In this study observing 44,239 individuals newly using biologics, the risk of severe infections was found to be higher among those starting adalimumab or infliximab compared to etanercept. Conversely, ustekinumab was linked to a reduced risk of severe infections. Users initiating secukinumab, ixekizumab, brodalumab, guselkumab, or apremilast did not show an increased risk of serious infections compared to etanercept. However, the risk of severe infections rose when these biologics were used alongside nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or systemic corticosteroids.

Citation: Penso L, Dray-Spira R, Weill A, Pina Vegas L, Zureik M, Sbidian E. Association Between Biologics Use and Risk of Serious Infection in Patients With Psoriasis. JAMA Dermatol. 2021;157(9):1056–1065. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.2599