Menu

Primary Care
Internal Medicine
Our MissionOur Team
AutoimmuneCardiovascularDermatologicEndocrineENTGastrointestinalGenito-UrinaryHematologyAllergy & ImmunologyKidneyMusculoskeletalNeurologicOphthalmologyPeptide TherapyPsychiatricPulmonarySleepWeight Loss (GLP-1)
All Health ConditionsCardiovascularDermatologicEndocrineENTGastrointestinalGenito-UrinaryHematologyImmunologyMusculoskeletalNeurologicOphthalmologyPsychiatricPulmonary
Medication GuidePatient FormsYour First VisitPatient ResourcesLab WorkSupplementsPatient PortalHIPAA PrivacyLocal VitalsFAQ
Outbreaks
Contact Us

Drug Class Guide

IL-17 and IL-23 Inhibitors

Targeted biologic injections that clear psoriasis more completely than older treatments, and in several cases also treat psoriatic arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

How IL-17 & IL-23 Inhibitors Work

In psoriasis, an immune signaling loop runs in overdrive: interleukin-23 (IL-23) keeps a group of immune cells active, and those cells release interleukin-17 (IL-17), which drives the inflammation and rapid skin-cell growth behind plaques and joint swelling. IL-17 inhibitors block the end of that chain; IL-23 inhibitors block the signal upstream. Both are monoclonal antibodies given by injection, and they act far more selectively than older medicines that suppress the immune system broadly.

What IL-17 & IL-23 Inhibitors Treat

IL-17 & IL-23 Inhibitors in Our Medication Guide

Common Side Effects

Colds and other upper respiratory infections, headache and injection-site redness are the most common. IL-17 inhibitors also make yeast (Candida) infections of the mouth and skin more likely, and can trigger or worsen inflammatory bowel disease. IL-23 inhibitors are generally very well tolerated; at the higher doses used for Crohn's disease, risankizumab can raise liver enzymes, so liver tests are monitored.

Important Cautions

  • You will be tested for tuberculosis before starting; latent TB is treated first.
  • Bring vaccines up to date beforehand; live vaccines are avoided during treatment.
  • IL-17 inhibitors are usually avoided in people with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Report new diarrhea, belly pain or blood in the stool.
  • Brodalumab carries a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behavior.
  • Seek care promptly for fever or other signs of a serious infection.

Common Questions About IL-17 & IL-23 Inhibitors

What is the difference between IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors?

Both are highly effective for psoriasis. IL-17 inhibitors tend to work fastest and are strong options when joints are involved. IL-23 inhibitors need fewer injections, every 8 to 12 weeks once started, and two of them also treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which IL-17 inhibitors can worsen. Joint and bowel symptoms, dosing preferences and insurance coverage all shape the choice.

How well do biologics clear psoriasis?

In clinical trials, roughly a third to three-quarters of people reached at least 90% clearer skin within about three to four months, depending on the drug. That is a much higher bar than older pills and injections usually reached. Results usually hold with continued treatment.

Do psoriasis biologics weaken the immune system?

They block one specific signaling pathway rather than suppressing the immune system broadly. Infections, mostly mild colds and sinus infections, are somewhat more common, and serious infections are uncommon. Tuberculosis screening before treatment and prompt attention to fevers keep the risk low.

This guide is general information, not a substitute for advice about your own medicines. Do not start, stop or switch a medication without talking with your doctor. Questions about a prescription? Our internal medicine team can help.

Call (727) 820-7800

References

Trusted Resources for IL-17 & IL-23 Inhibitors

For further reading, our team recommends the following authoritative sources. These external links open in a new tab.