New member proudmary1951

[Kat]

Hi Mary, as for costs in the US.

I've been on three biologics, and the most I've had to pay is $25.  The first biologic was Stelara and it was a "buy and bill" type which I still don't understand how it works, but it was no cost to me.  The second was Cosentyx which was also no cost (through their program) and the third was Taltz which had either a $5 or $25 co pay through their program.  ($5 if approved and $25 if denied, that has to do with your insurance on if approved or not if I understood it correctly.)  I wondered how anyone could possibly afford these meds but it seems that each of the manufacturers have their own programs that reduce/cover the expense.  Your doctor's office should be able to help you as it depends on which drug you're being prescribed.  Sometimes they will use a specialty pharmacy that will call and handle your prescription but they were quite nice getting me set up.  So don't lose hope! 

Hope this helps a bit.  I should add that these programs are not income based, I didn't think we'd qualify for anything as we usually wouldn't so it's worth checking into.

Kat

[proudmary1951]

Thanks so much for the info Kat. So you have tried 3 different drugs. Did the first 2 not work? I’d like to hear your story. I’ve had psoriasis for 30 years but nothing like now. A shot of cortisone would do the trick. But this is crazy! Never on my hands before. I don’t understand why..guess I’ll never know but I am going to my old dermatologist Tuesday. I can’t live like this. How are you doing now? Thanks again..Mary

[Kat]

Sadly the biologics didn't work for me. When I was first diagnosed, I had psoriasis on my back, neck, scalp, and spots on my elbows, stomach and maybe a few more. I went on Acitretin and although it seemed to take a long time, I cleared up (except for some mild scalp issues) I managed using moisturizer, trying different shampoo and conditioners and then I had a bad flare (all on my scalp, ears, neck area) The dermatologist prescribed Taclonex (aka Enstilar) while I waited to get approved for Stelara. During that time, the Taclonex which is a topical treatment actually cleared the worst of it. I was greatly hoping the biologics would clear me the rest of the way but sadly it wasn't meant to be I guess. None of them seemed to make a difference in my skin condition. I have recently been diagnosed with Psoriatic arthritis and so I do have that concern, the dermatologist and rheumatologist both want me to try a TNF inhibitor as the next step. However, I have other medical issues that I'm currently dealing with so that may not be an option for me.

Although biologics haven't helped me (yet) they have helped so many people. My understanding is that scalp psoriasis can be quite stubborn and it seems that mine indeed falls into the stubborn category! I also did the laser therapy which didn't help me either.

That's my condensed story. Right now I still use the Taclonex (although not often as there are concerns in using steriod topicals long term so I try to only use it when I feel things are possibly taking a wrong turn) I'm not where I want to be, but I'm managing. I itch a lot and certainly can't wear dark clothing out in public due to the flaking, but I can deal with it for now. I have postponed my dermatologist and rheumatologist until after some doctor visits and tests.

But I'm hopeful that I can be clear still one day.

[Wooley]

Hi Mary

  to the club!

[proudmary1951]

Thanks Wooleyb!