Medications for psoriasis.There are numerous over-the-counter psoriasis medications that may be purchased in pharmacies, drugstores or directly from the manufacturer without a doctor's prescription. There are also a number of prescription psoriasis medications, including Anthralin
Calcipotriene
Corticosteroids
Tazarotene
Topical immunomodulators (non-steroidal) Systemic psoriasis medications include methotrexate, cyclosporine and oral retinoids. These are all available by prescription. Recently a new category of psoriasis medications called "biologics" has come along. These block or "turn off" certain processes within the immune system that can lead to psoriasis. Biologics are made from living sources, such as viruses, animals and people, and they have to be injected or infused into the body, rather than taken orally. Biologics target very specific parts of the immune response. In theory at least, they could have fewer side effects than existing drugs. A medication called Alefacept or "Amevive" was recently approved for treating psoriasis. Amevive blocks a misstep in the immune system-the activation of T cells. Activated T cells fuel the development of psoriasis lesions by causing skin cells to develop and mature at a rate that's faster than normal. Another medication called Efalizumab is in development for psoriasis. Efalizumab is an antibody that's biologically similar to other human antibodies, so it can can work in the body without being attacked by the immune system. Enbrel is a medication that has been approved for psoriatic arthritis, and is in development for psoriasis. It is given by subcutaneous injection two times a week. Remicade is another medication that has been approved for rheumatoid arthritis, but it also seems effective for psoriasis. It is given intravenously over two to four hours. Infliximab is also in development for psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis. | 
