📋 Indications & Clinical Dosage
*Active psoriatic arthritis (in combination with disease- modifying antirheumatic drugs or alone), Moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis:*
Adult: 10 mg daily on day 1, then 10 mg twice daily on day 2, then 10 mg in the morning and 20 mg in the evening on day 3, then 20 mg twice daily on day 4, then 20 mg in the morning and 30 mg in the evening on day 5, then maintenance 30 mg twice daily, doses should be taken approximately 12 hours apart; review treatment if no response within 24 weeks of initiation.
⚠️ Precautions & Warnings
Renal impairment, history of psychiatric illness, concomitant use of drugs likely to cause psychiatric symptoms, low body-weight; consider discontinuation if weight loss is unexplained or clinically significant. Exclude pregnancy before treatment and ensure effective contraception during treatment.
⚠️ Adverse Reactions / Side Effects
Headache, GI disorders, appetite decreased, depression, backpain, cough, diarrhoea, fatigue, weight decreased, insomnia, nausea, vomiting. Rare: Gastrointestinal haemorrhage, rash, suicidal behaviours.
🤰 Pregnancy & Lactation Safety
Lactation / Breastfeeding:
Avoid
📚 Official Regulatory & Clinical References
- Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP): Drug Registration, S.R.O. Price Gazettes & National Essential Medicines List (NEML).
- World Health Organization (WHO): Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology (ATC/DDD Index).
- Formulary Standards: British National Formulary (BNF) & Pakistan National Formulary (PNF) guidelines.