IL-17 inhibitor · Biologic
Siliq (brodalumab)
How this therapy is used at Arthritis Care of Texas in Corpus Christi, TX — what it treats, how it is given, and how often.
- Treats
- Plaque psoriasis
- How given
- Self-injection at home
- How often
- Every 2 weeks
Siliq is a symptom-and-skin treatment: it clears psoriasis plaques by switching off the signal that produces them. Many people see major clearing within 4–8 weeks, judged fully at about 3 months. It does not cure psoriasis — the benefit lasts only while treatment continues, which is why doses stay every 2 weeks even when the skin looks normal.
What it is
Siliq (brodalumab) is a biologic medicine for adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. It blocks the receptor — the “docking station” on cells — for interleukin-17 (IL-17), a protein that drives the fast skin growth and inflammation behind psoriasis plaques (thick, scaly patches of skin). It is generally used when other treatments, such as light therapy or other systemic medicines, have not controlled the skin well enough. Siliq is a maintenance treatment: it keeps the skin-clearing signal switched off for as long as it is taken.
Before starting
Before starting, we screen for tuberculosis (TB). This is because medicines that calm the immune system can allow a hidden TB infection to become active; treating any inactive infection first keeps you safe during therapy. Siliq is not used in people with Crohn’s disease, because it can make bowel inflammation worse. Because of a required federal safety programme (the Siliq REMS programme), this medicine is dispensed only through pharmacies enrolled in that programme — our office will help you with the paperwork, which exists so that everyone prescribing and using it follows the same safety steps. Live vaccines should be avoided while on Siliq; completing needed vaccines before starting lets them work properly.
How it’s given
It is an injection under the skin that you can learn to give yourself at home with a pre-filled syringe. Doses are given once a week for the first three weeks, then once every 2 weeks. Inject into the thigh or belly, rotating spots, and store the syringes in the refrigerator — let one warm to room temperature before use so it is more comfortable. If your skin has not improved adequately after 12–16 weeks, your provider will discuss whether continuing makes sense or whether a different treatment is a better fit.
What to expect
Many people see noticeable clearing within the first 4–8 weeks, with results usually judged at about 3 months. The most common side effects are joint aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhoea, mouth and throat pain, and soreness where the needle went in. Fungal infections of the skin (such as athlete’s foot) and low white blood cell counts on blood tests can also occur. Because Siliq lowers part of the immune defence, infections may be more likely — call us promptly for fever, a spreading skin rash, or any infection that is not improving.
Everyday guidance
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then carry on with your regular every-2-week schedule. Do not stop simply because your skin looks clear — psoriasis activity returns when treatment stops. Keep all follow-up appointments even when you feel well; those visits are how we confirm the medicine is still the right choice. Tell other clinicians you see that you take an immune-calming medicine, and check with us before vaccines or surgery. For any concern — infection, mood changes, or questions about a dose — call the office at (361) 400-7700.
Used for
Common worries
Why is there a special programme for this drug?
Siliq is dispensed through a federal safety programme (REMS) that everyone prescribing and using it follows. In practice it means a little extra paperwork and using an enrolled pharmacy — our office handles the enrolment with you.
Will it lower my defences against infection?
It can modestly. We screen for TB before starting, and fungal skin infections like athlete’s foot are among the more common effects — easily treated when reported early.
What happens if it stops working?
If your skin has not improved adequately by about 3–4 months, or clearing fades, tell us. Other biologic families work through different signals, and switching is a normal part of psoriasis care.
Wondering whether Siliq is right for you?
Call (361) 400-7700 to schedule a visit, or send an appointment request and we will call you to confirm.
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