In a person with psoriasis, the body's immune system destroys skin cells. In response, the skin produces new cells at an extremely fast rate. This leads to the visible signs of psoriasis such as scales on patches of skin. Psoriasis has no cure but it can be managed with medication.
Indication
Amevive is a drug produced by Astellas Pharma US, Inc. It is used to treat moderate to severe cases of plaque psoriasis--a type of psoriasis characterized by red, raised, scaly patches of skin--in adults who are also eligible for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Amevive belongs to a class of drugs called biologics.
Administration/Results
Amevive is administered by injection at a doctors office every week for 12 weeks. After a break period of 12 weeks or more, another round of the medication treatments may be initiated. This medication does not work for everyone and results may only be observed after 8 weeks or longer of therapy.
How It Works
The rapid growth of skin cells in psoriasis is caused by T-cells--cells that stimulate the skin to overproduce new cells. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, Amevive treats psoriasis by blocking T-cell activation. Therefore, the level of T-cells in the body is lowered.
Side Effects
A serious side effect of Amevive is infection at the injection site. Some common side effects of this drug include chills, cough and dizziness.
