What is prurigo nodularis?

Understanding what causes itch in PN

Not an actual patient.

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic skin disease that typically causes an intense itch from inside the body.1

The relentless itch can make it almost impossible to stop scratching. PN can lead to raised bumps on the skin called nodules. Nodules can have a thick, dry crust and may appear on the arms, legs, stomach, and upper or lower back.2 The symptoms of PN can affect many parts of everyday life, from work and social activities, relationships and self-esteem, and even the ability to sleep.3

PN is more common in people with other skin conditions, like atopic dermatitis.2

With PN, the urge to scratch is especially bad at night, often disrupting the ability to sleep.2

PN starts within, not on the skin

PN can feel like a relentless cycle of itch, scratch, and discomfort. Know that it’s not your fault. PN isn’t caused by scratching—it starts inside the body, driven by signals within the nerves.1,2

Diagram for What causes itch in PN?

1. SIGNALS FOR ITCH

Sensory nerves in the skin trigger an intense itch that doesn’t stop even after scratching.1,4

2. SCRATCHING AND SKIN IRRITATION

The urge to scratch is nearly impossible to ignore. Skin becomes dry and irritated, and can develop nodules (bumps) with repeated scratching.1

3. SKIN BREAKS DOWN

PN increases itch signals to the brain, further driving the urge to scratch and disrupting the skin’s ability to heal.1

Signs and symptoms of PN1,2

  • Intense and/or persistent itch
  • Relentless urge to scratch
  • Burning, stinging
  • Itchy bumps or nodules
  • Pebbly, hard, or thick skin
  • Dark spots or scarring
  • Inability to sleep due to itch
  • Anxiety or depression

What types of treatments are used for PN?

Living with the intense itch of PN may leave you feeling overwhelmed or misunderstood at times. Treatment options may include therapies focused on changing behavior, topical medications, steroid injections, biologics, or alternatives like cryotherapy, immunosuppressants, or phototherapy.2

NEMLUVIO® is uniquely designed to directly block a key driver of itch so skin can heal and clear.8

A biologic is a medicine that is made from living organisms that specifically targets the cause of a certain disease, such as prurigo nodularis.5

Cryotherapy is the process of freezing nodules or patches of skin with a very cold substance to reduce the itch and flatten bumps.2

Immunosuppressants are a type of medicine that affects the immune system and can leave you at risk of infection. NEMLUVIO is not an immunosuppressant.6,7

Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, exposes the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light for a period of time to treat nodules or areas of skin that have difficulty healing.2

 

Get more out of life with less itch

If you have symptoms of PN, talk to a dermatologist about which treatment options could be right for you, including NEMLUVIO. Download this discussion guide to help you start a conversation about how PN itch impacts your life and what your treatment goals are.

GET THE DISCUSSION GUIDE  

Not an actual patient.

Quickly relieve the urge to scratch8

Discover how NEMLUVIO directly blocks signals driving the itch, inflammation, and nodules of PN.8

References: 1. Williams KA, Roh YS, Brown I, et al. Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and pharmacological treatment of prurigo nodularis. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2021;14(1):67-77. doi:10.1080/17512433.2021.1852080 2. Ludmann P. Prurigo nodularis. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Updated September 14, 2021. Accessed June 8, 2024. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/prurigo-nodularis-overview 3. Rodriguez D, Kwatra SG, Dias-Barbosa C, et al. Patient perspectives on living with severe prurigo nodularis. JAMA Dermatol. 2023;159(11):1205–1212. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.3251 4. Mack MR, Kim BS. The itch–scratch cycle: a neuroimmune perspective. Trends Immunol. 2018;39(12):980-991. doi:10.1016/j.it.2018.10.001 5. Morrow T, Felcone LH. Defining the difference: what makes biologics unique. Biotechnol Healthc. 2004;1(4):24-29. 6. Yale Medicine. Prurigo nodularis. Accessed May 29, 2024. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/prurigo-nodularis-overview 7. National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Accessed May 30, 2024. https://www.cancer.gov/publications​/dictionaries​/cancer-terms 8. NEMLUVIO (nemolizumab-ilto) injection 30 mg Prescribing Information. Dallas, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P.

Important Safety Information

Indications: NEMLUVIO® (nemolizumab-ilto) is a prescription medicine used:

  • to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older with moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis or AD) in combination with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical) when the eczema is not well controlled by topical therapies alone. It is not known if NEMLUVIO is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis under 12 years of age.
  • to treat adults with prurigo nodularis. It is not known if NEMLUVIO is safe and effective in children with prurigo nodularis under 18 years of age.

Do not take NEMLUVIO if you are allergic to nemolizumab-ilto or to any ingredients in NEMLUVIO. Before taking NEMLUVIO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • are scheduled to receive any vaccination. You should not receive a live vaccine right before or during treatment with NEMLUVIO.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether NEMLUVIO will harm your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether NEMLUVIO passes into your breast milk and if it can harm your baby.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

NEMLUVIO may cause serious side effects, including: allergic reactions (hypersensitivity). Stop using NEMLUVIO and tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you get any of the following symptoms:

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded
  • Fast pulse
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Joint pain
  • Fever
  • Skin rash (red or rough skin)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • General ill feeling
  • Cramps in your stomach area

The most common side effects of NEMLUVIO include:

  • Eczema: headache, joint pain, hives (itchy red rash or wheals), and muscle aches
  • Prurigo Nodularis: headache and skin rashes: atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema), eczema, and eczema nummular (scattered circular patches)

These are not all of the possible side effects of NEMLUVIO.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information.