(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a new medication to treat psoriasis, a skin condition marked by red patches and flaking, silvery scales.
This newly approved medication is found under the brand name Siliq. Its active ingredient is brodalumab.
Brodalumab has been approved to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It's for adults who have not had success with or have stopped seeing success with medications taken by mouth or through injection or ultraviolet light treatment.
Plaque psoriasis is the result of a problem with the immune system. Brodalumab is available as an injection and works on the immune system to reduce the inflammation process involved in plaque psoriasis.
Siliq's approval came after it appeared safe and effective in three clinical trials. Common side effects included joint pain, headache, diarrhea, throat pain and nausea. This medication can also cause fatigue. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
Brodalumab carries a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. This boxed warning was included after suicidal ideation and behavior, including completed suicides, happened during clinical trials. As a result, several steps have been put in place as a safety strategy to help manage this medication's safe use.
Valeant Pharmaceuticals markets Siliq.
