How many treatments have you used for PsA?
Finding a medication that works for your psoriatic arthritis can often be trial and error. And sometimes, what did work in the past may no longer be effective. Other external factors, such as insurance, may also require people to switch treatments.
I'm interested to hear from you – how many medications have you used to manage your PsA? How long were you on each treatment?
Hi. I have been on so many different treatments! The biggest reason is that I seem to have a major surgery every 2 to 4 years. When I have to go off a biologic for 4-6 weeks before surgery and another 4-6 weeks after surgery, the medication I had been taking, doesn’t work anymore. I understand that this is a pretty common occurrence.
I have been on Enbrel (4 years), Humira (3 years) , Otezla (3 years), Tremfya (1 year) and am currently on Skyrizi for almost a year. I take methotrexate withI have lost track of the medicines I've tried Started with Otezla, worked but really played havoc with my GI, then Xeljanz worked so great that I got an infection, tried Cimzia headaches, Ilumya headaches both given by derm, Skyrizi worked and quit after 5 shots, Humira 2 shots didn't work. Suppose to start Cosentyx but having some other issues that must be addressed first. I feel as if my Rheumatologist thinks I am a case not to be dealt with. My insurance will not approve the drug my Rheumatologist wants to put me on. I guess they know better! In the meantime, who knows how I will feel daily. Glad to hear I'm not alone
Hi! After being off the biologics for several weeks, I always flare up in my joints (usually my wrists, fingers, knees and ankles/feet); but I stay consistent using methotrexate every week. That seems to keep the flares from being too bad. I can handle the pain from the flare ups. After surgery I don’t seem to notice the flare up pain because the recovery from back fusions, shoulder or knee replacement is very painful as well as the PT.
It takes awhile, a couple of months, for another biologic to take affect.
The one biologic that worked the best for me was Enbrel and the Otezla comes in second.
I feel the Skyrizi is finally kicking in after the 2 starter doses and now on the second shot which I take every 8 weeks along with methotrexate.
I hope this information might help someone or relate to someone’s situation too.
Thank you again for the sincere correspondence!
Warmest regards to you as well. I hope you are doing well ♥️, oh I'm glad you can stay on the methotrexate and that it has some impact on the flares. I wish it helped more during these difficult weeks though! I can completely appreciate that the pain after surgery would hold more of your attention than the PsA pain. I'm sure the recovery process and the pain that comes with it is very intense. It's good to read that the Skyrizi is finally kicking in for you. Being in limbo, waiting to see if the systemic medications are going to make a difference can be very challenging. Hoping you continue to see improvements with Skyrizi as time goes on. Keep us posted if you can! And thank you so much for taking the time to share - I have no doubt that your experiences will help others going through the same thing. Hugs! -Catherine, Community Moderator
Catherine,
Thank you for your continued support and hugs; back at ya! ♥️
I take away so much in awareness and information as well as support, it’s the least I could do is share some of my experiences to try and give back to this community!
Thank you to everyone who shares and cares.So many I can't remember
you're definitely not alone! Are you currently on a treatment that's bringing some relief? -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
