lesser degree.

Isotretinoin has the potential for severe birth defects if a woman becomes pregnant while the drug is still in her system. A woman on isotretinoin should use reliable birth control one month before treatment, during treatment and for at least one month afterward.

Mycophenolate mofetil is used for the prevention of organ transplant rejection, as well as in the treatment of several inflammatory or autoimmune skin diseases. It has been used in combination with cyclosporine. Because it is an immunosuppressive agent, people with compromised immune systems should not take it.

Sulfasalazine is a combination anti-inflammatory and antibiotic commonly used for treating psoriatic arthritis. Many people cannot tolerate sulfasalazine because of an allergy to sulfa or because of side effects, including nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.

6-Thioguanine is an oral medication approved for treating certain types of leukemia. 6-Thioguanine has been reported to be effective for psoriasis, including treatment of pustular psoriasis. 6-Thioguanine must be used under close supervision due to the potential side effects associated with suppression of the bone marrow.

Have questions? Speak with your health care provider about off-label systemics use.

Learn More About Your Treatment Options

The Patient Navigation Center is here to provide personalized information about your psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatment.

Contact a Patient Navigator today

Stay in the Know

Expert tips, can’t-miss events, and the latest news, straight to your inbox.

National Health Council Standards of ExcellenceCharity NavigatorCommunity Health Charities logo

Copyright © 1996-2024 National Psoriasis Foundation/USA


Duplication, rebroadcast, republication, or other use of content appearing on this website is prohibited without written permission of the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF).


NPF does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the content of external websites.


NPF does not endorse any specific treatments or medications for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

We use cookies to offer you a better experience and analyze our site traffic. By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.