Hi, I'm new here...
This is my first time posting. I was diagnosed with PSA 3 years ago. My initial diagnosis was UCTD but it has progressed to the PSA as well. I am on plaquenil, Otezla, and leflunomide but they do not seem to be working very well anymore and my rheumatologist wants to switch me to a biologic. She mentioned either Humira,or Cosentyx. I am so scared to do this and have been putting it off for a year and a half. Any advice from someone who has taken these? Thanks everyone!
Hi @mom23, welcome to our community! We are so glad you found us. I can definitely understand your concern with switching to a biologic. I am glad you have reached out and I really hope our community members chime in with their personal experiences. In the meantime, I am sending you a forum discussion about humira: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/forums/my-humira-experience, and Cosentyx: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/forums/cosentyxextreme-fatigue. I hope hearing from our community will help you with your decision. Please keep us posted if you feel comfortable doing so. Wishing you all the best. Jill, Team Member
Thank you Jill!
Hi Mom23
I have been on Cosentyx for 3 years I have not experienced anything horrible with Cosentyx and self injections with the preloaded pen is a breeze …. Only downside to any biologic is you just can’t stop once you get started the backlash is a monster…. I found this out 5 years ago when I had to stop Stelara after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer and surgeon and Endocrinologist didn’t understand stopping biological could cause a PSA flare and this is exactly what happened to me a 5 year flare thats been my living nightmare.Yes you should go off these injections very slow not like me overnight… Not sure about biologics and the Covid vaccine or flu shot … I have no idea about the flu or Covid shot since I never had flu shot and Im taking a pass on the Covid vaccine at this time. There is just so much information out there it's hard to know what to believe. I will check with my doctor on the 8th.
I think I'm dealing with a backlash from Humira. Tried it for 5 months...worked partly, but not enough...stopped it to switch to Cosentyx...been in constant flare since I stopped. going on at least a month now.
I was on Humira for 2 years where it helped a bit, and then couldn't afford it any longer. since coming off, it seems like the flares are constant and horrible. It has been 3 years. 
Hi
. I wish you were not in so much pain. Have you reached out to the drug companies for assistance? My brother makes a very good salary and still gets all of his copays covered by the makers of Enbrel. So, he pays nothing for his medication. Here is an article from one of our advocates about some natural methods for PsA pain relief: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/natural-pain-relief?fbclid=IwAR3ugVOCbesKWoNfmw5icnoeI_BtMv5L9w9WnUIt98VeYR85NJ1fKx4JbzQ&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=organic. I hope you find something in the article that helps, but that you are also able to afford medication again someday. Wishing you the best! - Lori (Team Member)
