Shop Alto Essentials to add pharmacy products to any delivery!

Your partner in navigating the ins and outs of prescriptions — at no extra cost.

Alto Pharmacy Technician

Alto Pharmacist

It’s official: Alto Pharmacy is a great place to work! We’re honored to join the community of Great Place to Work-Certified™ companies based on team member feedback and a rigorous assessment of our company’s culture and benefits.

Join us in delivering our industry-leading pharmacy care to millions of people across the country. As a member of the team, you’ll play an integral role in improving our customers’ quality of life and redefining what’s possible in pharmacy. 

Be Part of a Great Place to Work — Join Our Team

Hear first-hand from members of the Alto technology teams.

Read the latest Alto blog posts covering healthcare, family health, managing diseases, and other Alto highlights.

Blog | Alto Pharmacy

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has made parenthood a reality for many individuals and couples who once struggled to conceive, but that doesn’t mean it is an easy process. Not only is it challenging on both an emotional and financial level, the fertility medications used in a cycle can affect the body in many ways.

How to Navigate Common IVF Side Effects

Knowing what to anticipate can make the experience easier to navigate. To help you prepare as much as possible for your IVF cycle, we’ve put together a guide to medication side effects and management strategies.

This post is a deep dive into medication side effects. For a closer look at the IVF process and medication sequencing, read:

IVF and Egg Freezing: What to Expect and How to Prepare

IVF Medications: Schedule and Side Effects Explained

Below are the main categories of IVF medications and associated side effects. While individual medication protocols vary, you can generally anticipate the types of medications your doctor will prescribe.

The first phase of IVF focuses on stimulating egg growth. These are some of the medications you may take during this stage:

These medications are typically taken as nightly injections, with the exception of Clomid/Letrozole, which is an oral medication.

Known side effects of these medications include:

Injection site reaction (soreness, redness, or mild bruising)

Mood swings including heightened sensitivity, irritability, euphoria, or depression - individual responses vary

These medications also bring the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This condition is characterized by swelling and pain in the ovaries as the result of over stimulation or an excessive hormonal response to fertility medications. Many mild cases don’t require treatment, but doctors often recommend the following medications for moderate to severe symptoms. (These medications may also be prescribed to prevent OHSS.)

Cabergoline is an oral medication, sometimes used vaginally, that can reduce OHSS symptoms

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) antagonists or letrozole suppress ovarian activity

In some cases, your doctor may recommend canceling treatment and starting a new cycle in the future after OHSS symptoms have resolved.

Ovulation suppression medications prevent premature ovulation — the body’s natural release of eggs from the ovaries — so that your doctor can retrieve as many eggs as possible for fertilization. These are some of the medications you may take at this stage:

Once your eggs have sufficiently developed, your doctor will schedule 1-3 trigger shots to give your eggs a final growth spurt and trigger release.

At this point in your cycle you may feel very full in your abdomen as the ovaries are enlarged from growing follicles.

The final phase of IVF is the transfer of a fertilized egg into your uterus. Progesterone or estrogen supplements are often prescribed at this stage to support successful implantation of an embryo and sustain a healthy pregnancy.

Progesterone is taken as an intramuscular injection or vaginally in the form of suppositories and capsules. Known side effects include:

Soreness or swelling at the site of injection, if taking progesterone injections

Vaginal itching or burning and yeast infection, if taking vaginally

Estrogen is typically taken as a topical patch but can also be taken orally, vaginally, or as an injection. Known side effects include:

Redness or irritation in the skin covered by the patch, if taking topically

Increased vaginal discharge, if taking vaginally

Constipation, bloating, or stomach cramps  

Everyone has a different threshold for pain or discomfort. You know your body best. If anything feels unusual, it’s always worth speaking with your doctor.

Below are effective and safe ways to treat common side effects during IVF. Many over-the-counter products can be added to the delivery of your fertility medications through Essentials From Alto.

This is one of the most common side effects during IVF, and you should expect to experience some soreness, redness, or bruising at the site of injection. You don’t need to do anything to treat the reaction; it will typically resolve itself within a few days.

Icing your skin beforehand can help keep this side effect to a minimum for intramuscular injections — the deeper of the two injection techniques used during IVF. Be sure to massage your skin afterwards, both to help the medication spread and to prevent soreness in your muscles.

