Patients pause biologics for surgery, pregnancy planning, cost or their own wish to try a break. Before they stop, explain that a small minority develop a painful red, swollen, pustular flare — usually on the legs — and that it needs early review, not waiting for the next appointment. Give a direct contact route and a plan to restart.
- Ask about family history of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and any previous flare after stopping before agreeing a pause.
- Describe the warning signs: painful spreading redness, pustules, swelling, fever.
- Give a contact route for early review and agree in advance how treatment will restart.
- Record previous withdrawal-relapse cycles; the risk rose with each one.
Why it matters
Early resumption is the main tool against a flare that can become severe.
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