Biologic medications are allowing many psoriasis patients to experience clear skin for the first time in years. These complex drugs target the immune system to tamp down the root cause of psoriasis. But there are downsides: biologics can be very expensive, and doctors and patients may have to battle with insurance companies to get them covered. In this episode, host David Brandt speaks with medical professionals and psoriasis patients about the impact of biologics on psoriasis treatment, and what to expect if you’re a patient who is considering these medications.

“We’re at a period of time that’s starting to be called ‘the golden age of psoriasis,’ because we can clear almost anyone, and we can do so in a way that is quite safe,” says dermatologist Mark Lebwohl. 

Among the highlights in this episode:

1:44 – How biologic medications work

2:09 – You can’t get a biologic at the corner pharmacy: The role of specialty pharmacies

2:22 – What it’s like to self-inject a biologic

4:30 – Worth the wait: experiencing the joys of clear skin

5:30 – How safe are biologics?

6:49 – We need to figure out how insurance will pay for these treatments

10:14 – The ‘golden age of psoriasis treatment’

Contact Our Host:

David Brandt: dbrandt@ghlf.org

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