Impact of Adherence on CSU Management

In this segment, Jason Hawkes, MD, MS, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of Dermatology at the University of California Davis, emphasizes that access to and affordability of therapies remain primary drivers in determining which treatments are initiated for CSU. If a prescribed therapy is not available or affordable, clinicians must pivot to accessible alternatives, sometimes relying on sample medications as a short-term bridge.

Hawkes addresses the nuances of adherence, noting that injectable therapies administered monthly may foster better compliance for some, while oral medications may be more easily integrated for patients with comorbidities or complex medication regimens. For CSU patients, the chronic nature of the disease means that stopping therapies often results in disease recurrence, underscoring the importance of sustainable long-term management strategies.

He further highlights the need for personalized treatment adaptation based on side effect profiles, tolerance, and patient efficacy experiences. The sequencing of therapies, including moving between classes, is thus a pragmatic response to the realities of patient experience and the healthcare system.