Biologics...

Jamie78
Jamie78 Member Posts: 3
edited 3. Dec 2024, 10:07 in Living with arthritis

Hi all, just after people experience and advice in regards of biologics. Had Psoriatic Arthritis for a couple of years, tried two DMARD but recently taken off Methotrexate due to side effects. My question is the local prescribing guidelines state you need three tender AND swollen joints to qualify for this treatment. What happens if I've never had three swollen joints, just painful ones. The flare normally affects my plantar fascia, sternum and enthisis, which do not visibly swell. Any experiences appreciated..

Comments

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,917

    Hi @Jamie78

    Hopefully someone will call in with similar experience to you, but in the meantime I did a search on the forum about eligibility for biologics. Maybe some of the threads might just interest you?

    https://community.versusarthritis.org/search?query=eligible%20for%20biologics&scope=site&source=community

    Best wishes

    Ellen.

  • jamieA
    jamieA Member Posts: 846

    Hi @Jamie78

    I was diagnosed with PsA in 2020 and enthesitis in 2022. Before I was put onto the biologic adalimumab (Amgevita) in 2021 I was told the criteria was 3 swollen joints and to have tried 2 conventional DMARDs which hadn't worked. In my case the biologic was added to the sulfasalazine and methotrexate I was already on that hadn't worked. My rheumatologist says the 3 drugs work synergistically - the sum of the response is greater than each individual drug.

    My first rheumatologist was very reluctant to offer biologics even though one of his colleagues had told me if I was his patient I'd have been on them sooner. I can only suggest you need be as assertive as possible in dealing with your rheumatologist - they are not feeling the pain you do.

    I hope you get treatment that works for you soon.

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