Problems with new medication

ItsKate

Hello all!

I have been on many meds for psa over the years. A few months ago I was prescribed guselkumab (tremfya). I have had no medication for 2 months and have just been told there is a problem getting hold of this!

I hurt! I’m completely exhausted and finding it difficult to function and do even basic tasks.

anyone else been in this position before?

looking forward to hearing from you

kate

stickywicket

I've not had the problem as I'm still on oral DMARDS but, frankly, I don't think that's good enough. Who told you there was a problem (and left it at that)? I'd ring my rheumatology helpline and ask that they do something - either access the meds or start you on another which doesn't have a shortage. Final resort - contact your local PALS.

jamieA

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/57793/problems-with-new-medication

Hi @ItsKate

I agree with @stickywicket that simply being left without medication is not acceptable. When I was moved onto biologics last year my rheumatology clinic actually offered me a choice of two biosimilars. When I saw my rheumatology nurse after two months on my biosimilar she said if it hadn't shown signs of working then there were about 7 other biosimilars she could have tried. So I'd suggest getting onto your clinic and asking them to sort it out for you quickly.

Poppyjane

Hello @ItsKate welcome to the online community

You have had psoriatic arthritis for years and have recently been prescribed guselkumab (tremfya) .

Unfortunately you have had problems getting hold of this medication. As a result you are finding living with psa exhausting and limiting your ability to function. You wonder if any other members have had a similar experience. We are here to support you and hope that you will find the information below helpful.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/april/5-ways-to-help-with-fatigue/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/managing-your-pain/

If the delivery of your prescription is likely to be delayed any longer, might your medical team be able to provide you with an alternative drug? I do not have any details in the Versus Arthritis resource library about guselkumab but found it on the NICE website :-

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta711/informationforpublic

I hope our members will share their experiences and ways of coping with similar situation to yours. Meanwhile do join us by browsing round the community especially the Living with Arthritis section. We look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Take care

Poppyjane