I've been saying all along that Stelara is helping with my Psoriatic Arthritis, though maybe not as good as Enbrel or Humira this is good news for people with PsA.

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Janssen-Cilag International NV ("Janssen") announced today that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) adopted a positive opinion recommending the use of STELARA® (ustekinumab), alone or in combination with methotrexate, for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in adult patients when the response to previous non-biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy has been inadequate.

Based on the CHMP's positive opinion, a final decision from the European Commission is expected during the third quarter of 2013. If approved, STELARA will become available for patients living with active psoriatic arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by both joint and periarticular tissue inflammation (enthesitis, inflammation of the site where ligaments or tendons insert into the bones, and dactylitis, inflammation of an entire digit, e.g., finger or toe, often called "sausage digit"), and psoriasis skin lesions. The disease affects approximately 4.2 million people across Europe,1-5 and there is currently no cure.

"We are pleased that the CHMP has issued a positive opinion for STELARA in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis as we look to bring this new therapeutic option to patients living with active psoriatic arthritis," said Jerome A. Boscia, M.D., Vice President, Head of Immunology Development, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. "Data from the Phase 3 clinical program, one of the largest conducted for a biologic to date in psoriatic arthritis, showed STELARA effective in improving symptoms and signs of active psoriatic arthritis in anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha naïve and experienced patients. We believe STELARA has the potential to play a critically important role in the treatment of this chronic disease and look forward to the European Commission's decision."

The CHMP adopted the opinion based on a review of data from two pivotal Phase 3 multicenter, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of ustekinumab, a fully human anti-interleukin (IL)-12/23p40 monoclonal antibody, administered subcutaneously, in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PSUMMIT I and PSUMMIT II), which evaluated the efficacy and safety of subcutaneously administered STELARA 45 mg or 90 mg at weeks 0, 4 and then every 12 weeks. The trials included patients diagnosed with active psoriatic arthritis who had at least five tender and five swollen joints and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels of at least 0.3 mg/dL despite previous treatment with conventional therapies. PSUMMIT II also included patients who had previously experienced treatment with TNF inhibitors. The primary endpoints for both studies were the proportion of patients demonstrating at least a 20 percent improvement in arthritis signs and symptoms (American College of Rheumatology [ACR] 20) at week 24. Secondary endpoints at week 24 included in the submissions were: improvements in Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) scores, a 50 or 70 percent improvement in arthritis signs and symptoms (ACR 50 or ACR 70) and at least a 75 percent improvement in psoriatic skin lesions as measured by the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI 75) in patients with at least three percent body surface area involvement at baseline. The studies also captured improvements in enthesitis and dactylitis scores for patients with enthesitis and/or dactylitis at baseline.

To make a long story short, my hip is completely gone and stopped taking the Celebrex. Both my hands started and feet started swell. Fast forward until today, and I wanted to cut my hands off they hurt so bad. So gave in and saw my GP. He suggested Prednisone. Both my derm and Rhumey said absolutely no steriod pills/injections at this point. So I refused and gave me a narcotic instead. So now I am stoned writing this thread. Not sure if I made the correct decision, but don't want to have rebound flare that could possibly unmask something more serious that my plaque.

What do you think; did I have the right to make that choice?

Hi folks!

I'm new here so if I've posted in error, kindly let me know.

I just wanted to share with others the success I've had with a non-medicinal treatment for my moderate psoriasis.

For about two months I've been adding hemp hearts to my diet and I've had an incredible improvement in my psoriasis; incredible!

If anyone has any thoughts, comments...let me know.

Hi,

Looking at the most recent research, it would appear that individuals who have psoriasis have really benefitted from CBT treatment! I am told this is not available in the UK but I suspect it has been used in the US... anyone heard anything?

