A Review of Drug-Drug Interactions for Biologic Drugs Used in the Treatment of Psoriasis

Abstract

Biologic drugs are increasingly being prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis. Very little information is available in the literature regarding potential drug interactions with these medications. This paper serves as a guide for prescribers to be aware of possible interactions between biologic drugs approved for the treatment of psoriasis in North America and concomitant therapies.

Objective: To provide an overview of reported drug interactions between biologic drugs and concomitant therapies.

Methods: Reports of potential drug interactions were compiled through a search of Micromedex, drug monographs (Canadian, American, and European), as well as a PubMed search of each biologic drug with the term "drug interaction."

Conclusion: Generally, caution should be exercised when multiple immunosuppressive therapies are prescribed due to increased risk of infection. However, this is more the result of a synergistic effect as opposed to a true drug interaction. There have been cases where multiple biologic therapies have been concomitantly used without adverse events, as their mechanisms involved different pathways. The sources used to compile this guide were often comprised of low levels of evidence, reinforcing the idea that further studies are required to better direct prescribers.

Keywords: biologics; interactions; prescribing; psoriasis; safety.