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Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a disease affecting the skin and joints,
commonly causing red scaly patches to appear on the skin.
The scaly patches caused by psoriasis, called psoriatic plaques, are areas
of inflammation and excessive skin production. Skin
rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes a silvery-white appearance.
Plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows and knees,
but can affect any area.
Psoriasis affects more than 4.5 million people in the
United States
, with approximately 250,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
One-third of the patients (about 1.5 million people) diagnosed with the disease
have moderate-to-severe psoriasis.
Approximately 40% of patients suffering from psoriasis
have a family history of the disease, which typically requires ongoing treatment
to restore function, maintain health, and prevent disability.
Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as psoriatic
arthritis. Ten to fifteen percent of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis.
Your Care at
Ascend SpecialtyRx
Ascend SpecialtyRx
manages patients with psoriasis based upon nationally recognized treatment guidelines,
the most recent information found in peer-reviewed medical literature and appropriate
standards of practice.
Our pharmacy maintains full availability of all needed
medications and medical supplies, and we offer around-the-clock emergency support
and patient counseling, as well as confidential, flexible and on-time delivery options.
Our expert pharmacy team works closely with each patient
and their healthcare providers to help ensure that patients take their medications
as prescribed and monitors for any side effects from the medications.
Common Drugs for the Treatment of Psoriasis
Humira
Amevive
Enbrel
Stelara
Special Considerations for Psoriasis Patients
Patients need additional monitoring and support to
maintain the safe and effective use of their medications.
For example, each month, our pharmacy team may remind patients of the importance
of notifying both their primary care doctor and rheumatologist if treated for an
infection with antibiotics
or if you develop symptoms of an infection such as fever or chills, sore throat,
coughing, or burning with urination.
Helpful Links
Ascend SpecialtyRx is not responsible for the content displayed in the following websites
National Psoriasis Foundation
Psoriasis Cure Now
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
The
American Academy
of Dermatology
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