Thank you for affirming that. After a while with this particular doctor, one begins to wonder. Yes, tried sulfasazaline as a very first drug for RA. But it, like methotrexate affected liver and leflunomide did nothing for symptoms. I’ve run through JAK inhibitors and Rinvoq, Humira, Actemra but as these were for RA, which I didn’t have, none were effective save Rinvoq for a time, though Humira could have worked but didn’t.
Rinvoq and Humira are used for PsA too though. Basically the biologics used for PsA are:
Humira, Enbrel, Simponi, and Cimzia, - anti TNFNa ones
Cosentyx, Talx and Bimzelx IL17a and IL17 ones
Stelera IL12 and IL23
Tremfya and Skyrizi IL23
Rinvoq Jak Inhibitor
I’m sure I’ve missed out some too. Bar the interlukin (IL) ones the rest can be used for RA too.
Thanks for that info. That’s pretty much the lowdown on PsA drugs I discussed with the sports med/rehab/physiatrist doctor I’m fortunate enough to have here. The only drug that worked at all for me was Rinvoq, not surprising as it’s for both RA and PsA. I was on the generic Hyrimoz for Humira for 8 months which did absolutely nothing, but Ontario guidelines say you must be on a biologic for over 6 months and “fail” before another will be allowed.
I was initially prescribed Taltz when diagnosed with PsA last December. You might recall I had that severe allergic reaction to that one involving drug induced vasculitis. I still bear the scars on both feet and ankles. Put me off my feet for 6 weeks. Incredibly painful and I do not wish that reaction on anyone.
I’m into my 6th month on Tremfya. It has been miraculous at clearing up the plaque psoriasis on both feet, toenail psoriasis and inverse psoriasis everywhere one can get it including genitals. That inverse is one invasive psoriasis. I have not used the prescription Zoryve or Desonide for ages. OTC moisturizers and bath products, Cetaphil and Aveeno, do the trick.
I’m waiting for Tremfya to work equally well on the joint and myofascial pain aspect, but I understand that takes longer. So I am impatiently patient on that one. Frankly, I’ve had decades of experience on this, so I’m more used to this than the psoriasis. I have prescription pain meds to get me through the worst episodic pain.
No idea what the next option would be if Tremfya is not a success. It works so well on the psoriasis, I’d be reluctant to change course. Hoping I won’t have to find out.
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Thanks @Janet, you certainly have been at the extreme end of PsA and suffered more than anyone should. I’ll be hoping and praying that you get a break soon and can regroup yourself in a sort of remission. Your story and @Poo_therapy typically well educated input combined are very valuable to many readers. With all the rapid AI hitting us, perhaps breakthroughs are around the corner with new approaches to autoimmune diseases.
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Breakthroughs are happening at pace in the cancer world which will eventually trickle down to us lot, specifically about tailoring meds to suit us individually or getting our bodies better able to accept a med, etc. That would be a relief for sure.
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