Join pain after switching from Enbrel to Skyrizi
Wondering if anyone out there has suggestions for me! I have been stable on Enbrel for about 10 years since starting for joint pain. Always had extremely minimal psoriasis in the same few spots. Over the last year it's gotten a bit worse. Still manageable but very annoying, especially on my scalp (and I am bald so it's noticeable). Joint pain has always stayed pretty minimal.
Recently my dermatologist switched me over to Skyrizi to see how it would help. My skin issues have mostly cleared up but ugh, so many joint issues have flared up.
Safe to say I need to reconsider Enbrel, no? Also, I've never really tried special shampoos but maybe now is the time. Has anyone else seen psoriasis slowly get worse while on Enbrel and had to make a switch?
Weirdly my sister recently went on Enbrel for RA and has had dramatic improvements. Maybe it's just genetics and I need to do something else for my skin.
Hi
. Unfortunately, biologics can become less effective for some people over time. That might be what is happening for you. You could go back on Enbrel and treat your skin separately or you could keep trying other biologics. Doctors have no way of knowing which medications will help which patients. It's a game of trial and errors, so you still might have success with something else. There are several more you can try. Here is a list of PsA medications, including biologics: https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/medications. I hope this helps and that you find a biologic that is more effective for you. Wishing you the best! - Lori (Team Member) 
Hello @thehavensgrey - I just wanted to echo what @Lori.Foster mentioned, that biologic medications (for many) get less effective over time. The fact that you responded so well to Enbrel is great news! Because biologics come in a couple "classes" for how they work- for example Enbrel is anti-TNF or sometime called TNF-inhibitors. In my experience, if I find a "class" of medications that work, my doctor will try to keep me within that "class" of biologics before trying a different one. There are quite a few anti-TNF medications to try such as Remicade, Humira, or Cimzia.
Skyrizi belongs to a different biologic class called interleukin inhibitors. All that to say, it can take a little time to tweak medication when trying to balance both skin and joint symptoms. Certainly talk with your doctor about what your options might be. I've had my psoriasis get worse on some biologics, despite my joints getting better. For me, I always try to manage my psoriasis with creams first since my joints are always worse than my skin (it is just enough to be annoying). If I had to guess, your doctor might recommend a different biologic as opposed to going back on Enbrel. But that is just a guess. Get in with your doctor before it gets worse for sure.
Here is a forum discussion on scalp psoriasis which I think you might find some helpful recommendation in the meantime. https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/forums/psoriasis-in-scalp
I hope you are able to find a good combination soon that will work well for you for a long time into the future! Take care of yourself. -Leanne (Team Member)Thanks all! I saw my doc today and he is wanting to have me try Humira given that my joint issues outweigh my skin issues. They're getting ready to move me over so fingers crossed!
Hey @thehavensgrey I'm glad you were able to have a good visit with your rheumy. Humira is in the same class as Enbrel so hopefully you will find similar success with it 😀 Fingers gently crossed that you are headed for a brighter future and a smooth transition to your new medication. Gentle hugs! -Leanne (Team Member)
