Biologic: A Double-Edged Sword - A Case of Etanercept-Induced Alopecia Areata in a Patient with Psoriasis Vulgaris

    January 2018 in “ SOJ microbiology & infectious diseases ”
    Sundeep Chowdhry, Priya Priya, Paschal D’Souza, Rishi Goel, Rohini Soni
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    TLDR Etanercept, a psoriasis treatment, caused hair loss in a patient.
    The document discusses a case where a patient with Psoriasis vulgaris, a chronic inflammatory disorder, experienced alopecia areata as an adverse effect after being treated with the biologic drug Etanercept. While biologics have significantly altered the treatment landscape for psoriasis by offering beneficial effects, the document highlights that adverse effects are increasingly being recognized over time. The case exemplifies the dual nature of biologic treatments, serving as a reminder that while they can control symptoms of conditions like psoriasis, they may also lead to new, unintended medical issues such as hair loss.
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