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UV Phototherapy vs. Biologics

RaptivaII®, EnbrelII® AmeviveII® Versus Ultraviolet Light Phototherapy
On average 29% of patients achieve 75% PASI score (IV). Clearing at 12 Weeks Typically 20-25 sessions to clear
Long term remission
for 90% of patients
Suppresses Immune System Side Effects <-- details --> Minimal Side Effects

Not Fully Reimbursed
Potentially high co-pays.
Course of therapy every 6-12 months = $12K-$18K

Cost

Almost Always Reimbursed
Small co-pay for patient

12 IV, IM, or SC injection treatments per treatment cycle Simplicity of Use Stand in front of light for 5-10 min
Too New for Safety Record Safety Decades of Safe Use
 

Side Effects of Biologics:

  • Raptiva - "The most common side effects of Raptiva include headache, chills, fever, nausea and muscle aches. Back pain, joint pain and swelling of the arms and legs (peripheral edema) can also happen with Raptiva."
  • Enbrel - "Many of these infections occured in patients predisposed to infections because of concomitant immunosuppresive therapy and/or their underlying disease. Rarecases of TB have been observed."
  • Amevive - "Commonly observed adverse events seen in the first course were: pharyngitis, dizziness, increased cough, nausea, pruritus, myalagia, chills, injection site pain, injection site inflammation and accidental injury."

Side effects of Phototherapy

Narrowband UVB lamps has been available in Europe since 1988.  With proper exposure, they have shown minimal side effects.

 

Bibliography

  1. Amevive. Advertisement. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Jul. 2004: 858-859.
  2. Enbrel. Advertisement. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Jul. 2004: 918-919.
  3. Raptiva. Advertisement. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Jul. 2004: 938-939.
  4. Al-Suwaiden MD, Sami. "Clearence is not a realistic expectation of psoriasis treatment.." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 0 Mar. 2000: 796-802.
  5. Windle, PharmD, Mary. eMedicine Health - Understanding Psoriasis Medications, Systemic Age. -1 2003. Emedicine Consumer Health. 9 Jul. 2004.
  6. Reviewed by Simon MD, Harvey. www.healthandage.com/html/well_connected/pdf/doc87. 10 Nov. 2003. Health and Age Centers. 9 Jul. 2004.
  7. Shelk J. and Morgan P.Narrow-band UVB: a practical approach. 12 Dec. 2000. Dermatol Nursing. 9 Jul. 2004.
  8. Herper, Matthew. J&J Edges Up On The Itch. 26 Mar. 2003. Forbes.com. 9 Jul. 2004.
  9. Price, MD, Norman. An Overview of Psoriasis Therapy. 1998. . 9 Jul. 2004.

Home UVB Phototherapy Equipment: Panosol II® - DermaLume 2XTM - Dermalight 80® - Foldalite III®
Home UVA Phototherapy Treatment
: Panosol II®- Dermalight 80® - Hand/Foot IITM

Popular Psoriasis Home Phototherapy Home Units: Panasol/Panosol II® - Dermalite/Dermalight80®
Treatment guides: Phototherapy UV psoriasis light treatment - Phototherapy Vitiligo treatment
        narrowband UVB - How UV phototherapy can help - scalp psoriasis treatment