It’s also important to note that some people may experience few to no side effects. If you’re concerned about side effects, talk with a doctor about your treatment options.
This article discusses possible side effects of biologics for psoriasis.
People receiving biologics for psoriasis may experience flu-like symptoms. These may include:
- fever
- chills
- headache
- body aches
- Fatigue
Learn more about what to expect with biologics for psoriasis.
Biologics
- pain
- swelling
- itching
- bruising
- skin discoloration
- rash
Allergic reactions can occur with biologic medications and may cause symptoms like:
- flushing
- hives
- breathing difficulties
- nausea or vomiting
Because biologics reduce the body’s typical immune system responses, people receiving the medications may be more susceptible to new infections. Biologics may also allow an existing infection, such as tuberculosis, to activate or reactivate.
Before trying biologics for psoriasis, your doctor may recommend undergoing tuberculosis screening and
- hepatitis A or B
- human papillomavirus
- tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
- influenza
- pneumonia
- COVID-19
During biologic therapy, you may also need to have your blood tested regularly to monitor for markers of infection.
Learn more about the pros and cons of biologics for psoriasis.
According to a
- headache or migraine
- mood changes like anxiety and depression
- sleep disturbances
- vertigo
Less often, certain biologics called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors have been associated with more serious conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
The same review noted that some neurological issues may persist even after stopping treatment, but prompt discontinuation of the medication may give a person the best chance of full recovery.
Another
- secukinumab (Cosentyx)
- ixekizumab (Taltz)
- brodalumab (Siliq)
People with existing IBD or a higher risk of developing the condition should talk with their doctors about the risks of biologics for psoriasis.
Some evidence suggests that biologic therapy for psoriasis may be associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. For example, a
A specific TNF-alpha inhibitor called adalimumab (Humira)
It’s important to note that the risk of serious side effects like cancer is low, and
If you notice any unusual symptoms right after receiving a biologic medication or in the following days or weeks, contact your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dose or recommend an alternative medication.
Philip Ngo, PharmD, reviewed the answers to these common questions about biologics for psoriasis.
How long do you stay on biologics for psoriasis?
The amount of time a person may need to be on biologics for psoriasis can vary. For example, you may not be on a biologic for very long if you experience adverse effects or it stops working for you. If a biologic is effective and doesn’t cause severe side effects, you may be on it long-term to manage your symptoms and avoid possible recurrences after discontinuation.
Learn more about when it may be time to switch biologics for psoriasis.
What is the safest biologic for psoriasis?
There isn’t one single biologic that has been proven to be the safest for everyone. Talk with your doctor about which biologic might be the safest for you.
Some people on biologics for psoriasis may experience few to no adverse effects. Others may experience mild side effects, such as flu-like symptoms or symptoms around the injection site. Serious side effects are rare.
Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about possible side effects of biologics for psoriasis.