Etanercept therapy allows the tapering of methotrexate and sustained clinical responses in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
Methotrexate, the most common systemic small molecule used in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis, is associated with significant toxicities and adverse events. Long-term continuous usage is not recommended due to potential liver toxicity, myelosuppression, and other side effects. Abrupt cessation of methotrexate without tapering can lead to flare-up and rebound of psoriasis. Here we describe sustained clinical responses in 6 patients with psoriasis following gradual cessation of methotrexate through the addition of etanercept therapy.
Yamauchi
Paul S
PS
Dermatology Institute and Skin Care Center, Santa Monica, and Division of Dermatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA. psyamauchi@earthlink.net
Lowe
Nicholas J
NJ
D000328:Adult; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D000068800:Etanercept; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D000068800:Etanercept; D008727:Methotrexate