TREMFYA (Guselkumab)

What is this medication?

TREMFYA (Guselkumab)
Antipsoriatic Agent, Interleukin-23 Inhibitor; Monoclonal Antibody

TREMFYA (Guselkumab) is an interleukin-23 blocker indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

How does this medication work? 

TREMFYA (Guselkumab) is a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody selectively binds with IL-23, thereby reducing serum levels of IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22. Guselkumab inhibits the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

How should I take this medication? 

SQ: Inject 100mg subcutaneously at weeks 0, 4 and then every 8 weeks thereafter.

How to Take: Administer subcutaneously into front of thighs, lower abdomen (except for 2 inches around navel), or back of upper arms; do not inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, thick, scaly, or affected by psoriasis.

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before using TREMFYA (Guselkumab), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, pre-existing medical conditions and activities you perform. Neutralizing anti-drug antibodies may occur with usage of Guselkumab. Guselkumab has been associated with an increase in the risk of upper respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis, tinea infections, and herpes simplex infections.  Patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis (TB) infection prior to initiating therapy. Do not administer to patients with an active TB infection. Patients should receive all required immunizations prior to initiating therapy with Guselkumab.  Do not give live vaccines concurrently with Guselkumab.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss your dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then, take your next dose at your regular scheduled time.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times. Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F), in the original carton until time of use. Protect from light. Do not freeze.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Infection, upper respiratory tract infection, tinea, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, decreased neutrophils, increased liver enzymes, antibody development, herpes simplex infection, injection site reaction, headache, arthralgia, bronchitis.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for TREMFYA (Guselkumab), only common ones.