The Patient’s Guide to Psoriasis Treatment. Part 3: Biologic Injectables

BACKGROUND An increasing number of injectable biologics are now available for the treatment of psoriasis. However, for individuals who have never received this therapy, the process of performing a self-injection can be daunting. There is lack of patient educational material on how to perform and optimize this treatment. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to present a freely available online guide and video on biologic injections that is informative to patients and increases the success and compliance of patients starting this therapy. METHODS The self-injection technique taught at the University of California-San Francisco Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center as well as available information from the literature were reviewed to design a practical guide for patients receiving biologic injections. RESULTS We created a printable guide and video resource that describes how to improve the injection process, pain management, travel planning, and common concerns with biologic injectables. CONCLUSION This guide is beneficial for patients who wish to improve their experience with biologic self-injections, for healthcare providers who prescribe these treatments, and for trainees learning about this modality.