British Association of Dermatologists
About Contact Disclaimer Feedback Authors
Introduction
Glossary
What is pemphigus vulgaris?
What types of pemphigus are there?
What areas of the body are affected by pemphigus vulgaris?
What does pemphigus vulgaris look like?
Who tends to have pemphigus vulgaris?
What causes pemphigus vulgaris?
Is pemphigus vulgaris hereditary?
Is pemphigus vulgaris catching?
Is pemphigus vulgaris serious?
Are there any complications with pemphigus vulgaris?
Does anything make pemphigus vulgaris worse?
Will pemphigus vulgaris go away?
How will pemphigus vulgaris be diagnosed?
How can pemphigus vulgaris be treated?
Other Treatments
What does it mean if I am told my pemphigus vulgaris is in 'remission'?
Managing a pemphigus vulgaris 'flare-up'
What can I do to help myself?
How will pemphigus vulgaris affect my daily life?
I am about to see a health care professional; what do I ask him or her?
Other frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What do I do next?
Where can I get more information?
Print Page
>> Other Treatments

Corticosteroids and steroid-sparing drugs are the usual treatments for PV, but there are several Other Treatments that can be used if these treatments fail.

These are:

Antibiotics

Antibiotics such as tetracycline, minocycline, or doxycycline, sometimes combined with nicotinamide, are occasionally used to treat PV.

Dapsone

Dapsone is a drug used to treat leprosy but it is also used to treat PV because of its anti-inflammatory effects. It is not known exactly how Dapsone works.

Plasmapheresis

Plasmapheresis means plasma exchange and it is a way of removing PV autoantibodies from the blood (see ‘What causes pemphigus vulgaris?’). Plasmapheresis is only used for severe cases of PV. The steps to remove the autoantibodies are:

  1. Blood is taken out of the patient.
  2. The plasma, which contains the PV autoantibodies, is separated from the rest of the blood and removed.
  3. The remaining blood (that is now free from the PV autoantibodies) is then given back to the patient with a plasma replacement (transfusion).

Plasmapheresis treatment is only used very rarely. It is not an easy procedure for patients to undergo; it takes a lot of time and requires a lot of supervision.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a concentrated source of antibodies given to patients.

  • It is made from donated blood samples.
  • It is given intravenously (into a vein through a drip) for several hours a day for 2 to 5 days every few weeks.
  • It is generally only given to patients with more severe PV who have not responded to Other Treatments.

IVIg treatment is only used very rarely. It is not an easy procedure for patients to undergo; it takes a lot of time and requires a lot of supervision.

Next Page

 

 

 

 

 
site designed by ludwood interactive