Icing isn’t necessary for subcutaneous injections, the other injection technique.

If you are prescribed estrogen as a topical patch during the final phase of IVF, rotating the location of your patch can help prevent skin irritation.

The patch should be applied to an area of your skin free of powder, lotions, hair, and cuts or other irritations. The most common application sites are the lower abdomen or buttocks.

It's important to let application sites heal as much as possible before reapplying a patch. Aim for at least one week between patch applications.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is the best way to treat pain during IVF. Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) during IVF. Their anti-inflammatory properties prevent the ovaries from expanding and growing, essentially canceling out treatment.

Shop acetaminophen through Essentials From Alto.

Eating smaller meals can help reduce bloating. Some individuals also take simethicone (Gas-X®). If you develop acid reflux from bloating, Tums® is safe to take.

Order digestive health products through Essentials From Alto.

Stool softeners like Colace® and the fiber supplement Metamucil® are often used to alleviate constipation. In addition, stay hydrated — drinking more water helps stool softeners work better — and opt for fiber-rich foods.

Heating pads and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are commonly used to alleviate abdominal cramping during IVF. NSAIDs should be avoided.

Pantiliners can help absorb additional vaginal discharge caused by vaginal preparations of estrogen.

Over-the-counter nausea relief options include ginger chews, peppermints, and nausea bracelets. You can also speak with your doctor about your options for prescription nausea medication if symptoms persist.

Some IVF side effects like mood swings and hot flashes occur as the result of hormonal changes, making them harder to treat.

However, if you find that mood changes are interfering with daily activities, speak with your doctor about medication. Many medications for mood disorders are safe to take during IVF. 

Vaginal itching or burning and yeast infection

Some OTC antifungals like Monistat® are helpful for vaginal itching or burning and yeast infections. However, always check with your doctor before using these medications to make sure they’re appropriate for you. You can also ask your doctor about prescription medication options like fluconazole (Diflucan®).

Not all headaches are created equal. In contrast to the standard tension headache, migraines — which affect 38 million Americans — can cause severe pain, in some cases interfering with day-to-day activities.

While migraines can be debilitating, there are a variety of treatment options to help alleviate acute pain and prevent or reduce the severity of future episodes. Here’s more on the difference between migraines and other types of headaches as well as common treatment options.

How to Treat and Prevent Migraines

Not all headaches are created equal. In contrast to the standard tension headache, migraines — which affect 38 million Americans — can cause severe pain, in some cases interfering with day-to-day activities.

While migraines can be debilitating, there are a variety of treatment options to help alleviate acute pain and prevent or reduce the severity of future episodes. Here’s more on the difference between migraines and other types of headaches as well as common treatment options.

Migraines are recurring, often severe headaches caused by nerve activity and the release of chemicals in the brain. They vary in both duration and frequency, lasting anywhere from hours to days and occurring from once a year to once a week. (The average migraine lasts four hours and occurs about two to four times a month.) Preventative medications can help lessen the frequency and intensity of migraines.

A migraine’s defining symptom is a throbbing, pulsing headache on one side of the head. Other common symptoms include:

Migraines consist of the following four phases, though not everyone experiences all of them.

This pre-headache phase may last from hours to days. Common symptoms include difficulty concentrating, irritability and/or depression, nausea, fatigue, and sensitivity to light and sound.

15-20% of individuals affected by migraines experience auras, or sensory, motor, and speech symptoms that indicate the onset of a migraine. They typically occur before the headache but can also happen during or after.

Visual disturbances such as seeing bright flashing dots, lights, or wavy lines; blind spots; and/or temporary vision loss

The headache that we commonly associate with migraines is the third stage in the progression. For those who do not experience auras, it may occur suddenly without warning. It can last from four to 72 hours.

Individual experiences of a migraine headache can vary. While some people feel only mild pain, many experience a throbbing sensation. It often starts on one side of the head before spreading to the other. It can also affect the front or back of your head — or even the whole head — and may cause pain around the eyes and temple and, less commonly, in the face, sinuses, jaw, or neck.

80% of those affected by migraines experience the postdrome phase after the headache. Typically lasting a day or two, this migraine “hangover” can cause concentration issues, fatigue, and shifts in mood (depressed or euphoric).

