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In fact, one study found nearly 100 percent adherence to biologics versus 93 percent for phototherapy and 75 percent for topical psoriasis treatment. “Owing to their fast-acting efficacy and less-frequent administration, biologics do not have the same adherence issues that other psoriasis therapies have,” the authors write. One study of 1,200 psoriasis patients found nearly three quarters did not use the topical therapy the way it was intended. Patient adherence to psoriasis treatment is especially challenging with topical medications. One remedy: A strong therapeutic alliance The problem is many current medications require long-term treatment, she says.
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Still another common reason patients do not adhere to treatments is thinking they can stop or change treatment because their psoriasis improves. Armstrong, who is associate dean for clinical research at Keck School of Medicine, University of South California, Los Angeles.
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“Therefore, it is important that clinicians and patients strive to obtain accurate and complete information regarding for any medication in order to make an informed decision regarding therapies,” says Dr. In other cases, patients are concerned about the adverse effects from some medications because they lack complete information about the risks versus benefits of today’s treatments. Armstrong, M.D., M.P.H., tells Dermatology Times that one of the primary reasons patients don’t achieve optimal management of their psoriasis is that they may not be aware of available, highly efficacious treatment options. Practical strategies can help dermatologists and other providers develop the alliances, optimizing psoriasis management, they write. But a big part has to do with addressing patient adherence issues, which can be accomplished when dermatologists develop strong therapeutic alliances with patients, according to an article in the March supplement of Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. Solutions to close those gaps include better drug selection. Optimal management of psoriasis symptoms falls short for about three in 10 patients with moderate plaque psoriasis and one in five with severe psoriasis.