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Traditional Therapeutic Options

Types of Treatments for Moderate-to-Severe Disease

Click to hear discussion on Systemic Treatment for AD

Systemic
Immunosuppression

Cyclosporine^a
Methotrexate^a
Mycophenolate mofetil^a
Azathioprine^a
Corticosteroids^b

Limitations:

All but corticosteroids are off-label for AD
Not usable for long-term maintenance because of multiple systemic adverse events

Phototherapy

Primarily narrow-band UVB

Limitations:

Access/convenience (few phototherapy centers)
Cost and travel time often not covered by insurance
Very low risk for cutaneous malignancies and cataracts

Biologics

Dupilumab, only targeted biologic approved for moderate-to-severe AD in patients ≥18 years of age

Limitations:

Subcutaneous injection
Too new to be included in guidelines
No data for optimal ways to step down or discontinue after clear skin is achieved

^aNot approved by FDA to treat AD; ^bNot recommended for long-term maintenance.

UVB, ultraviolet B.