Experiences and Recommended Actions when Dealing with Siliq's Potential Adverse Reactions
In a significant breakthrough for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, Siliq (brodalumab), a brand-name prescription medication, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017. This medication has proven to be effective in providing sustained skin clearance and improving patients' quality of life over a period of 5+ years.
Siliq is an interleukin-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) antagonist, which works by blocking a key pathway in the disease's pathogenesis, thus reducing inflammation and clinical symptoms of psoriasis. According to a 5-year open-label extension study, about 70% of patients maintained almost clear or clear skin (sPGA score 0 or 1) through 120 weeks of treatment, and many achieved high levels of PASI response (PASI-75, PASI-90, PASI-100) that persist up to 264 weeks (5 years). These findings translate into lasting improvements not only in psoriasis severity but also in patients' quality of life, as measured by dermatology quality of life index (DLQI) scores.
While Siliq is generally well-tolerated, it is essential to be aware of potential side effects and precautions. For instance, if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviours, it is crucial to inform your doctor before using Siliq, as you may be at an increased risk of these thoughts or behaviours during your treatment. Side effects may include diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, muscle pain, injection site reaction, infection, headache, and mild allergic reaction. Siliq may also cause mood changes, such as anger, as a side effect.
Your doctor may monitor you more often for symptoms such as mood or behaviour changes. In some cases, they may recommend a different treatment option for you. Due to the risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, your doctor may limit how long you use Siliq. If the drug does not help ease your plaque psoriasis symptoms after 12 to 16 weeks, your doctor will likely recommend a different treatment.
Long-term brodalumab treatment has an acceptable safety profile across multiple years of use. In the 5-year open-label extension study, there was only one reported adverse event of suicidal ideation, with no suicides or new significant safety concerns. Pharmacovigilance data over seven years similarly support the safety of brodalumab in psoriasis treatment, although patients are usually monitored for potential adverse effects given its immune-modulating action.
In summary, Siliq offers sustained high rates of skin clearance and quality of life improvement over 5+ years, with a generally well-tolerated safety profile. Its mechanism of blocking IL-17 receptor A makes it an effective option for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis requiring long-term treatment, with favourable benefits outweighing risks in monitored clinical settings.
However, it is crucial to be aware of potential side effects and precautions, such as the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and to seek support if needed. If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support: Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org, text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so. Throughout Siliq treatment, it is important to watch for mood or behaviour changes, such as new or worsening depression or anxiety, or thoughts of suicide.
- Medical-conditions such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors may be exacerbated by the use of Siliq, and it is crucial for patients with a history of these conditions to inform their doctors before starting treatment.
- The treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis with Siliq has been proven effective through its ability to provide sustained skin clearance and improvement in patients' quality of life over a period of 5+ years.
- Siliq, a brand-name prescription medication, is an interleukin-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) antagonist that works by blocking a key pathway in the disease's pathogenesis, thus reducing inflammation and clinical symptoms of psoriasis.
- Long-term Siliq treatment has an acceptable safety profile across multiple years of use, with an acknowledgement of potential side effects and precautions, such as the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