Hello Everyone,

I am Nicola and im 29. I have suffered with psoriasis for 15 years (since going to the drs with a small patch on my head, not knowing what it was!) - since then i've had my ups and downs and so has my skin!
I have had so many treatments I struggle to remember, all the topical treatments under the sun, light therapy, ciclosporin, homeopathy, chinese medicine (wouldnt recommend, it stripped my stomach lining), acupunture (prob not the right spelling!), vegetarian diet, brocolli diet, having a child (this is of course, not the only reason I had a baby! and yes, it did clear my psoriasis up, but can back with a vengence!) and have finally settled on camouflage make up for my face (thanks to the wonderful Red Cross who I am forever thankful for! and supermarket creams/olive oil!

More recently the dreaded psoriasis is creeping onto my legs which is the worst thing ever because it was the only thing I had to show off! so I am gutted about it but trying not to let it get me down! I am trying to get the sun on my legs as its always brilliant for me! (although have never used a sunbed).

About three years ago (I was in my mid twenties) I was asked to leave a resturant for offending a 'regular customer' with my psoriasis (i refused to pay the bill) and I have had low points due to my skin but then I have days where I think 'who cares!' - they are the best days and I am experiencing one of those periods now!

I may in the future consider mexotrexate (once Ive had another child) but for now I am focusing on the positives! and its nice to finally have people to share my experiences with!

Hi! My name is Jason and I have had Psoriasis for approximately 6 1/2 years. I was diagnosed with plaque psoriasis in 2007 after having issues with dry, flaking scalp and being convinced it was bad dandruff and going to the Dermatologist. Since that time, and being put on more topicals that can be imagined, it has continued to spead. It is mostly confined to my scalp, but I also have spots pretty much everywhere else. I have a history of autoimmune conditions in my family, with my Mom having RA and I grandfather who had psoriatic (sp?) nails (which I have as well, sadly).

Finally, last week I went to the dermatologist, determined that I would get something that would help. The doctor saw how discouraging my reaction to the topicals was, and put me on the first of what he calls the "Big Guns", Methotrexate. I am taking 5 mg and will be going to 10 mg in two weeks.

I am finally wanting to get serious of knocking this out as best I can, and I want to help others do the same. Thanks again for reading, and hope we can chat soon!

J

hi everyone im chen from Philippines and i have a psoriasis for about 8 years..hope this forum help me to understand what psoriasis is..

This study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that men with psoriasis have fewer female oral sexual partners, and dermatologists need to examine the genital region routinely.

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Introduction:
Epidemiologic data on sexual behavior in psoriasis patients are lacking.

Aim:
We aim to examine and compare the sexual behaviors between men with and without psoriasis in the United States.

Methods:
We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003 to 2006 and 2009 to 2010. Responses from male participants to the dermatology and sexual behavior questionnaires of the NHANES were collated and analyzed.

Main Outcome Measures:
Outcome measures included sexual orientation, age of first sexual encounter, number of oral and non-oral sexual partners, and frequency of unprotected sex.

Results:
Among 6,444 U.S. men that responded to the psoriasis question, 170 (2.6%) reported a physician-given diagnosis of psoriasis. Heterosexual men accounted for 95.5% and nonheterosexual men 4.5% of the overall study population. On multivariate analysis, psoriasis was not associated with differences in sexual orientation (odds ratio 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75–4.15). Heterosexual men with psoriasis experienced first sexual encounter at an earlier age than those without psoriasis (weighted difference −0.9 years, P = 0.002). Heterosexual men with psoriasis had significantly fewer female oral sexual partners compared with heterosexual men without psoriasis on multivariate analysis (lifetime partner number: rate ratio [RR] 0.65, 95% CI 0.45–0.95; past-year partner number: RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42–0.97). No significant differences existed between heterosexual men with and without psoriasis regarding frequency of unprotected sex (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.85–1.09). Among nonheterosexual men with and without psoriasis, no significant differences existed in age first had sex, number of sexual partners, or frequency of unprotected sex.

Conclusion:
Heterosexual men with psoriasis have significantly fewer lifetime female oral sexual partners compared with those without psoriasis. Dermatologists and other healthcare providers need to examine the genital region routinely and initiate appropriate therapy to improve patients' sexual health.

don't laugh but banana peels also work...they can reduce inflammation and restore the skin back to its normal condition..  

Hi everyone and good evening afternoon or good morning wherever you are!

