Key takeaways

  • Tremfya is a biologic medication administered via injections into a vein or under the skin to treat plaque psoriasis.
  • It works by blocking interleukin-23, a protein involved in the overactive immune response that causes plaque psoriasis symptoms like inflamed, discolored skin patches.
  • The standard Tremfya dosing schedule for plaque psoriasis involves an initial dose followed by a second dose 4 weeks later, then maintenance injections of 100 milligrams (mg) every 8 weeks.
  • The most common side effects of Tremfya include upper respiratory infections, headache and injection site reactions.

Tremfya (guselkumab) is a brand-name injection that is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) when prescribed for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. It is a biologic medication and belongs to a drug class called interleukin-23 blockers.

Tremfya injections are prescribed to treat several types of autoimmune disorders. This article is specifically about use of Tremfya for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that affects the skin and nails.

Who is Tremfya prescribed for

Among other indications, Tremfya is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children ages 6 years and older who weigh at least 40 kg (88 pounds). Candidates for Tremfya must also be candidates for systemic (whole body) treatments or light therapy for plaque psoriasis.

Plaque psoriasis can occur when the immune system becomes overactive. This leads to inflammation and an overgrowth of skin cells.

Tremfya works by blocking the activity of a protein called interleukin-23 (IL-23). This protein is thought to play a role in an overactive immune system. By targeting IL-23, Tremfya can help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms of plaque psoriasis.

To learn more about how Tremfya works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Tremfya has been shown to be effective for treating plaque psoriasis. In clinical trials, Tremfya treatment eased symptoms of plaque psoriasis and resulted in clearer skin.

To learn more about how Tremfya performed in clinical trials, refer to the drug’s prescribing information. You can also talk with your doctor or visit the drug manufacturer’s website.

Below is information about the dosage of Tremfya for plaque psoriasis in adults. However, your doctor will determine the dosage that’s best for your needs.

For more information about the drug’s dosage, you can refer to the drug’s prescribing information.

Dosage

For plaque psoriasis, the typical dosage of Tremfya is 100 milligrams (mg) per dose. The first two doses are given 4 weeks apart. Afterwards, it’s given every 8 weeks.

Note: In addition to treating plaque psoriasis, Tremfya has other uses. Keep in mind that the drug’s dosage may differ for these other uses. To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How it’s given

Tremfya is given as a subcutaneous injection (an injection under the skin). Your doctor or another healthcare professional will teach you or a caregiver how to inject the drug. You’ll inject it under the skin of your upper arm, lower abdomen, or front thigh.

If you have other questions about Tremfya treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How often it’s given

For plaque psoriasis, the first two doses are given 4 weeks apart. Afterward, it’s given every 8 weeks.

The use of Tremfya for plaque psoriasis may cause side effects that are mild or serious. The lists below include some of the main side effects that have been reported with Tremfya. For information about other potential side effects of the drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to Tremfya’s prescribing information.

Tremfya is also approved to treat other conditions. It’s important to note that side effects from Tremfya may differ depending on the condition it’s being used to treat.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while receiving Tremfya and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects that can occur with Tremfya for plaque psoriasis include:

These side effects of Tremfya may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. But if they last longer than this, or if they bother you or become severe, it’s important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects that may occur with Tremfya include dangerous infections, such as tuberculosis (TB).

Call your doctor right away if you develop serious side effects during Tremfya treatment. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Tremfya can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s clinical trials.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep using the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Tremfya, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.

Before you start Tremfya treatment, there’s some important information to keep in mind. The drug may not be a safe option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Some of these are mentioned as follows.

If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before starting Tremfya treatment:

  • if you have an infection or ever had tuberculosis (TB)
  • if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering either
  • if you’ve had an allergic reaction to Tremfya or any of its ingredients
  • if you’ve recently received a vaccine or are scheduled to receive one

Possibly, if your doctor recommends it.

Doctors prescribe Tremfya when plaque psoriasis can be treated with systemic (whole body) treatments or light therapy. Sun exposure is a type of light therapy. However, many other types of light therapy for plaque psoriasis are available.

If you have questions about Tremfya treatment with sun exposure therapy, talk with your doctor. They can recommend which type of light therapy is right for you.

No, Tremfya is not a corticosteroid. Tremfya and corticosteroids help reduce inflammation with plaque psoriasis, but they work in different ways.

Tremfya works by blocking the activity of a specific protein involved in inflammation. Corticosteroids, on the other hand, work by mimicking natural hormones in the body that help reduce inflammation.

To learn more about how Tremfya compares with corticosteroids, talk with your doctor. They can recommend which drug may be suitable for treating your condition.

Although uncommon, Tremfya may cause side effects at any point during treatment, even after long-term use.

This risk may be greatest for infections. This is because Tremfya blocks the activity of a specific protein in the immune system, which could lower the ability of your immune system to fight against infection.

Mild infections, such as cold sores, were common in clinical trials of Tremfya for plaque psoriasis. However, serious infections were rare.

If you’re concerned about long-term side effects from Tremfya, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on your risk and recommend whether Tremfya is the right treatment option.

How much Tremfya costs is based on several factors. These can include your prescribed treatment regimen, your insurance plan, the pharmacy you use, and your location.

Tremfya is a biologic drug. It’s a brand-name medication that’s not available in a biosimilar version. Brand-name biologics usually cost more than biosimilars.

If you have other questions about the cost of Tremfya, such as its cost per month, talk with your doctor or insurance company.

Tremfya is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, a condition where the immune system causes skin cells to grow too fast and create painful or itchy patches. This drug works by blocking a specific protein in the body that causes inflammation, which helps clear the skin and reduce symptoms. It is given as an injection under the skin, usually starting with two doses four weeks apart and then continuing once every eight weeks.

While Tremfya is very effective, it can cause side effects like headaches, joint pain, or a higher risk of infections because it affects how the immune system works. Since it is a specialized biologic medication, it can be expensive and requires a doctor’s supervision to ensure it is safe for the patient.

Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.