Posts: 28,487
Threads: 117
Joined: Nov 2011
Gender: Female
Location: In between the tulips
Psoriasis Score: 3
Psoriatic Arthritis Score: 3
PQOLS: 4
Treatment: Got back to DMF slow release
Hi Christopher,
I am really sad for you that the Acetretin did not work.
If you go for Biologicals, that seems a good direction. As far as I can see the ones that are heading for the IL-17 receptor are doing the best, that means Stelara or the new Cosentyx.
If it would be impossible to afford it, there are still other options to try.
Cheers,
Caroline.
Posts: 4,819
Threads: 36
Joined: Jan 2016
Gender: Male
Location: Lancashire UK
Psoriasis Score: 18
Psoriatic Arthritis Score: Hmm Maybe
PQOLS: 17
Treatment: Waiting a decsion
Hi Christopher
Such a shame Acitretin seems to be failing you. I know the side effects can be uncomfortable and the hair loss is not good for anyone, but I think I would be tempted to run just a little longer on it. Has the Ps changed at all?
kh924's thread on Acitretin [To see links please register here] is a good read. I found it beneficial and was one of the threads that had me decide to run the Acetretin route as my first foray into systemics, but I am aware it may be a long haul to a blotch free existence.
I'm sure you will make the correct decision 
Posts: 12
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2016
Gender: Male
Location: South Africa
Treatment: UVA
(Thu-05-05-2016, 19:58 PM)JohnB Wrote: [To see links please register here] Hi Christopher
Such a shame Acitretin seems to be failing you. I know the side effects can be uncomfortable and the hair loss is not good for anyone, but I think I would be tempted to run just a little longer on it. Has the Ps changed at all?
kh924's thread on Acitretin [To see links please register here] is a good read. I found it beneficial and was one of the threads that had me decide to run the Acetretin route as my first foray into systemics, but I am aware it may be a long haul to a blotch free existence.
I'm sure you will make the correct decision
Hi JohnB, no improvement at all - really disappointed - do you think i should run another month ? or Dive to Biologics. 2.5 months is generally a decent time to tell if acitretin works ? Am so confused, i need to make a decision. Biologics is a huge sacrifice for me.....because am doing it cash - no medical aid. but if i have to do it.....il do.....
Blessings to everyone.
Posts: 47,972
Threads: 357
Joined: Oct 2013
Gender: Male
Location: Norwich England
Psoriasis Score: 3
Treatment: Skilarence 5x120mg a day
(Fri-06-05-2016, 09:46 AM)Christopher Hendriks Wrote: [To see links please register here] (Thu-05-05-2016, 19:58 PM)JohnB Wrote: [To see links please register here] Hi Christopher
Such a shame Acitretin seems to be failing you. I know the side effects can be uncomfortable and the hair loss is not good for anyone, but I think I would be tempted to run just a little longer on it. Has the Ps changed at all?
kh924's thread on Acitretin [To see links please register here] is a good read. I found it beneficial and was one of the threads that had me decide to run the Acetretin route as my first foray into systemics, but I am aware it may be a long haul to a blotch free existence.
I'm sure you will make the correct decision
Hi JohnB, no improvement at all - really disappointed - do you think i should run another month ? or Dive to Biologics. 2.5 months is generally a decent time to tell if acitretin works ? Am so confused, i need to make a decision. Biologics is a huge sacrifice for me.....because am doing it cash - no medical aid. but if i have to do it.....il do.....
Blessings to everyone.
I know you are worried by the side effects of acetretin and at 20 mg it's not doing anything apart from the side effects, it might be worth increasing the dose if the doctors approve it and see if the side effects stay the same or even improve
It's a lot of money to pay out for biologicals..... I would tough it out another month maybe at higher dose
Posts: 9,829
Threads: 84
Joined: Aug 2014
Gender: Female
Location: GA
Psoriasis Score: 3
Treatment: Clobetasol Topical
There is no easy answer I'm afraid. It could be that if you give it another month, it might work for you. It's possible that if the doctor increases the dosage, that might do the trick. But it is also possible that it just isn't the treatment that is going to work for you.
