Treatment Overview

Some of us (all of us) may need to become or own advocates. W may have to take some lead in our own care. Our doctor's can be great advisors, but we have the most to gain, and lose. Here's a broad overview of available medicines: http://psoriasis.org/psoriatic-arthritis/treatments

It may be helpful to have an organized list of all the meds currently prescribed for PsA, especially the TNF alpha blocker (biologics): Enbrel, Humira, Remicade and Simponi. TNF is one protein that's part of the "inflammation cascade." The idea of these biologics is that if you neutralize some of the excess TNF it may decrease the inflammation. Because they're targeted to one protein, the side effects are less than if they went after a broad part of our immune systems.

Spend some time learning about the other DMARDS especially MTX as they can help the biologics be more effect and they offer alternatives

After that, look at the biologics used for psoriasis (Stelara) and for rheumatoid arthritis: Cimzia -- another TNF blocker, Orencia, Kineret, Rituxan, tocilzumab, tofacitinib (Xeijanz). http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/rheumatoid-arthritis-medications


Finally look at the new drug pipelines. Most notably there's the IL17 blockers -- similar to the TNF drugs but more focused with less side effects and the two pills, Apremilast and Tofacitinib (already used for RA). I know this is a lot of information and learning about them will take even more time. You can get a lot of information at psoriais.org including a page which lists the new meds in the pipeline: http://psoriasis.org/research/drugs-in-development/pipeline and the webcasts. http://psoriasis.org/events/educational/webcasts You'll have to create a login to see them.

Feel free to ask me questions if you want. I know Enbrel quite well, and the other biologics fairly well. And I know something about MTX. My PsA is in remission with Humira (and it's very similar to Enbrel) so I'm not spending too much time looking further... yet, but I'm always interested in reading more.

Very happy to hear your PsA is in remission! How long did it take with Humira for you to get into remission? I started Humira 3 months ago and am curious. Thanks!

My PsA was in remission from Enbrel and I'd say it took 2 months to get to 100%. It hasn't come out of remission yet. My psoriasis started acting up last fall. After about two months, the Humira seems to be getting control of it, I wouldn't characterize it as remission yet.

Thanks for posting this Andrew. It's a great resource and I appreciate it. Frances

Thanks for posting I am currently playing the game with the insurance for humara glad to know u came to 100% I hope it does this for me also I’m tired of the psoriasis everyone looks at me like I’m a freak!!! Thanks again for the information!!!

Kristen and Frances, you're both welcome!