General Information
Manufacturer: Merck
Medical Name: Tremfiya (Guselkumab)
Purpose: Tremfiya is used to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
Possible Side Effects
| Side Effect | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| Upper respiratory infections | 14% |
| Headache | 5% |
| Injection site reactions | 5% |
| Joint pain (arthralgia) | 3% |
| Diarrhea: Occurs in patients with psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Gastroenteritis: Occurs in patients with psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Fatigue: Occurs in patients with psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Rash: Occurs in patients with ulcerative colitis. Bronchitis: Occurs in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Tinea infections: Fungal infections that occur on the skin. Herpes simplex infections: Infections such as cold sores. |
3% or less |
Serious but Less Common Side Effects
- Increased risk of infection: Tremfya can weaken the immune system, making it easier to get infections.
- Signs of infection: Seek medical attention if you experience fever, chills, muscle aches, weight loss, or persistent cough.
- Allergic reactions: These are rare but can be severe. Seek immediate medical help if you have hives, rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Tuberculosis (TB): Your doctor
Preconditions and Warnings
- Serious hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to guselkumab or any of its ingredients.
- Additionally, Tremfya should not be started or continued in patients with certain active medical conditions or specific circumstances
- Patients with clinically important active infections should not begin treatment until the infection is resolved or adequately treated.
- Patients must be evaluated for active tuberculosis (TB) before starting Tremfya, and it should not be administered to those with active TB. Latent TB infection requires treatment before administering Tremfya.
- Live vaccines should not be used during Tremfya treatment, and all age-appropriate vaccinations should be completed before starting therapy.
- For patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, liver function is monitored before and during treatment, and treatment may be stopped if drug-induced liver injury is suspected.
- The safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients (under 18 years old) have not been established.
- The potential risks during pregnancy and breastfeeding are not fully known, and healthcare providers should weigh the risks and benefits.