While migraines can affect anyone, some individuals are more prone to them. Key risk factors include:

Genetics: Migraines often run in families. According to Cleveland Clinic, up to 80% of those affected by migraines have a first-degree relative with the condition.

Sex: 3 in 4 migraine sufferers are women, and the condition is especially common in women between the ages of 15-55. This is likely because of female hormones related to menstruation and menopause.

There are also manageable risk factors such as chronic stress and smoking.

Individual migraine episodes can be triggered by factors such as the following:

Consumption of certain foods and beverages including aged cheese; fermented or pickled foods; alcoholic drinks; chocolate; and food additives like nitrates (pepperoni, hot dogs, and deli meats)

Exposure to loud noises or specific sources of light (flashing or fluorescent lights; light from TV, computer, and other electronics; and sunlight)

Migraines can be managed with medication. Treatment is twofold, consisting of pain relief medications, which treat acute symptoms, and preventative medications, which reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine episodes.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medications including acetaminophen (Excedrin®, Tylenol®) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), and naproxen (Aleve®) help alleviate migraine pain. There are also OTC medications specifically formulated for the treatment of migraines: Excedrin Migraine, and Motrin Migraine.

Overuse of OTC pain relief can lead to rebound headaches or dependency. Tell your provider if you are taking OTC medications more than two to three times a week so that they can recommend more effective options.

Triptans such as sumatriptan (Imitrex®, Tosymra®), and rizatriptan (Maxalt®) reduce migraine symptoms by blocking pain pathways in the brain. They may be administered as pills, injections, or nasal sprays and are only available by prescription. They may not be an appropriate option for individuals at risk of stroke or heart attack.

Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®) may also be used to reduce migraine-related pain. It is often used to treat symptoms that last beyond 24 hours and is most effective when taken at the beginning of an episode. It is available as a nasal spray or injection. In some cases, it may cause side effects like nausea or vomiting.

Lasmiditan (Reyvow®) is a newer oral medication for migraine pain. It may bring a feeling of sedation or dizziness so it’s important to avoid driving for at least eight hours after taking this medication.

CGRP antagonists such as ubrogepant (Ubrelvy®) and rimegepant (Nurtec® ODT) are oral medications that can relieve a variety of migraine symptoms including pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Common side effects include dry mouth and excessive sleepiness. In some cases, these medications may cause or worsen nausea.

Anti-nausea medications such as chlorpromazine, metoclopramide (Reglan®), and prochlorperazine (Compro®) are commonly used to address nausea and vomiting. They are typically taken in tandem with pain relief medications.

Opioids are reserved for severe, treatment-resistant cases due to their potential for dependency.

Some of these medications are unsafe to take during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, speak with your doctor about medication options.

The following medications can reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of migraines.

Blood pressure-lowering medications including beta blockers such as propranolol (Inderal®, InnoPran® XL) and metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor®) and calcium channel blockers such as verapamil (Verelan®)

Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline

Anti-seizure medications including valproate and topiramate (Topamax®, Qudexy® XR) — potential side effects include dizziness, weight changes, and nausea. These medications are not recommended for those who are pregnant or trying to conceive.

CGRP monoclonal antibodies — a more recently approved treatment option administered as monthly or quarterly injections

Managing migraines is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. We offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app to help you stay on track with your treatment. And our pharmacists are available to answer any questions you may have about medications or side effects.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Allergies, the immune system’s response to foreign substances, can take numerous forms, from hay fever and allergic asthma to food allergies, medication allergies, and more. For those with allergic contact dermatitis — also referred to as allergic eczema — contact with an allergen causes skin inflammation and a rash.

Common Treatments for Allergic Rashes

While allergic contact dermatitis can be uncomfortable, painful, or itchy, a healthcare provider can help you identify the underlying trigger and manage symptoms. Read on for more about the condition.

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when exposure to an allergen causes a skin rash. The condition can take different forms, and skin may appear red, swollen, blistering, flaky, or scaling. Many people experience pain or itchiness. There may also be a burning or stinging sensation. 

Common allergens that trigger allergic contact dermatitis include:

Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other plants

Certain metals used to make jewelry such as nickel

Certain medications including antibiotics

Preservatives used in cosmetic products and household products

Symptoms typically take 24-48 hours to develop, though they may appear within minutes or hours of exposure in some cases. You may be more susceptible to the condition if you have sensitive skin or chronic skin issues that aren’t caused by allergies.

