Stelara success for psoriasis?

jhicks

Regular Member

Joined : May 2009

Posts : 177

Posted 2/25/2014 3:23 PM (GMT 0)

Hi all,

My husband has had psoriasis for years. He has recently developed (psoriatic) arthritis in his feet, back and shoulder, too. He's a pharmacist who stands 8-10 hrs a day on his feet, and this obviously causes a huge problem. It's to the point where I have worried about him possibly needing to go on disability if it progresses. His doctors are looking at Enbrel or Humira as possible treatments, but since they suppress the immune system and he works around sick people all of the time, this is a real concern. He's not one to ever miss a day of work, and the thought of him possibly catching everything that comes into the pharmacy is quite scary.

I just heard about Stelara and did some reading up on it. It seems to be quite effective and carry somewhat less severe side effects. I wonder why more people in this forum haven't tried it or reported on it.

Are any of you taking Stelara? What has been your experience?

If not Stelara, how have you fared on Enbrel or Humira. Are you sick more often? Is it effective for clearing the plaques or addressing arthritis?

Thanks much.

Stef17

Veteran Member

Joined : Feb 2003

Posts : 1811

Posted 3/23/2014 7:33 PM (GMT 0)

I tired Enbrel and Humira. The Humira did nothing for my arthritis and actually caused me to have my first ever break out of psoriasis. I wish I had never taken it. I took Enbrel for a year and it cleared 98% of my psoriasis, but didn't do a whole lot for my arthritis. It probably would have been more effective if I had paired it with methotrexate, but I didn't want to do that.

I am just now starting stelara for Crohns, PA, and psoriasis. My psoriasis is mostly in remission because of the enbrel, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that it stays that way. I hope that it improves my arthritis AND Crohns. I can update you after my first shot. It been so long since your post I don't know if you'll check back or not, but I will update anyway.

I worked as a teacher in a public school and I did not get super sick. You have to wash your hands and avoid sick people which might be hard for him to do. Maybe once a year I get something I need to take an antibiotic for - sinus infection, strep throat, etc. but I don't know if that's a lot or not considering I have kids in public school too.

Good luck to him!

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