Medications and Biologics

[Kat]

As you know I'm a big fan of the bio treatments, and that would be the way to go in my opinion. The main reason I say that is because they work fast, will give you your life back, are simple to take, and there are around 5 types with more in the pipeline.

Without boring you to much the basics are "Biologic drugs are made from living human or animal proteins. They are designed to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by targeting overactive cells in the body. Some biologics target a type of immune cell called T cells while others target the chemical messengers released by activated T cells." T cells in a person with psoriasis are over active, have a read of this thread for a simple explanation: T Cells the soldiers in your body

Yes you will see negative points about them as you will with any treatment, but mostly that comes down to your immune system will be a little weaker so you could be more susceptible to get infections or viruses. The flushes you mention are more associated with Fumaderm and not with the Bio's, the biggest risk is probably tuberculosis (TB) and you will & should be checked before stating them.

The worst I've experienced and I've tried them all apart from Simponi was a reaction which I had from Remicade and Humira, my body just didn't like them and I turned into a lobster. That was soon fixed with nice soothing baths in hospital and switching to Enbrel. I've had a few flu or cold like symptoms, mostly after starting but now my body is settled down to my current one Stelara I have no problems.

I agree you don't want it to be a debate and rightly so, as like you said what works for some may not work for others. But as for why I think the Bio's are a better choice for me and why I wouldn't use the others.

#1 The Bio's have given me my life back, and have been the best treatment I have ever had.
#2 They are easy to take with a simple injection under the skin (apart from Remicade which is given by infusion) this is a bonus for me as I hate taking tablets.
#3 The only tablet treatment I have tried was Methotrexate and I think you have read enough about my thoughts on that.
#4 I wouldn't try any of the other tablet form as I don't like the sound of the side effects, and I hate taking tablets.

I recently was considering Fumaderm as I've seen good result's and low side effects from members on here, but decided I don't like tablets and Stelara is still working very well so why change. plus it could always remain an option if needed later on.

At the end of the day you have to do what you feel is best for your body, and most importantly remain in charge of what you are happy using.

I hope I've helped a bit and don't hesitate to ask if you want to know more, and I'm sure others will have more to help.

It can seem a frightening decision going onto any treatment, but sometimes you just have to get your head down dive on in and give it a go. You can always switch should something not work and more like I said is in the pipeline for the future.

EDIT: More can be found on the Bio treatments here: Biological Treatments For Psoriasis

Thanks Fred and yes, that is what I'm looking for basically why a person likes their current treatment and info on why they think it works as well as any worries about side effects. Also why they would or would not consider going to another treatment. Going to check out your links (I'm pretty sure I've read them already but will read again as a refresher)