I think if I were you I would schedule an appointment and ask your doctor if you should try to wait a bit longer, increase the dosage or switch to biologics. There are also ways to get help with the costs of biologics with patient assistance plans. Some of the companies that make biologics have plans to offset the cost. I don't know how that works and you may or may not be eligible, but something else you could ask your doctor about perhaps or check the manufacturer's website and see if you can find information there.
Posts: 71,236
Threads: 4,131
Joined: Aug 2011
Gender: Male
Location: France
Psoriasis Score: Zero
Psoriatic Arthritis Score: 1
PQOLS: 1
Treatment: Bimzelx / Coconut Oil
(Fri-06-05-2016, 12:33 PM)Kat Wrote: [To see links please register here] Some of the companies that make biologics have plans to offset the cost. I don't know how that works and you may or may not be eligible, but something else you could ask your doctor about perhaps or check the manufacturer's website and see if you can find information there.
Christopher I have found a Stelara contact for your country I will PM it to you.
Posts: 12
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2016
Gender: Male
Location: South Africa
Treatment: UVA
(Fri-06-05-2016, 12:59 PM)Fred Wrote: [To see links please register here] (Fri-06-05-2016, 12:33 PM)Kat Wrote: [To see links please register here] Some of the companies that make biologics have plans to offset the cost. I don't know how that works and you may or may not be eligible, but something else you could ask your doctor about perhaps or check the manufacturer's website and see if you can find information there.
Christopher I have found a Stelara contact for your country I will PM it to you.
Thanks guys !!! - i have chosen to go one more month - then failing that - Am heading for Biologics.
Fred ! I would appreciate that .......
Posts: 4,819
Threads: 36
Joined: Jan 2016
Gender: Male
Location: Lancashire UK
Psoriasis Score: 18
Psoriatic Arthritis Score: Hmm Maybe
PQOLS: 17
Treatment: Waiting a decsion
(Fri-06-05-2016, 13:26 PM)Christopher Hendriks Wrote: [To see links please register here] (Fri-06-05-2016, 12:59 PM)Fred Wrote: [To see links please register here] (Fri-06-05-2016, 12:33 PM)Kat Wrote: [To see links please register here] Some of the companies that make biologics have plans to offset the cost. I don't know how that works and you may or may not be eligible, but something else you could ask your doctor about perhaps or check the manufacturer's website and see if you can find information there.
Christopher I have found a Stelara contact for your country I will PM it to you.
Thanks guys !!! - i have chosen to go one more month - then failing that - Am heading for Biologics.
Fred ! I would appreciate that .......
Probably the best choice Christopher. I have just hit the 2 week mark on 25mg Acitretin and there is a difference in how the plaques feel and I am shedding huge flakes. Its a bit early for me to say whether it is an improvement, but the itching has receded considerably . It is beginning to sound like the biologicals are calling though  you will have given the Acitretin a far crack of the whip.
Posts: 2
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2016
Gender: Male
Location: Darwin, NT
Treatment: Acitretin
Hi guys, I am new to the forum and was encouraged to join by the support for each other I read on the forum. Very encouraging to see.
I have now started my journey with Acitretin. I will keep everyone up to date with my progress.
Posts: 47,972
Threads: 357
Joined: Oct 2013
Gender: Male
Location: Norwich England
Psoriasis Score: 3
Treatment: Skilarence 5x120mg a day
(Tue-12-07-2016, 14:01 PM)Acedaly Wrote: [To see links please register here] Hi guys, I am new to the forum and was encouraged to join by the support for each other I read on the forum. Very encouraging to see.
I have now started my journey with Acitretin. I will keep everyone up to date with my progress.
Great to see you  to the club you have already seen that we are a friendly bunch, but always here for each other passing on and receiving information and support ....I think we are a great support group and provider of up to the minute information about the disease,
I will look forward to Following your acetretin journey and comment more there
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