Looking for the right psoriasis treatment? Check out the top oral psoriasis treatments that may be able to help you relieve your condition. Characterized by painful, itchy red patches of skin, psoriasis can be an unpleasant and embarrassing problem for many people, preventing them from socializing and disrupting their overall well-being. If you have psoriasis, you probably already know how difficult it can be to treat. And sadly, there is no cure yet. While you may have tried the prescribed topical medications, many are unware of the oral treatments that have worked wonders for so many patients. If you are looking for the right treatment option, check out these most frequently asked questions about oral psoriasis treatments. Ask your doctor about these medications!
Because psoriasis occurs due to an overactive immune system that works quickly in generating new skin cells before shedding dead skin cells, the disease causes inflammation and unsightly patches on the skin. To reduce this inflammation, the immune system must be suppressed or blocked to help prevent symptoms.
The top oral psoriasis treatments can effectively help reduce the unpleasant symptom and effects of psoriasis. The top treatments include Trexall, Soriatane, and a newer medication called Otezla. Ask your doctor about any of these medications at your next appointment if you have been diagnosed with psoriasis.
Methotrexate is a drug commonly used to treat arthritis but can also be used to treat psoriasis. It works by suppressing the immune system to stop the excessive skin cell turnover characterized by psoriasis, and thereby helps prevent symptoms from recurring. While injectable medications are available, methotrexate can also be taken orally.
Trexall is a type of methotrexate drug that is taken orally and can be used to treat cancer and arthritis, as well as severe cases of psoriasis. It works by suppressing the immune system as other methotrexate drugs do. It can be taken as a pill but is also available as a liquid. Side effects like nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, drowsiness and dizziness can occur. Some hair loss has also been known to occur is some patients.
Soriatane is a different kind of psoriasis treatment that can be used in some patients with severe psoriasis. As an oral retinoid, it is a drug derived from vitamin A that is available in varying dosages. It is usually taken once a day with a meal, but it may take a few months before you notice its effects, as it will need to build up in the system.
Taking Soriatane may take some getting used to, so it is important to be patient. Upon first using this medication, you may experience redness, itchiness, peeling and dry skin within the first couple months. Other side effects may include dry eyes, dry mouth, runny nose and some hair loss. However, after the first couple months, these symptoms should usually go away.
Otezla is a newer medication for psoriasis that can treat a variety of psoriasis forms including plaque psoriasis. Belonging to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors, Otezla can reduce symptoms such as redness, scaling and plaques. The medication can be taken with or without food and usually twice each day.
Otezla can cause a number of stomach related side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also cause weight loss, loss of appetite and headache. Some individuals have been known to experience depression and thoughts of suicide when taking this medication. Let your doctor know if you are experiencing these symptoms.