I condemn anyone who assigns treatment primarily because of cost.

(Mon-16-04-2018, 23:29 PM)mataribot Wrote: I condemn anyone who assigns treatment primarily because of cost.

Yes I agree but there are sufferers out there that don’t have access to expensive treatments or simply can’t afford them. In those cases i.e. no insurance cover... in those cases cost has to be an issue. And with methotrexate being cheaper than steroid creams it any other treatment is a good way to go as long as they are monitored and careful with the dosing ... I’m sure it’s better than suffering with bad Psoriasis . I don’t like it but can see it’s place in the treatment world .... but in most cases where alternatives are available make them first line treatments ...

MTX isn’t necessarily cheaper than steroids considering the cost blood test and liver biopsy.

(Tue-17-04-2018, 17:10 PM)mataribot Wrote: MTX isn’t necessarily cheaper than steroids considering the cost blood test and liver biopsy.

Agreed, plus steroids are only used for a while but methotrexate is an ongoing treatment. Plus who knows what damage could be done that could end up costing even more. It's not even prescribed properly. We have had members thinking if starting a family using it, we have had members enjoying a little but to much alcohol being given it. The cost involved when that combination goes wrong is huge not only monetary but psychologically.

Also I've been thinking about the cost you all keep mentioning. Most countries have a health care system that pays for the treatments, or the people have insurance. If they can not afford insurance most countries also have help for that too if they ask. So the cost to the majority of people isn't so much of an issue as people say.

(Tue-17-04-2018, 18:52 PM)Fred Wrote:

(Tue-17-04-2018, 17:10 PM)mataribot Wrote: MTX isn’t necessarily cheaper than steroids considering the cost blood test and liver biopsy.

Agreed, plus steroids are only used for a while but methotrexate is an ongoing treatment. Plus who knows what damage could be done that could end up costing even more. It's not even prescribed properly. We have had members thinking if starting a family using it, we have had members enjoying a little but to much alcohol being given it. The cost involved when that combination goes wrong is huge not only monetary but psychologically.

Also I've been thinking about the cost you all keep mentioning. Most countries have a health care system that pays for the treatments, or the people have insurance. If they can not afford insurance most countries also have help for that too if they ask. So the cost to the majority of people isn't so much of an issue as people say.

Most treatments have consequences if they are abused, when I was on MTX especially on injections they used to keep a close eye on me and I knew I could not drink , if you read tthe leaflets that comes with the treatments then you should be ok . The information I have on Stelara for instance mention the problem of eating certain foods that can contain bugs so I don't eat them. Its just trying to get as much information as possible. As I said before other treatments are worse and it's wrong to demonise any of them as they are all useful to someone just the same way as some people have side effects from them.

Well said, Dave.

Well we all have opinions Dave and that is what a forum is about. But I stand by what I said.

It all depends who you ask and what they have used and the results or problems they have had personally , I have no real issue as such with MTX as it worked for me for 9 years but the side effects built up over time but the anti rejection transplant drug that is used for P which is Cyclosporine I would not give that any recommendations for but again it's personally and many people have had good results from that particular one. I have a friend who had a very bad reaction to one of the most used antibiotics and ended up in critical care so again it's what suits one but not another and most treatments have consequences some much more than others and some depending on the individual.

Outside juvenile artists, there is no reason to start off with MTX. Most westernized countries have funding for the poor. MTX doesn’t prevent or slow down PsA and is at least 1 SD behind TNFs in Psoriasis clearance.

(Wed-18-04-2018, 18:14 PM)mataribot Wrote: There is no reason to start off with MTX.

Correct.

(Wed-18-04-2018, 18:14 PM)mataribot Wrote: Most westernized countries have funding for the poor.

Correct.

(Wed-18-04-2018, 18:14 PM)mataribot Wrote: MTX doesn’t prevent or slow down PsA

Correct.