MCPHS PA - Derm + ABX Pharm Exam 2-
Questions and Answers
Info regarding cyclosporine Correct Ans-1. Contraindicated in uncontrolled HTN, renal
dysfunction, history of malignancy, phototherapy
2. MANY drug interactions
Info regarding oral retinoid (soriatane) Correct Ans-1. Contraindicated in pregnancy/lactation
2. Avoid pregnancy for 3 years after D/C
3. Causes significant dryness
Info regarding Otezla Correct Ans-No serious ADR, may cause weight loss, diarrhea,
headache
Clinical pearls regarding oral meds for psoriasis Correct Ans-1. Need frequent lab
monitoring/pregnancy tests
2. Concern for drug interactions
Know biologic names for psoriasis treatment Correct Ans-Adalimumab, Ustekinumab,
Ixekizumab, Guselkumab, Risankizumab
(Expensive but very effective)
, **Watch for Black Box Warnings: concern for serious infections**
Drugs to treat urticaria Correct Ans-Antihistamines:
1. First generation (diphenhydramine, doxylamine): drowsinee
2. Second generation (cetirizine, levocetirizine): no/minimal drowsiness
Drugs for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis Correct Ans-1. Topical steroids: mainstay of
therapy, prevent and/or treat flares
2. Topical calcineurin inhibitors: alternative to steroids (Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus)
3. Topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors (Eucrisa): alternative to steroids
Risk vs Benefit of topical calcineurin inhibitors Correct Ans-Benefits: can use on any body
area, no long-term ADRs like steroids, no tachyphylaxis, local ADRs are minimal
Risks: black box warning for malignancy (skin cancer and lymphoma) but relationship not firmly
established
Monoclonal antibodies for atopic dermatitis Correct Ans-Injectable mab indicated for
moderate to severe atopic derm (Dupilumab/Dupixent)
Topical keratolytics for acne Correct Ans-benzoyl peroxide: available OTC, oxidizes bacteria
so no associated risk of resistance
Considerations with benzoyl peroxide Correct Ans-1. Formulation: gels penetrate better than
cream, look for "oil-free", alcohol base will increase ADRs
Questions and Answers
Info regarding cyclosporine Correct Ans-1. Contraindicated in uncontrolled HTN, renal
dysfunction, history of malignancy, phototherapy
2. MANY drug interactions
Info regarding oral retinoid (soriatane) Correct Ans-1. Contraindicated in pregnancy/lactation
2. Avoid pregnancy for 3 years after D/C
3. Causes significant dryness
Info regarding Otezla Correct Ans-No serious ADR, may cause weight loss, diarrhea,
headache
Clinical pearls regarding oral meds for psoriasis Correct Ans-1. Need frequent lab
monitoring/pregnancy tests
2. Concern for drug interactions
Know biologic names for psoriasis treatment Correct Ans-Adalimumab, Ustekinumab,
Ixekizumab, Guselkumab, Risankizumab
(Expensive but very effective)
, **Watch for Black Box Warnings: concern for serious infections**
Drugs to treat urticaria Correct Ans-Antihistamines:
1. First generation (diphenhydramine, doxylamine): drowsinee
2. Second generation (cetirizine, levocetirizine): no/minimal drowsiness
Drugs for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis Correct Ans-1. Topical steroids: mainstay of
therapy, prevent and/or treat flares
2. Topical calcineurin inhibitors: alternative to steroids (Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus)
3. Topical phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors (Eucrisa): alternative to steroids
Risk vs Benefit of topical calcineurin inhibitors Correct Ans-Benefits: can use on any body
area, no long-term ADRs like steroids, no tachyphylaxis, local ADRs are minimal
Risks: black box warning for malignancy (skin cancer and lymphoma) but relationship not firmly
established
Monoclonal antibodies for atopic dermatitis Correct Ans-Injectable mab indicated for
moderate to severe atopic derm (Dupilumab/Dupixent)
Topical keratolytics for acne Correct Ans-benzoyl peroxide: available OTC, oxidizes bacteria
so no associated risk of resistance
Considerations with benzoyl peroxide Correct Ans-1. Formulation: gels penetrate better than
cream, look for "oil-free", alcohol base will increase ADRs
