Medications and Biologics

[Kat]

Hey Kat,

I hope you are at least a step closer to finding the best solution for you.

I would just like to add some personal input regarding my psoriasis journey, since you seemed interested in that.

I had told the guys in my intro that I have had psoriasis and PsA for around 6 years now, and Methotrexate was the only medication that I tried, along with the often needed strong pain killers and anti-inflammatory pills such as Cellebrex.

Methotrexate seemed to help a bit with my lower back pains, but didn't seem to add any valuable input to my nail pitting, my inflamed feet joints, and psoriatic patches around my body. Thankfully, I did not suffer any side effects from Methotrexate (which I'm sure is very rare, thank god), but it just did not seem like it could help me anymore. I couldn't try a different treatment because I was often away for uni and I couldn't maintain a regular visit to a decent doctor.

However, I recently managed to look around and I found myself a decent doctor, who straight away advised me to start on biologicals. So, I got tested for tuberculosis and other diseases (as some of our fellows mentioned earlier) and thankfully was clear of all of them, and I started my first dose of Humira Adalimumab (This is what it's called) exactly 5 days ago.

Not to exaggerate, but around 1 day after I took the dose, to this day, I actually feel like I am constantly on strong painkillers, I no longer feel pain in my feet with every step I take! And I don't have to worry about taking a pain killer before heading out for a jog anymore (for now at least).

Now of course, the swelling and patches are still there, and it could take longer treatment time for me to see any long term improvement of my joints and the psoriatic patches, but I honestly feel good about this and I feel like this biological medicine could actually help give me my life back!

The main downside is that this medicine is quite expensive. Off the shelf, it costs around 7200 dhs per month here in the United Arab Emirates, which is approximately 1960 US$ per month. But hopefully my health insurance can help with that even a little. The other important thing is that I have to be extra careful about getting sick, since as Fred said I am now more susceptible to infections and viruses. I still seem to be in good health so far (fingers crossed)!

I hope this personal insight can help you even a little bit. Take care!

Thank you so much for sharing. Yes, I am quite interested in hearing from people who have tried different options and what eventually they feel worked best for them. It really will help me if I have to discuss going to another treatment, not because it worked for someone else, just that I feel more confident if I've heard of people having success, if that makes any sense. I feel more knowledgeable hearing what people think than I do reading the scientific stuff I don't understand, or reading the manufacturers information which is going to be a bit one-sided.

I'm so glad biologics are helping you and hope you continue to see improvements. Again, thank you so much!!