There may be bumps in the road as you treat psoriatic arthritis, he tells SELF.
However, there are several promising medications that may reduce symptoms and protect your body from long-term damage.
Keep in mind you may need to take a combination of treatments to alleviate your symptoms.
Peter Dazeley
Over time, your plan may evolve.
Also, your treatment options may change over time based on new research and newly available therapies.
ensure you have ongoing conversations with your doctor about which treatment options may be best for you.
Here are a few types of psoriatic arthritis treatment to know.
You may already have one common treatment for psoriatic arthritis in your medicine cabinet: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
DMARDs are the most common medications used to treat psoriatic arthritis, according toNYU Langone Health.
This treatment helps prevent inflammation from spreading through your bodyultimately slowing the progression of the disease.
Doctors often rely on a weekly tablet of methotrexate as the first-choice DMARD for psoriatic arthritis.
(JAK refers to Janus kinase, an enzyme related to inflammation.)
Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend taking DMARDs alone or with another drug.
Biologicsare a jot down of DMARD doctors use to treat moderate to severe psoriatic arthritis.
Dr. Wanalista tells SELF these have revolutionized the treatment for psoriatic arthritis.
Some DMARDs, such as JAK inhibitors, arealso small molecule medications.
The medications type your cells and block substances that cause inflammation in your body.
Generally, these are affordable compared to other types of medications and have simple dosing instructions.
A biologic might not be the best option if you hate needles, for instance.
Likewise, you should tell your doctor if you have trouble following a daily pill schedule.
Overall, stay persistent and have a go at advocate for yourself.
The physician and patient should work together as a team.
Dont take a single treatment recommendation as an option.
Push and ask for alternatives.
You have a right to that information, says Dr. Makhdumi.
