Opinion
Video
Author(s):
Physician assistant Andera Nguyen shares her experience on combination therapy and class switching.
This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Melodie Young, NP, and Andrea Nguyen, PA.
In this discussion, the speakers delve into the considerations around combination therapy for treating patients with a chronic skin condition. The conversation mentions avoiding the combination of topical and systemic JAK (Janus kinase) inhibitors but highlights the flexibility to mix and match various therapies, including emerging topical options. The decision to introduce a combination of therapies is patient-specific and lacks a 1-size-fits-all approach, emphasizing the need for individualized care.
The approach outlined involves giving injectable agents time to show maximum disease control before considering alternative treatments. There's also a discussion about integrating topical therapies alongside injectables to accelerate therapeutic benefits. With oral JAK inhibitors, the typical assessment period for efficacy is within the initial 8 to 16 weeks. The importance of considering patients' life circumstances is emphasized, as external factors can influence disease flares, and practitioners must differentiate between medication effectiveness and external triggers.
The conversation acknowledges the evolving landscape in dermatology, noting the expanded options available to switch therapeutic agents based on patient response. Changing expectations are underscored, anticipating positive outcomes with current treatments and emphasizing the need for detective work if patients do not respond as expected, including addressing issues like inconsistent injection schedules.
Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by HCPLive editorial staff.