Medications

[Marcia04doug]

I had my first outbreak of psoriasis in 1998. I was 22 I'm now 41. I have plaque psoriasis and it's super aggravating and I would say I'm moderate to mostly severe. I have tried creams, lotions, ointments and methotrexate. Methotrexate worked the best for me but it really screwed with my liver levels so I no longer take it. I am wondering if anyone has tried Otezla? I live in Canada and can not find where to buy this medication and I also can't find any reviews on it. 
TIA

[Caroline]

Hello Marcia,

At first welcome to Psoriasisclub. Nice that you found us.
We are, just like you, alle people with Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis.
You are obviously a long time sufferer.

Personally I can very well get that you quit MTX, I myself was only able to cope with it for a week.

On Otezla you might check the post of Jim RE: Otezla vs Acitretin anyone?. There is not so much known on it yet.

Mingle in the discussions are there may be more solutions for you, though we don't know exactly the possibilities in Canada for systemic or biological treatments.

We also have a nice Off Topic section for the moments that you feel a bit fed up, you can have a drink over there.
Please do remember that the first time you come to the bar, the drinks are on you or you could also bring cake (Canadian cake).

Have fun on the forum
Caroline

[jiml]

Hi Marcia   to the club . I hope you get to a drug that will control your psoriasis, I'm just wondering why you went for otezla there are other drugs you may have to try before otezla.
There are several reviews on here if you type in otezla in the search button at the top of the page. You can read all about it
I don't think any of our members are on it yet and I know in America one of out members was told he would struggle to get it approved by his insurance company

Take a look through our prescribed treatments board Prescribed Treatments For Psoriasis there are still lots of treatments that are less toxic than methotrexate, that your dermatologist can offer you

I wish you success and hope to hear how your search progresses
Good luck
Jim

[Fred]

Hello Marcia   to Psoriasis Club.

Methotrexate = good idea to stop it.

As for Otezla here are a few threads that may help.

Apremilast first phase 3 results

Otezla gets FDA approval for Psoriatic Arthritis

Germany says Otezla gives no benefit to psoriasis patients

Otezla 2 year results on psoriatic arthritis published

Otezla gets another No from NICE

Hope that helps a bit.

Regards.

Fred.

[Grizzly Bear]

       

 Marcia

I was on Methotrexate & it was awful.

Like yourself, my liver results looked bad. They thought i was an alcoholic & i don't drink !  

As for Otezla, another drud tthat i've never heard of  

Ask away on here Tia, 99.9% sure someone will answer any questions you have.

Right, i'm off to to this now...........

[jiml]

Psssst griz TIA ( thanks in advance )

[Grizzly Bear]

Psssst griz TIA ( thanks in advance )

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Right, that's it..................

I'm off to do this to myself lol

[D Foster]

Hi Marcia . welcome to the forum.
I was on MTX for nine years and had many side effects and only 80% clearance at it's best,I have had many other lotions and potions over the many years I have had P and PsA but do not know a lot about Otezla however I am now on Stelara and it has been fantastic.
I can really recommend Stelara as in my case ,after so many other treatments, it is the only one that has worked and I have 99% clearance with very little in the way of side effects.It is not very good for PsA but it does help a little but if your P is very bad then out of all the treatments available it is one that is well worth a serious consideration as it has been used for some time now and the side effects are well known .

[Kat]

Welcome!

As others have said there is lots of info on the forum. You can do quite a lot of research here using the information and people's experiences, and with that talk things over with your doctor or dermatologist to see what is available for you.

[Marcia04doug]

Hi Marcia . welcome to the forum.
I was on MTX for nine years and had many side effects and only 80% clearance at it's best,I have had many other lotions and potions over the many years I have had P and PsA but do not know a lot about  Otezla however I am now on Stelara and it has been fantastic.
I can really recommend Stelara as in my case ,after so many other treatments, it is the only one that has worked and I have 99% clearance with very little in the way of side effects.It is not very good for PsA but it does help a little but if your P is very bad then out of all the treatments available it is one that is well worth a serious consideration as it has been used for some time now and the side effects are well known .

Thank you for your advice I completely appreciate it! I'm going to ask my Dr if I could try Stelara as I have nothing to lose. I was sort of interested in trying Otezla, but due to the fact hat I live in Canada our government has not yet approved it to be used. I like the fact that there is basically next to no side effects and no need for blood work. 
Thank you again :-)