I have stopped using exorex for now as my guttate is healing really well and has gone from legs and nearly gone from my tummy. I am starting to feel a lot more happy with my skin now, hurray!

I also have a great tan from all the UK sunshine we have been having and it has faded my spots even more.

I am now still moisturising my skin, taking salt baths and have started using Aveeno cream which is just gorgeous on my skin, no perfume. It is packed with oats and leaves my skin extra soft, wonderful! I love this cream, it is quite expensive but i have heard you can get this on prescription if you need to!

Anyone else use Aveeno and love it too?

xx

Hi everyone! I'm *****. It's good to be here.

I was just diagnosed 13 months ago with having Palmoplantar Pustulosis, or PPP. It's a form of Pustular Psoriasis which affects the palms of the hands and soles/sides of the feet. I have just recently gone into remission after being drastically affected for a year straight. It made it hard to even open or close my hands, or do something simple like walking. I never thought I would be dealing with something like this. There is no family history and before PPP, I was perfectly healthy - worked out two times per day, ate all organic, and had quit smoking a year prior.

After extensive research, I believe smoking played a huge role in my PPP.

I write for Yahoo! and have written two articles pertaining to my Psoriasis and how it affected my life. Maybe you could have a look at them, and hopefully they might inspire you to not give up and never lose hope.

(See my profile for my article links; unfortunately it won't let me post them in here)


If you have any questions or would like to tell me your story, or even just have someone to listen or be a shoulder, I'm here. I don't want anyone to suffer alone like I had.

Be blessed everyone, and have a WONDERFUL week. It's good to be here.

Hi all,
Just joined. I have had P for over 20 years, started in early 20's,and over time it's gradually got worse. Been on acritein (or however it is spelt) for 7 months and so far really good, no serious side effects although need to use sun block to stop getting burnt. Interested to hear from anyone who has been on it for a long time as the doctor says I can stay on it forever?
Thanks
John

Hello,
I have just under 780 Fumaderm pills, which I brought back from Germany in May, 2013. I tried the pills for a little over 3 weeks but they didn't agree with me.

Greetings all! I was a member about six to seven years ago and got a lot of great advice. I am hoping I can get a little more now that I am back online for the duration.

I have had P since I was five years old and am now 48. Different spots and different coverage's, but always between 25% and 80% coverage. I am taking Stelara now, courtesy of my derm.

Ive tried about everything and this is the only treatment that remotely helps exception being baby oil for flare ups and sudden itchiness.

I wish everyone pink healthy skin, affordable treatment and hopefully find an actual cure for this/these horrible affliction(s) we have.

Hello everyone!

Just wondering if anyone is or has taken any vitamins to help their skin. I was taking vitamin e and vitamin d tablets, don't know if they made any difference!

Did anyone notice any change in their skin?

I have cut the vitamin e capsules open and applied them directly to the guttate spots but it didn't seem to be doing anything, has anyone else tried this and had good results?

Thank you and hope the sun is shining where you are

xx

Background:
Previous investigations have demonstrated that a combination of (Enbrel) etanercept (ETN) and narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is more effective than ETN alone. However, it is unclear if this combination is more effective than NB-UVB phototherapy alone.

Objectives:
To evaluate whether the combination of NB-UVB phototherapy with ETN improves the efficacy of ETN alone in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Methods:
We enrolled 322 consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis, who were treated with NB-UVB phototherapy as the first-line treatment option. Patients who did not achieve a 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) were treated with conventional systemic therapies for psoriasis. If they were ineligible for these, they were treated with ETN 50 mg twice weekly. If they did not achieve PASI 75 within 12 weeks, NB-UVB phototherapy was added.

Results:
PASI 75 was achieved in 262 patients (81·4%) treated with NB-UVB phototherapy. Sixteen patients (5·0%) dropped out for personal reasons and 24 (7·5%) were treated with at least one of the conventional systemic treatments for psoriasis. Twenty patients (6·2%) were treated with ETN. The combination regimen was needed in eight patients (2·5%) with poor response to both phototherapy and ETN alone. All of these patients achieved PASI 75 and three of them had a complete remission after 14·6 ± 3·3 NB-UVB exposures. The combined treatment was well tolerated without acute adverse events. Unfortunately, all of these patients relapsed, with PASI > 10 within 2·8 ± 1·7 months.

