Need PsA and Ps help

[Fred]

I have not used Taltz but there is more about it here: Taltz (ixekizumab)

Also if you put "Taltz" in the Search you will find a few threads from our uses.

Failing that I would recommend starting a new thread in Prescribed Treatments For Psoriasis as your question may not get noticed in this thread.

[Kat]

I've been on Taltz. I didn't have any significant improvement with my skin with Stelara, Cosentyx or Taltz. But I guess that is just me either being different than most when it comes to biologics or something. I honestly don't know. I used an injector pen for each of those and I will say the Taltz had a bit more of a sting. Sorry I don't have much more information other than I didn't have any issues with any of the biologics as far as side effects or anything.

[Kat]

Also, on insurance. Not certain how you were set up as my dermatologists office handled it for me, but each company usually offers a discount program as long as you have commercial and not government insurance. So if your cost is anything over about $25 per month (mine was 0 for Stelara I think and $20 for Taltz if I remember correctly) check the Taltz site. Hopefully your dermatologist office gave you all of that information, but thought I would mention it here just in case.

[Functionalfool]

Cost won't be an issue, will be $5/month through insurance I get from my employer. My dermatologist is handling all of the prior authorization stuff. I hope this works! Otezla kinda sorta works so at least I am not currently left out in the cold with severe pain. Tremfya worked as well as a saline shot. Dermatologist said Taltz works different than Tremfya and I should know within 2 weeks if Taltz works on me or not. If it doesn't, I'll move on to next drug I guess. What works for you?

[Kat]

Great that your costs are all sorted.

As to what works for me, well for the past couple of years a lot of itching and ointments. Luckily I've not had a major flare up while not on anything this time... so far. Right after Taltz (and lazer light therapy for scalp which didn't help either) we were discussing Skyrizi and a few others as possibilities. My dermatologist was leaning one way and my rheumatologist was leaning another way and were just getting on the same page when the pandemic hit and I decided to hold off.

Right now I'm dealing with some other health issues and although I know I should get back on something to try to get better with my scalp psoriasis and having just been told not long before the pandemic that I was showing signs of psoriatic arthritis, I know I should get back in before things get worse. But I haven't. I manage the itching with moisturizers and also Taclonex (prescribed ointment) sometimes. The skin is manageable most days (meaning I've gotten used to it) and I'm fortunate that since my first flare of psoriasis it has pretty much stayed to my scalp and ears. Annoying yes but not nearly as bad as most have it.

Hoping it works well for you.

[Functionalfool]

For my scalp something that works absolutely fantastic for me is clobetasol propionate 0.05% shampoo. Have you ever tried that? If not, I highly recommend it. You put it on your dry scalp (it has a pointy tip to get to your scalp and not in your hair) gently rub it in, wait 20 min then rinse off in shower. Unfortunately not supposed to use on your face so I use desoximetosone steroid cream on my face

[Forest Walker]

FF, which state do you live in?

Thanks for the tip on scalp management.  

I'm wondering what happens when we eventually switch to Medicare or Medicaid (I haven't learned much about these, yet), when we stop having employer paid health insurance or when we retire and pay our own or become of an age when we can use the Medicare or Medicaid.  What happens with the generous co-pay assistance the drug manufacturers provide?  It stops, right?  

My Humira has a $5 co-pay while I'm on private insurance.  But if I were on any federally provided insurance, no patient assistance?

[Functionalfool]

I have no idea what happens when we lose private insurance! My hope is that with all the new psoriasis drugs coming out right now, there will be a bunch of generics when that time comes My employer offers a program that you can keep their insurance for life for a small fee if you choose after you retire. Cost depends on how many years you were employed. They could change that tomorrow if they choose to, though.

[Sheila]

FF, which state do you live in?

Thanks for the tip on scalp management.  

I'm wondering what happens when we eventually switch to Medicare or Medicaid (I haven't learned much about these, yet), when we stop having employer paid health insurance or when we retire and pay our own or become of an age when we can use the Medicare or Medicaid.  What happens with the generous co-pay assistance the drug manufacturers provide?  It stops, right?  

My Humira has a $5 co-pay while I'm on private insurance.  But if I were on any federally provided insurance, no patient assistance?

Clobetasol worked wonderfully while I used it. Once I realized it's a steroid, I ceased it's use immediately. So yes, Clobetasol can work wonderfully. Give it a shot, if you don't mind steroids.

[Functionalfool]

Yes it's a very strong steroid. For me, it works well enough that I only use it 3 or 4 times a month. Less if my psoriasis is behaving. Steroids are bad news for long term use but they are a miracle drug in a pinch!

Anyone have any thoughts about taking vitamin D supplements?