It takes time to develop an allergy, and you likely will not have a reaction to an allergen after a single exposure. Many people become more sensitive to an allergen with each subsequent exposure.

If you develop contact dermatitis several times and are unsure of the trigger, keep a diary of potential factors to identify the allergen.

In rare cases, allergic contact dermatitis overlaps with anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction that swells the airways and blocks breathing. This reaction may occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen.

The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Respiratory symptoms including wheezing and a persistent cough

In addition, anaphylaxis is frequently accompanied by hypotension, or low blood pressure, defined as blood pressure under 90/60 mm/Hg or a 30% reduction from your baseline blood pressure.

Anaphylaxis must be treated with epinephrine, a hormone and medication used in emergency treatment. Many people with severe allergies carry injectable epinephrine in a pen. If you experience anaphylaxis and do not have epinephrine, go to an emergency room as soon as possible. If you do not have someone to accompany you to the emergency room, call 911 first.

Allergic contact dermatitis vs irritant contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is one of two main types of contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis is a rash that develops quickly in response to a chemical substance, or irritant, including harsh soaps and detergents, hair dyes, certain household products, and acids. 

Symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis are similar to those of allergic contact dermatitis, however the reaction forms more quickly and is often more painful than itchy.

If it is possible to avoid an allergen or irritant, you may be able to identify the trigger of your contact dermatitis and prevent a reaction. If this is not possible, additional steps are often required for an official diagnosis.

If your doctor believes that you may have allergic contact dermatitis, patch testing may be used to identify the underlying cause. During a patch test, you’ll wear adhesive patches containing common allergens known to trigger reactions. Your provider will check your skin after 48 hours and again after an additional 48-96 hours to check for a reaction.

If your doctor is unable to confirm a diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis after patch testing, they may order a biopsy — a procedure that removes a small sample of your skin — to determine if another condition is responsible for symptoms.

There is not a similar test to diagnose irritant contact dermatitis, but a doctor may be able to identify the triggering irritant based on the chemicals you regularly come into contact with.

Read When to See a Healthcare Specialist for Allergy Treatment

A variety of treatment options may be used to help you manage allergic or irritant contact dermatitis. Individual treatment plans depend on the severity of symptoms.

As a first step, wash irritated skin with mild soap and water after exposure to an allergen to remove traces of it. In mild cases, this may be sufficient to address symptoms.

If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Moisturizing creams to hydrate and repair irritated skin

Over-the-counter corticosteroid-based creams to ease itching and inflammation

Colloidal oatmeal-based products to ease itching and inflammation

Calamine lotion to ease itching and discomfort

Over-the-counter oral antihistamines such as Benadryl® or Zyrtec®

Oral steroids such as prednisone to relieve symptoms that don’t respond to over-the-counter medication

Additional immunosuppressive medications including JAK inhibitors — which block immune responses to prevent inflammation — and off-label systemic medications including cyclosporine and methotrexate may be used in severe cases that require multiple rounds of oral steroids.

With effective treatment, symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis are typically resolved within two to three weeks. However, to prevent future reactions, it’s important to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms so that you can avoid it.

Managing allergic rashes is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about treatment, and we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common form of arthritis that affects children and adolescents. Like adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA), JIA is characterized by pain and inflammation throughout the body as the result of joint inflammation and stiffness.

In contrast to the ongoing nature of RA, some children do outgrow JIA. However, it can impact a growing child’s bone development, so treatment is important.

What to Know About Arthritis in Children

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common form of arthritis that affects children and adolescents. Like adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA), JIA is characterized by pain and inflammation throughout the body as the result of joint inflammation and stiffness.

In contrast to the ongoing nature of RA, some children do outgrow JIA. However, it can impact a growing child’s bone development, so treatment is important.

Here’s what to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options of JIA.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects children and adolescents age 16 and under. It may cause joint pain and inflammation anywhere in the body, but most commonly in the hands, knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists.

If untreated, JIA can lead to health complications, including:

Eye health issues such as cataracts or glaucoma, as JIA can cause inflammation in the eyes

More rarely, issues with the kidneys, heart, or endocrine system

The prognosis of JIA varies by individual. About 50% of children and adolescents with the condition fully recover while others continue to experience arthritis symptoms in adulthood. 

