I’m looking for some opinions on temporarily increasing my Embel dosage. My PsA was diagnosed about 16 years ago. I’ve used MTX, Pred, and at least one of each of the classes of biologic, and several of the TNA blockers over those 16 years. Embrel was my 1st biologic, and I came full circle back to Embel about 2 years ago. My experience with the Biologics is that they either do not work at all, or they work for a period of time, and then fade off. The times in between, while trying failed biologics and surviving on MTX and Pred have been brutal and have lasted over 2 years in some cases. I’ve had the best results with TNA blockers. When I say best results, I mean in controlling my joint pain. I have never been completely clear of the psoriasis. I can live with that; I consider the pain control much more important to my quality of life.
I visited the doc about 3 weeks ago and mentioned that I felt like the Embrel was starting to fade. I’m taking 50Mg (1 Sure Click) weekly, and days 5, 6 and 7 of the weeks were getting painful. During the visit she noted that my psoriasis was pretty bad on my legs and suggested that I could try the Psoriasis dosage, which is 100 Mg and 2 Sure Clicks weekly. This double dosage is only to be used for 12 weeks. I just got approved for the additional dose but haven’t ordered it yet. I’m not yet in terrible pain, and could live like this for a while if it meant having more time before looking for another med.
I’m concerned that the temporary increase may not work to reduce my symptoms much, and when I go back to the once weekly dose, I’ll be in trouble. Has anyone “been here, done that”? It would be great to get some thoughts from readers with any similar experiences.
Sorry for the long post, it’s my 1st and I wanted share as much information as I could.
Thanks
That’s an interesting question. I suspect that you may be right that it won’t be the long-term answer.
My experience with biologics has been that the best I ever get is okay and never amazing. I’m actually on yumira every week instead of every other week. And it still is just okay. Sadly. I don’t know if you want to reserve that option for later though because once it really stops working even the double dose may not be sufficient
Welcome and thanks for the great post! I learned through it and you expressed legitimate concerns and questions. It sounds like you are well educated on the ups and downs of PsA. For me, the first sign of a biologic etc working was seen in my psoriasis clearing up. Psoriasis was/is a visible indicator of the effectiveness of the meds that I have been on. When I dropped Rinvoq, my psoriases returned within 10 days followed by joint pain. All of us with PsA sometimes feel like an experiment…try a variety of approaches until we/they get it right. I am a minimalist when it comes to any meds but if you are on them, it might as well be enough to be effective or what’s the point?
Just curious…1. How much prednisone are you on 2. Have you ever quit MTX? I felt way better when I got off of the MTX. Brain fog and fatigue
I can’t really help as none of the anti-TFNa biologics worked for me. At least enbrel unlike humira didn’t cause me harm, it simply didn’t work. And psoriasis is never an issue for me.
Have you tried the interleukin biologics like Cosentyx, Talz, Skyrizi, Tremfya? Just giving out further options there to help.
Also have you tried the JAK inhibitors like Rinvoq etc?
My diagnosis was almost 10 years ago. Existed for the first 5 years on mtx, leflunomide and low dose prednisone. Never had any psoriasis. When I turned 65, thé government took over my medications. I was on a biosimilar for 4 years, which did control pain, but I developed severe psoriasis on my palms. Not an ideal location for topical medications, although Duobrii was the best. Several months ago, I was not coping with the condition of my hands. My doctor switched me to once a month Taltz, which has almost eliminated the psoriasis. Perhaps my overall pain is slightly increased, but I am living a more comfortable life.