Millions of people throughout the world have psoriasis, a long-term autoimmune skin disease. It can greatly affect quality of life and is marked by irritated, scaly spots on the skin. Biologic medicines have changed the way moderate to severe psoriasis is treated throughout the years. Secukinumab and Adalimumab are two of the most common biologics. Both are FDA-approved and quite effective, but they function in different ways and may be better for various patients.
If you’re looking into more sophisticated ways to treat psoriasis, this Be Better Pharmacy article will help you compare Secukinumab vs Adalimumab in terms of how well they work, how safe they are, how they work, and more.
Learning about biologic treatments for psoriasis
Biologics are drugs manufactured from live things that attack certain sections of the immune system that are implicated in psoriasis. Biologics work more precisely than typical systemic medications, which widely depress the immune system.
Secukinumab (brand name: Cosentyx) is a completely human monoclonal antibody that stops interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a cytokine that plays a big role in inflammation and the development of psoriatic plaques.
Humira is the commercial name for adalimumab, which is a TNF-alpha blocker. It acts by attaching to tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a chemical in the body that makes autoimmune illnesses like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis worse.
How Secukinumab and Adalimumab work
- Secukinumab works on IL-17A, which is a novel and more psoriasis-specific route. It lowers inflammation and the production of skin plaques more directly by neutralising IL-17A.
- Adalimumab, on the other hand, targets TNF-α, which has a bigger influence in the immunological response. This may also help lower inflammation, but it might also affect other immunological systems, which could cause more systemic adverse effects.
- This variation in targeting has real-world effects, especially for individuals with other health problems or specific reasons not to use the drug.
How well it works and what happens in the clinic
Several studies have looked at how well Secukinumab and Adalimumab work for treating psoriasis:
- The CLEAR research, a large Phase III clinical trial, showed that Secukinumab caused more PASI 90 (90% decrease in psoriasis symptoms) than Adalimumab at 12 and 52 weeks.
- Patients who use Secukinumab frequently get their skin clear sooner and keep it clear longer.
- Adalimumab works, although it can take a little longer to see benefits, and not all patients may have the same amount of skin clearing.
- In short, Secukinumab may work better to get and keep skin clean.
How to take the medicine and how much to take
- You provide secukinumab by injecting it under the skin. It starts with a loading dosage of 300 mg once a week for five weeks, and then it goes to a maintenance dose of 300 mg every four weeks.
- You also inject adalimumab under the skin, first with 80 mg and then 40 mg every other week.
- Both Secukinumab and Adalimumab are injectable, however Secukinumab has to be given less often after the first phase. Some patients may find this more convenient in the long run.
Safety and Side Effects
Both medications, like other biologic therapies, have a chance of causing adverse effects, although they are usually well tolerated.
Some of the most common adverse effects of Secukinumab are:
- Infections of the upper respiratory tract
- Pain in the head
- Diarrhoea
- Reactions at the injection location
Some of the adverse effects of adalimumab are:
- Higher chance of getting major diseases, including TB
- Rash
- Feeling sick
- Changes in liver enzymes
Adalimumab lowers immune responses by blocking TNF-α, which makes it more likely that you may get systemic infections or reactivate illnesses that are already in your body, such TB or hepatitis B. Some people may find that secukinumab is a little safer since it is more focused.
Cost and Coverage by Insurance
- When picking between Secukinumab and Adalimumab, the price might be a big influence.
- Adalimumab is an older and better established biologic that is now accessible in biosimilar forms, which may be less expensive.
- Because secukinumab is newer, it usually costs more and may not be covered by insurance as much unless you get permission beforehand.
- Patients should talk to their dermatologist and check with their insurance company or pharmacies like Be Better Pharmacy for the most up-to-date prices and help programs.
Suitability and Preferences of Patients
People typically have to choose between Secukinumab and Adalimumab based on their own needs, such as:
- How bad the disease is
- How well the prior therapies worked
- Conditions that happen at the same time, such arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease
- Preference and frequency of injections
How much risk you are willing to take with side effects
Some individuals may do better with IL-17 inhibitors like Secukinumab, especially those who have not had success with TNF blockers in the past.
What Biologic Drug Do You Like Best?
When it comes to sheer effectiveness, Secukinumab is frequently seen as the best option for getting rid of skin quickly and completely. But Adalimumab is still a good choice, especially for people with psoriatic arthritis or those who want a biosimilar that costs less.
In the end, the best biologic for treating psoriasis is one that is made just for you. Dermatologists will look at each patient’s medical history and individual characteristics to provide the best solution.
Last Thoughts
Biologic drugs like Secukinumab and Adalimumab can change people’s lives who have moderate to severe psoriasis. Each patient has a different proper decision since the drugs work in different ways, have different safety profiles, and cost different amounts.
Be Better Pharmacy is the place to go for reliable pharmaceutical assistance, professional advice, and a comprehensive choice of psoriasis treatments. Always talk to your doctor before starting or changing any psoriasis medicine.
