Pemphigus

Overview

Pemphigus is a group of rare autoimmune blistering diseases. Antibodies attack the proteins that hold skin cells together, which causes fragile blisters and raw, open areas on the skin and mucous membranes. Pemphigus vulgaris, the most common type, often begins in the mouth.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• Painful sores in the mouth or throat
• Blisters that break easily and leave raw areas
• Sores on the genitals or eyes
• Skin that peels with light rubbing
• Pain when eating or swallowing

When to Contact a Provider

See a dermatologist about mouth sores that last more than a couple of weeks or blisters that keep spreading. Widespread raw skin, fever or signs of infection need urgent care.

How Treatment May Help

Treatment usually starts with steroids, often with other immune-suppressing medicines. For adults with moderate to severe pemphigus vulgaris, Rituxan is an approved option. It may help achieve remission and reduce how much steroid medicine is needed.

Therapies That May Be Available at Infuse Care

• Rituxan (rituximab): IV infusion; two starting infusions two weeks apart along with a steroid taper, then maintenance infusions at month 12 and every six months, or as your provider prescribes

Safety and Monitoring

Rituxan carries boxed warnings for serious infusion reactions, severe skin reactions, hepatitis B reactivation and a rare brain infection called PML. Your provider will test for hepatitis B first, and you receive medicines before each infusion and are monitored closely.

Your prescribing provider decides which treatment is right for you. Infuse Care administers prescribed therapies after a referral, a clinical review and any required insurance authorization, and we keep your provider's office updated on your care.