Why is this medication prescribed?

Tremfya (generic name: guselkumab) is a medication prescribed to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults who may benefit from systemic therapy or phototherapy. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease characterized by red, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin.

Tremfya is a type of biologic medication that works by targeting a specific protein in the body called interleukin-23 (IL-23), which plays a key role in the inflammatory process involved in psoriasis.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s how Tremfya is typically used:

• Dosage: Tremfya is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
• Initial Dosing: The usual dose is 100 mg injected subcutaneously at Week 0, Week 4, and every 8 weeks thereafter.
• Administration: Tremfya injections can be self-administered or administered by a healthcare professional. Patients may be trained by their healthcare provider on proper injection techniques.
• Injection Site: The injections should be administered into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating the injection site with each dose to reduce the risk of injection site reactions.
• Storage: Tremfya should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in its original carton to protect it from light. It should not be frozen.
• Missed Dose: If a dose of Tremfya is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. However, if more than 5 weeks have passed since the missed dose, the patient should wait until the next scheduled dose.
• Continued Use: Tremfya is typically used as a long-term treatment for psoriasis. It’s important to continue treatment as directed by a healthcare provider, even if symptoms improve.

It’s crucial for patients to follow their healthcare provider’s instructions precisely regarding the dosage and administration of Tremfya to ensure the best possible outcomes and minimize the risk of side effects. Additionally, patients should discuss any concerns or questions they have about Tremfya with their healthcare provider.

Other uses for this medicine

Tremfya (guselkumab) is primarily indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. However, it’s important to note that medications can sometimes be prescribed “off-label” for conditions other than those specifically approved by regulatory agencies. Off-label use of Tremfya may be at the discretion of a healthcare provider based on their clinical judgment and the individual patient’s needs.

What special precautions should I follow?

Regarding special precautions for Tremfya, here are some important considerations:

• Infections: Tremfya can increase the risk of infections, including serious and potentially life-threatening infections such as tuberculosis (TB). Patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis infection prior to initiating treatment with Tremfya. Healthcare providers should also monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection during treatment. Patients should inform their healthcare provider if they develop any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, cough, or flu-like symptoms.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: Some patients may experience hypersensitivity reactions to Tremfya, including anaphylaxis. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or severe itching or rash.
• Immunizations: Patients should be brought up to date with all immunizations before starting treatment with Tremfya, as live vaccines are not recommended during treatment.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Patients with a history of inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) should use Tremfya with caution, as exacerbation of these conditions can occur.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Tremfya during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-established. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception during treatment with Tremfya and for at least 12 weeks after the last dose.
• Monitoring: Patients receiving Tremfya should be monitored regularly for potential adverse effects, including laboratory monitoring for infections and other complications.
• Concomitant Medications: Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements, as some medications may interact with Tremfya.

These precautions are important to consider to ensure the safe and effective use of Tremfya. Patients should discuss any concerns or questions they have about Tremfya with their healthcare provider.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding special dietary instructions for Tremfya, there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with its use. However, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is generally recommended for overall well-being.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of Tremfya, you should administer the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if more than five weeks have passed since the missed dose, it is recommended to wait until the next scheduled dose. It’s important not to double the dose to make up for a missed one. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Tremfya (guselkumab) is generally well-tolerated, but like any medication, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects associated with Tremfya may include:

• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Headache
• Injection site reactions (such as redness, pain, itching, or swelling at the injection site)
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Viral infections (such as colds or flu)
• Joint pain
• Rash

These side effects are usually mild to moderate in severity and may diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider.

In addition to the common side effects listed above, Tremfya may also cause less common but potentially serious side effects. These can include:

• Serious infections: Tremfya may increase the risk of serious infections, including bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Symptoms of infection should be promptly reported to your healthcare provider.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Tremfya, which can range from mild to severe. Signs of a severe allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or severe itching or rash. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of a severe allergic reaction.
• Inflammatory bowel disease exacerbation: Tremfya may exacerbate pre-existing inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Liver enzyme elevations: Tremfya may cause elevations in liver enzymes, which can indicate liver inflammation or damage. Your healthcare provider may monitor your liver function through blood tests.
• Malignancies: Like other immunosuppressive medications, Tremfya may increase the risk of certain types of cancers. However, the overall risk appears to be low.

It’s essential to discuss any concerns or questions about potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting Tremfya treatment. Additionally, if you experience any unexpected or severe symptoms while taking Tremfya, contact your healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and guidance.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Tremfya:

• Storage: Tremfya should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in its original carton to protect it from light. It should not be frozen. Do not shake the medication. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Unused Tremfya or used injection materials should be disposed of properly according to local regulations. Do not dispose of Tremfya in household trash or flush it down the toilet. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can provide guidance on proper disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms after using Tremfya, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center immediately. Be sure to inform the medical professionals about the medication you have taken and any symptoms you are experiencing.

What other information should I know?

• Follow-up: Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are important while taking Tremfya to monitor your response to treatment and assess for any side effects or complications.
• Lab Tests: Your healthcare provider may perform periodic lab tests, including blood tests, to monitor your condition and check for any potential adverse effects of Tremfya.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of Tremfya with your healthcare provider. The safety of Tremfya during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-established.
• Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as some medications may interact with Tremfya.
• Travel: If you need to travel with Tremfya, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on storage and transportation, especially if you need to travel long distances or to areas where access to medical care may be limited.
• Patient Assistance Programs: If you have difficulty affording Tremfya, there may be patient assistance programs available to help reduce the cost. Your healthcare provider or the manufacturer’s website can provide information on these programs.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and recommendations regarding the use of Tremfya and consult them if you have any questions or concerns.