Conclusions:
The combined treatment has a synergistic effect for clearing plaque-type psoriasis previously unresponsive to ETN and NB-UVB phototherapy alone. The clearance rate is very high in a very short time without short-term adverse effects. However, concerns regarding potential cocarcinogenicity remain. Therefore the number of patients who require, and could benefit from, the combined treatment is likely to be small.

Source: NO LINKS ALLOWED

Enbrel etanercept

Background:
Pathomechanisms of both psoriasis and atherosclerosis may involve platelet activation. Activated platelets show increased P-selectin; CD62 expression, and mean platelet volume (MPV). Impaired brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) is related to atherosclerosis.

Objectives:
To determine the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis (without overt cardiovascular complications or traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors), compared with controls.

Methods:
In this case–control study, 25 patients with psoriasis and 25 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals were subjected to assessment of MPV, CD62 expression using flow cytometry, and brachial artery FMD and transthoracic echocardiography by cardiac ultrasound scanner.

Results:
A statistically highly significant increased CD62 expression, but not MPV, was found in cases compared with controls, and in patients with moderate/severe psoriasis compared with either mild cases or controls (P < 0·001). CD62 expression was statistically significantly positively correlated with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score (P < 0·001), baseline brachial artery diameter (P = 0·03) but not FMD and aortic root diameter (ARD; P = 0·03). ARD was statistically significantly higher in patients with moderate/severe psoriasis compared with controls (P = 0·017). Stepwise simple linear regression analysis revealed that PASI score was the most important factor affecting CD62 expression (P < 0·001).

Conclusions:
Our study showed increased atherosclerosis risk in patients with psoriasis, particularly those with moderate/severe disease, as evidenced by increased expression of platelet CD62 compared with healthy controls. Moreover, we found a positive correlation between CD62 expression and ARD (another possible marker of atherosclerosis), with positive correlation to the PASI score; the most important factor influencing CD62 expression. However, our data on MPV and FMD do not support the use of either value for diagnosing subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis in further studies.

Source: NO LINKS ALLOWED

*Atherosclerosis (also known as arteriosclerotic vascular disease or ASVD) is a condition in which an artery wall thickens as a result of the accumulation of fatty materials such as cholesterol and triglyceride.

Here is a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology which suggests that psoriasis is due to a breakdown of immune tolerance to the microbiota of the skin.

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There is a known association between psoriasis and Crohn disease (CD). Patients with CD are five times more likely to develop psoriasis, and, conversely, patients with psoriasis are more likely to develop CD.

Many gastroenterologists now accept that CD results from a breakdown of immune tolerance to the microbiota of the intestine in genetically susceptible individuals. The microbiota of the skin have recently been investigated in psoriasis.

Firmicutes was the most common phylum, and Streptococcus the most common genus identified. Beta-haemolytic streptococci have been implicated in both guttate and chronic plaque psoriasis. Furthermore, the innate immune system has been shown to be activated in psoriasis, and many of the genes associated with the disease are concerned with the signalling pathways of the innate immune system, notably interleukin-23 and nuclear factor κB.

Patients with psoriasis also have an increased incidence of periodontitis, a disease thought to be due to an abnormal response to normal oral commensals.

Based on the similarities between CD and psoriasis, we propose that psoriasis is due to a breakdown of immune tolerance to the microbiota of the skin. In support of this hypothesis we provide evidence for microbiota in the skin, activation of the innate immune system, and genetic abnormalities involving the innate immune system.

Hi my name is angus,i have just been diagnosed at age 38.My father had this and i rather hoped in it skipping a generation but now i have it too.

Hello everyone!


I was wondering if anyone knows if working out alot makes psoriasis worse?
I try exercise and everytime I do my psoriasis tend to flare up and become all red, but then later it just goes back to normal psoriasis and not that very red. But I was just wondering if it worsens the condition or is it just in my head?