Great question! Biologics are a type of medication used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis, especially when other treatments haven't worked well enough.
Here's what to know about how they're given:
- Injections – Most biologics are given as a shot under the skin, and many can be self-administered at home using a Show Full Answer
Great question! Biologics are a type of medication used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis, especially when other treatments haven't worked well enough.
Here's what to know about how they're given:
- Injections – Most biologics are given as a shot under the skin, and many can be self-administered at home using a syringe or auto-injector pen
- IV infusions – Some biologics are given through a vein at a doctor's office or infusion center
- Not tablets – Because biologics are large protein molecules, they can't be absorbed properly through the digestive system, so they can't be taken as a pill
Dosing schedules vary — some are weekly, others every few weeks or even months. Biologics work by targeting specific proteins in the immune system that drive inflammation, rather than suppressing the whole immune system. This makes them more targeted than older oral medications.
Like any treatment, there are potential side effects to be aware of, including:
- Headache and nausea
- Pain or soreness at the injection site
- An increased risk of infections, since they affect the immune system
It's really important to be closely monitored by a dermatologist while on biologics. As for real-world experiences, one MyPsoriasisTeam member shared that injections can be surprisingly painless — "There was no pain, I barely even felt the injection." Another MyPsoriasisTeam member found that combining a biologic injection with a topical ointment worked best after some trial and error.
Everyone's experience is different, so it may take trying a few options before finding what works best. A dermatologist can help figure out the right fit based on personal health history and symptom severity.
July 6
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