Authors' recommendations: Ustekinumab is recommended as a treatment option for adults with plaque psoriasis when the following criteria are met.• The disease is severe, as defined by a total Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score of 10 or more and a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of more than 10.• The psoriasis has not responded to standard systemic therapies, including ciclosporin, methotrexate and PUVA (psoralen and long-wave ultraviolet radiation), or the person is intolerant of or has a contraindication to these treatments.• The manufacturer provides the 90 mg dose (two 45 mg vials) for people who weigh more than 100 kg at the same total cost as for a single 45 mg vial.Ustekinumab treatment should be stopped in people whose psoriasis has not responded adequately by 16 weeks after starting treatment. An adequate response is defined as either:• a 75% reduction in the PASI score (PASI 75) from when treatment started or• a 50% reduction in the PASI score (PASI 50) and a 5-point reduction in the DLQI score from when treatment started.When using the DLQI, healthcare professionals should take into account any physical, sensory or learning disabilities, or communication difficulties that could affect the responses to the DLQI and make any adjustments they consider appropriate.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/12235/45461/45461.pdf

Year Published: 2009

URL for published report: http://www.nice.org.uk/TA180

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Contact Address: Level 1A, City Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, M1 4BT

Contact Name: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Contact Email: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Copyright: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)