Common Side Effects
Most common side effects are not serious.
Injection-Site Reactions
Redness at the drug-injection site has been commonly seen in patients treated with biologics. The majority of the injection-site reactions have been mild.
Allergic Reactions
Any drug can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
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| Psoriasis Treatment Guidelines |
Infections
Because biologics affect your immune system, you may have an increased risk of developing an infection or having a more severe infection.
The most common infections seen are as follows:
- nasopharyngitis
- upper respiratory tract infections
- bronchitis
- pneumonia
- cellulitis
- diverticulitis
- urinary tract infections
- sepsis
- fever
- chills
- headache
- coughing
- congestion
- chest tightness
- shortness of breath
- flu-like symptoms
- nausea
- tiredness
- night sweats
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- burning while passing urine
- redness or swelling of skin or joint
- cold sores
- new or worsening of pain in any location
- weight loss
Cancer
Because biologics affect your immune system, you may have an increased risk of developing cancer. In clinical trials, most of the cancers have been non-melanoma skin cancers, which include basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas of the skin, which are usually non-life threatening if caught early. As a precaution, you may wish to limit your sun exposure and undergo regular skin examination skin by a physician when being treating with biologics.
Cardiac and Vascular
People who have psoriasis, and certain other inflammatory diseases, have a higher risk of having heart attacks. These people have heart attacks more often than other people. Seek medical care immediately if you develop the following:
- chest pain or discomfort
- trouble breathing
- irregular heartbeats
- dizziness
- loss of balance
- new numbness or weakness
- visual or speech changes
The effects of biologics on human sperm and unborn babies is not known. It is very important that women do not become pregnant while being treated with biologics. If you think that you have become pregnant or may have fathered a child while being treated with biologics, tell your doctor immediately.
Tuberculosis
Those who are being treated with biologics may be at a greater risk for serious infections such as tuberculosis. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has ever had tuberculosis, or if you have ever come in contact with someone with the disease. Tell your doctor if you develop the following:
- a cough that does not go away
- coughing up blood
- shortness of breath
- fever
- night sweats
- weight loss
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| Psoriasis Treatment Guidelines |
Vaccinations
Vaccines are made to help protect people from certain illnesses. Some vaccines are made from live bacteria or live viruses. You cannot receive this kind of live vaccine if you are being treated with biologics. Other kinds of vaccines, like tetanus and flu shots, are allowed. Tell your study doctor before getting any vaccine while you are being treated with biologics. To find out more, you can check out Psoriasis Treatment Guidelines.