Caution is key when pregnancy and psoriasis mix
- Methotrexate: Do not take during pregnancy, or 3 months prior to conception.
- Acitretin (Soriatane): Avoid all use in women who may become pregnant.
- Cyclosporine: Be aware of reports of prematurity and low birth weight linked to the drug.
- Apremilast (Otezla): Animal studies have shown a risk in pregnancy. Stop the drug at least 2 days before conception.
Avoid monoclonal antibodies
These drugs “result in therapeutic levels in the fetus, which is not a good thing,” Dr. Wu said. “You obviously don’t want to have monoclonal antibodies in the baby.”
Nix the PUVA
,While one study found no link between psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) and birth defects (Arch Dermatol. 1993 Mar;129[3]:320-3), there’s still a theoretical risk, Dr. Wu said. He recommended that the treatment be avoided during pregnancy.
Watch for waxing and waning
Dr. Wu pointed to a small 2005 study that suggested that psoriasis activity declines during pregnancy. The study used different measures, finding that psoriasis improved by 30% (based on at least a 3% change in body surface area) or 55% (based on patient self-reporting). But it flares after pregnancy as reported by 65% of women surveyed; a body surface area analysis found that psoriasis worsened in 41% (Arch Dermatol. 2005 May;141[5]:601-6).
Dr. Wu reports various relationships (research, consultation and speaking) with 15 pharmaceutical companies. SDEF and this news organization are owned by the same parent company.
