If youre having trouble getting your psoriatic arthritis under control, it may be time to consider a biologic.
8 Essential Facts About Biologics for Psoriatic Arthritis
1.
Biologics are the most targeted psoriatic arthritis treatment.
There are 12 biologics approved to treat psoriatic arthritis.
Your doctor will look at your overall health and lifestyle when recommending a particular biologic drug .
TNF blockers
IL-12/23 inhibitor
IL-23 inhibitors
IL-17A inhibitors
IL-17A and IL-17F inhibitor
T-cell inhibitor
3.
Biologics are typically prescribed to those with moderate-to-severe psoriatic arthritis.
Biologics are quite effective in treating psoriatic arthritis symptoms and slowing arthritis disease progression.
One could probably expect at least a 70 percent chance of a good response, Dr. Zashin says.
Most people notice improvement quickly.
Biologics usually work quickly.
Some people will feel better right after the night of the first injection, Zashin says.
Theyre administered by injection or infusion.
Biologics differ from other psoriatic arthritis treatments because they are not available as a pill.
Most self-injections are administered every one to four weeks, Zashin says.
Biologics are considered safe, but there are potential side effects.
Biologics are expensive, but you shouldnt have to pay for them completely out of pocket.
Some insurance companies will favor one biologic over the other, Zashin says, for financial reasons.
Even then, depending on your insurance plan, you may still have out-of-pocket costs.
Your doctor may recommend patient assistance programs or other financial options to help lower the cost of your biologic.
Save these facts for easy reference
Is It Time to Try a Biologic?
If your psoriatic arthritis isnt getting better or is getting worse, check in with your doctor.
The good news about psoriatic arthritis is that we have lots of treatments, Zashin says.
Is it time for a biologic?
Review this list with your doctor.
Youve learned a lot about biologics for psoriatic arthritis.
Take some time to absorb this info and decide if biologics are something you might want to consider.
Chen BK et al.
Vaengebjerg S et al.
April 1, 2020.
December 14, 2022.
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