Background and importance Psoriasis is a disease that has negative effects on the physical, psychological and social well being of patients, with a significant deterioration in quality of life and a negative impact on productivity. Several biological therapies are commonly used to treat moderate–severe psoriasis plaques, but due to their high cost, they represent a significant share of hospital spending. Adalimumab (ADA) is a monoclonal antibody used in psoriasis plaque, which specifically binds to tumour necrosis factor α (TNF), neutralising it.

Aim and objectives The main purpose in the treatment of psoriasis is to keep the skin affected under control. The aim of the study was to assess the long term persistence of ADA in patients with moderate–severe psoriasis plaque in clinical practice in our environment.

Material and methods A retrospective, observational, 10 year study (2009–2018) was carried out. All patients diagnosed with psoriasis and receiving ADA treatment during this period were located in the Farmatools V.5.54 ‘external patients’ programme. The data were obtained from the pharmacotherapeutic history recorded in the pharmacy service. ADA was used following the official authorised indications.

The following data were collected: sex, date of birth, prior therapies, start date of treatment, changes in pattern (optimisations and intensifications), discontinuation date and causes.

Results In 46 patients, 33% women and 67% men, with an average age of 47.3 (23–74) years, 34.7% had received prior biological treatment (12 etanercept, 3 infliximab and 1 ustekinumab). In 15 patients (32.6%) the dosing regimen was optimised during treatment, even suspending it for extended periods of time. Seventeen patients (36.9%) switched to another biological treatment during the study (13 to ustekinumab, 2 to secukizumab and 2 to etanercept). In the statistical analysis, the average duration of treatment with adalimumab was 61 months.

Conclusion and relevance ADA represents an effective alternative in a high percentage of patients with psoriasis, with good long term persistence, allowing optimisation in many cases. The safety profile was favourable throughout the study period.

References and/or acknowledgements No conflict of interest.