Patients who suffer from psoriasis should be extra careful while choosing medicines for health issues. This is because several medicines used to treat other medical conditions can easily flare up psoriasis symptoms. If you don’t inform your doctor about your health condition, you may end up suffering as a result. Here we have shared a list of medicines that treat other medical conditions but may worsen psoriasis symptoms. Make a note of the same.
Antimalarial Medicines
A number of anti-malarial medicines are prescribed by the doctors to prevent malaria. Some of these medicines like hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine may result in psoriasis as a side effect. In some people, while the medicines may not trigger the origin of psoriasis, it may worsen an existing condition. The side effects of the medicine may only be visible in 2-12 weeks. This is the reason why it is important to inform your doctor about your health condition before taking medicines to prevent malaria.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers may be prescribed by your doctor if you are suffering from any of the following health problems:
- Angina
- High Blood Pressure
- Irregular Heart Beats
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Heart Attacks
Beta blockers work to slow the person’s heart rate. These groups of medicines prevent the flight or fight response that increases heart rate in people. The medicine thus works to effectively reduce the stress on our circulatory system. However, beta blockers are responsible for causing plaque psoriasis as a side effect. Some of the oral beta blockers may also cause other types of psoriasis like palmoplantar pustular psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis.
Interferons
Interferons are used to treat different complex health issues like cancers, multiple sclerosis and hepatitis C. Studies have shown that interferons may initiate psoriasis in some people. In others who are already suffering from the condition, interferons may worsen the symptoms. In many cases, stopping interferons also curb the symptoms of psoriasis.
ACE Inhibitors
Patients of hypertension, cardiovascular health issues and similar other conditions may be prescribed ACE (Angiotensin Converting Enzymes) inhibitors. Studies and statistics show that the ACE inhibitors may induce certain types of psoriasis in patients. While this is not a confirmed fact, it is best to avoid use of ACE inhibitors if you suffer from psoriasis.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are medicines used to tackle a range of psychological and neurological health problems. Some of the conditions tackled by these medicines are anxiety, insomnia, seizures, sleep disorders and panic attacks. A report in 2005 stated that there is a direct link between the use of benzodiazepines and increased risk of psoriasis. While there is no confirmation on the same in the form of evidence, it is something to consider. If you have poor skin health or a history of psoriasis, you must avoid use of these medicines.
Biologics
Biologics are medicines that work to alter the biological response of our body to certain health conditions. Doctors may prescribe biologics to treat different health conditions including psoriasis. However, a survey reveals that biologics tend to worsen the symptoms in people who are already suffering from this health condition. Study also revealed symptoms arise in people who didn’t suffer from the condition after using biologics. It is best to look for other medicines to tackle your health condition if you are a patient of psoriasis.
TNF Inhibitors
Just like biologics, other TNF inhibitors also tend to worsen the symptoms of psoriasis. This is the reason why doctors may use other treatments like UV therapy to counter the symptoms while using TNF inhibitors.
Terbinafine
This antifungal medicine is prescribed by the doctors to treat a number of health conditions such as infections of the scalp, body, groin, fingernails, toenails etc. The medicine may cause or worsen symptoms of inverse psoriasis, plaque psoriasis and pustular psoriasis.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed by the doctors to tackle diseases caused by bacteria. They work by either curtailing the growth of bacteria or completely preventing it. There have been claims by some scientists that these generic drugs may also trigger psoriasis.
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
The most common examples of these generic drugs are Ibuprofen and Aspirin. While the medicine is often prescribed to patients of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, there is a word of caution. Studies reveal that these generic drugs may increase a person’s vulnerability to psoriasis.
Imiquimod
This medicine modifies the immune response of the body and may be prescribed to deal with warts and basal skin carcinoma. People who already suffer from psoriasis may experience worsened symptoms due to this medicine.
Lithium
Lithium generic drugs are prescribed by doctors to stabilize the mood of patients suffering from bipolar disorder. The medicine may cause symptoms of psoriasis in people who do not suffer from this health condition. It may also cause psoriasis in people with no genes linked to this health condition.
Knowing the above facts, you can discuss with the doctor and make well informed decisions about the generic drugs you use.
