Oldies but Goodies: The Utility of Older Generic Medicines in the Current Practice of Dermatology

In this discussion led by Matt Keller, interim Chair of Dermatology at Thomas Jefferson, the focus is on the relevance and benefits of older generic medications in dermatology, emphasizing their utility despite the availability of newer drugs. The panel, which includes Doctors Elizabeth Jones and Nick Bot, highlights medicines such as cyclosporin, methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil. Key reasons for using these older medications include their lower cost, established safety profiles, and accessibility for underserved patients. Keller argues that these medications are particularly important for elderly and fixed-income individuals, as they can avoid complicated prior authorization processes and often come with considerable safety data. The discussion also touches upon the findings from a diversity conference emphasizing the need for understanding these older treatments, especially when serving populations with limited access to newer therapies. Detailed insights into specific conditions, dosing, and patient experiences illustrate the effective use of cyclosporin for psoriasis, mycophenolate mofetil as a steroid-sparing option, and methotrexate's role in managing hypersensitivity reactions in older patients. The session concludes with key takeaways emphasizing the importance of these older, yet effective drugs in providing equitable and affordable healthcare.