All forms of arthritis including JIA fall under the umbrella of autoimmune diseases. These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. With arthritis, the immune system acts on the lining of your joints.

The causes of JIA aren’t fully known (idiopathic means unknown). Genetics likely play a component. Some evidence suggests that some children have a gene that leads to the development of JIA when activated by external factors such as a virus or bacteria.

Symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Symptoms of JIA can vary from one child to another. Some individuals experience flare-ups, or periods when symptoms intensify, while others have a more chronic experience of the condition.

Pain and inflammation in the joints, most commonly in the hands, knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists. (For many, this symptom frequently occurs in the morning or after sleeping.)

The process of diagnosing JIA often involves several steps, as symptoms may resemble those of other conditions.

A physical exam is typically the starting point, after which a doctor may recommend one or more of the following blood tests to confirm a diagnosis of JIA: 

Antibody tests such as the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, which measures blood levels of antibodies linked to rheumatic disease

Tests that check for levels of red and white blood cells and platelets - lower levels of red and white blood cells may be indicative of JIA

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test, which examines how quickly your red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube - higher rates of settlement may indicate inflammation

A c-reactive protein (CRP) test, which identifies blood levels of CRP, an inflammation-linked protein produced in your liver

A creatinine test, which checks for kidney disease

A rheumatoid factor (RF) test, which checks for rheumatoid factor, an antibody found in about 80% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis

Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and bone scans may also be used to support a JIA diagnosis.

Treatment for JIA encompasses medications, lifestyle changes, and physical and occupational therapy, with the goal of reducing symptoms and supporting an active life.

Individual treatment plans depend on a child’s symptoms, age, and overall health history.

The following types of medications may be included in a JIA treatment plan:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen (Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®) may be used to reduce pain and inflammation during flare-ups. While these medications are available over the counter, your child may need a prescription for a higher dose.

Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone may also be used to reduce inflammation in children with JIA.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic medicines (DMARDs) such as methotrexate (Rheumatrex®) reduce the immune system’s response to triggers, easing inflammation and controlling JIA symptoms.

Injectable biologic DMARDs — which target more specific pathways in the immune system — are also used in the treatment of JIA, typically after other treatments have proven ineffective. Commonly prescribed biologics include abatacept (Orencia®), adalimumab (Humira®), canakinumab (Ilaris®), etanercept (Enbrel®) and tocilizumab (Actemra®).

Sugars, refined carbohydrates, and gluten can contribute to joint pain and inflammation, so it is often recommended for those with any type of arthritis to reduce their intake of these foods. With JIA, there is the additional consideration of incorporating nutrient-rich foods to support a child’s healthy growth and development. Consider speaking with a nutrition specialist to develop a balanced meal plan.

Regular physical activity is another component of managing JIA. Swimming and other water exercises, yoga, and cycling may be a good fit for children and adolescents with the condition. Physical therapy may be involved in treatment to help a child improve muscle and joint function. 

Lastly, it’s important for a child with JIA to get plenty of rest.

JIA is linked to eye inflammation, which can cause more serious eye problems later in life. Staying on track with regular eye exams can prevent and detect potential problems.

Life with juvenile idiopathic arthritis is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists have specialized training in arthritis treatment and can answer any questions you may have, from medication side effects to navigating lifestyle changes.

In addition, we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app to make it as simple as possible to stay on track with your treatment.

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that occurs when new skin cells grow too quickly as the result of immune-related inflammation. It is characterized by thick patches of skin covered with white or silver scales. There are a variety of treatment approaches that help slow down the growth of skin cells and treat symptoms.

Psoriasis, Explained

Here’s what to know about the condition’s causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Your body typically produces new skin cells over the course of several weeks. For those with psoriasis, new skin cells are formed in days. The excess cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, leading to the development of thick, scaly patches in most psoriasis cases.

Psoriasis scales may develop anywhere on the body. Some people have just a few small flakes on their scalp or elbow while others have larger patches covering much of their skin.

Individuals of all ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities may develop psoriasis. In the U.S., roughly one-third of all psoriasis cases develop before the age of 20. It is a lifelong condition, with the exception of a type of psoriasis that resolves after childhood.

The specific causes of psoriasis aren’t fully understood, however, the immune system, genetics, and environmental factors likely all contribute to its development. If one parent has psoriasis, you are more likely to also develop the condition. If both parents have it, your risk increases further.

