WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER A BIOLOGIC THERAPY FOR MY PSORIASIS?

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Biologic Therapy for Psoriasis at Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology in New Orleans Area
Biologics help control psoriasis by altering specific portions of the immune system that affect the inflammatory processes that drive the disease. They are typically administered as quick subcutaneous injections given every 2 to 12 weeks, and more specific for the types of the immune system that drive psoriasis, making them much safer than systemic steroids or other previous therapies that lowered the immune system more generally.

Clearances of over 90% can be seen with some newer agents, making them a godsend to patients with moderate-to-severe disease that’s uncontrollable with topical therapies, and the standard-of-care for the subset of patients suffering from the inflammatory destruction of psoriatic arthritis.

There are still, however, some risks with most biologic medications:

  1. Slightly increased incidence of minor infections such as colds, flu, and skin infections. No increased incidence of COVID-19 from biologics has been observed at this time.
  2. Increased incidence of tuberculosis or hepatitis B if you are an unknowing, asymptomatic carrier for these diseases. Routine testing is performed on patients receiving biologics to screen for these diseases.
  3. Increased incidence of certain types of cancer, especially blood-type cancers such as leukemia. If you have had an internal cancer in the recent past, your oncologist may be asked to give you clearance to start treatment.
  4. Some biologics have been associated with an increased risk of cardiac events in patients with underlying heart conditions, especially congestive heart failure.
  5. Patients with demyelinating diseases of the nerves, such as multiple sclerosis, might have these conditions worsened by biologics.


Despite these concerns, biologics have revolutionized psoriasis care for those with joint disease and for those unable to control their condition with creams and ointments alone. Many programs are in place to help you and your physician navigate the insurance barriers that commonly accompany these prescriptions.

However, if underlying health conditions or financial matters preclude starting a biologic, it is important to remember that there are good alternative systemic options available, some old and others quite new.
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Patients who are interested in learning more about biologic therapy for psoriasis or other treatments for psoriasis should call the Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mary Lupo or Dr. Neil Farnsworth at (504) 777-3047. The office is at 145 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, Suite #302, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

August 2020

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Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. - Connect on Linkedin

Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical and cosmetic treatments to all patients.

Board certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for approval of new drugs and devices and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.