A 50-year-old man with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis fails anti-TNF and anti-IL-17A agents. He is started on brodalumab. Which unique safety concern carries a boxed warning for this biologic compared to other biologics in its class?

• A Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
• B Aplastic anemia
• C Hepatitis B reactivation
• D Suicidal ideation and behavior ✓

Explanation

Brodalumab is an anti-IL-17 receptor A inhibitor used in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. It carries a boxed warning for suicidal ideation and behavior based on clinical trial data, distinguishing it from other biologics. PML is a risk with natalizumab, Hepatitis D reactivation is associated with rituximab and anti-TNF agents, and aplastic anemia is a rare effect of TNF inhibitors rather than IL-17 receptor blockers.

Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.