Smoking can increase both an individual’s risk of psoriasis and the severity of the condition.

Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another.

For most people with psoriasis, symptoms fluctuate over time. Symptoms may be severe for a few days or weeks before clearing up. Some people then go on to experience years without symptoms. The periodic flare-ups are typically triggered by environmental factors such as the following:

Infections including strep throat and skin infections

Weather, especially cold temperatures and dry air

Skin injuries including cuts, scrapes, bug bites, and sunburns

While symptoms of psoriasis can vary significantly from one individual to another, common symptoms include the following:

White or silver scales, also referred to as plaques, on the inflamed patches

Soreness, itching, or burning sensations on or near patches of irritated skin

A basic physical exam is often sufficient in diagnosing psoriasis, as symptoms are both visible and distinct from those of other conditions. 

In cases where a diagnosis is less clear, your doctor may order a biopsy, which is a small sample of your skin. Biopsies are typically performed in a doctor’s office with a local numbing agent.

Your provider may refer you to a dermatologist who specializes in the treatment of skin conditions.

While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are many treatments that lessen skin inflammation and scales, remove plaques, and slow down the turnover of skin cells. Your doctor will recommend the best approach for your needs and symptoms, typically starting with less invasive options. 

Topical treatments, or medications applied to the surface of skin, are typically the frontline treatment for psoriasis. They slow down skin cell growth and reduce inflammation. There are several types of topicals:

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling and redness, and the most commonly prescribed medications for mild to moderate psoriasis. They are available in many forms, including oils, ointments, creams, lotions, gels, and more. Mild corticosteroid ointments like hydrocortisone are frequently used for sensitive areas while stronger creams and ointments like triamcinolone (Trianex®) and clobetasol (Cormax®, Temovate®) may be used for less sensitive areas or patches that don’t respond to hydrocortisone.

Non-steroid topicals including synthetic forms of vitamin D such as calcipotriene (Dovonex®, Sorilux®) and calcitriol (Vectical®) may be prescribed as an alternative to steroids. Like steroids, these treatments can help control plaques. They may cause less irritation than other treatments.

There are also over-the-counter topical treatments in the form of lotions, foams, tars, shampoos, and more. The active ingredients salicylic acid and coal tar are FDA-approved for psoriasis treatment. Always consult your doctor before beginning an over-the-counter treatment.

Light therapy is often a first line treatment for moderate or severe psoriasis, alone or in tandem with medications. In this treatment, the skin is exposed to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light. There are many types of light therapy, from simple exposure to sunlight to controlled doses of UVB broadband and UVB narrowband light and more. Your doctor can help you determine if these therapies are appropriate for you.

If your symptoms are moderate to severe, or if they haven’t responded to frontline treatments, your doctor may recommend an oral or injected medication. Since some of these medications have the potential for more severe side effects, they are used for short periods of time or alternated with other medications.

Biologics, a class of medications that are derived from antibodies and act on your immune system to prevent inflammation

Retinoids, vitamin A-based treatment typically prescribed in a hospital setting for severe psoriasis. Due to the potential for birth defects, retinoids are not safe to take during pregnancy, or three years prior to pregnancy.

Cyclosporine (Sandimmune®) is an immunosuppressant medication that decreases your immune system’s response to ease psoriasis symptoms. Since it weakens your immune system, it can make you more susceptible to illness.

Methotrexate is another immunosuppressant that may be prescribed as an alternative to cyclosporine. There is the potential for serious side effects with long-term use, but when used in low doses in the short term, side effects are typically mild.

Managing psoriasis is easier with a reliable pharmacy partner by your side. Our pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about treatment, and we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

Blog

How to Navigate Common IVF Side Effects

How to Treat and Prevent Migraines

Common Treatments for Allergic Rashes

What to Know About Arthritis in Children

Psoriasis, Explained

Meet the Innovation Team Building Alto's Next Big Bets

Endometriosis: A Leading and Treatable Cause of Female Infertility

A Full Pharmacy At Your Doorstep: Introducing Essentials from Alto

The Science of Habit-Forming

Traveling With Diabetes: How to Prepare

Hello, Long Island!

Understanding the Different Types of Asthma

Switch to a better pharmacy.