What to ask when starting or switching PSA medications

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that develops in some people who have psoriasis, though some experience PsA symptoms before skin symptoms appear. Also, the severity of one condition does not directly correlate to the severity of another. This means a person may have mild psoriasis but more significant PsA symptoms.

Those symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. In addition to skin symptoms and joint pain, other symptoms of psoriatic disease can include swollen fingers and toes, heel pain, lower back pain, nail changes, eye inflammation, and fatigue.

PsA can affect any joint in the body. While PsA typically begins by affecting a small number of joints, it can progress over time, affecting more joints and causing more severe pain.

PsA can cause permanent joint damage and deformity, and in some cases, disability. This is more likely to occur if PsA is undertreated or untreated.

Treatment for PsA

There is no cure for PsA, and treatment focuses on reducing symptoms, controlling inflammation, and preventing damage to the joints. The therapies used to accomplish these goals will depend on the extent and severity of symptoms, coexisting conditions, and the preferences of the person being treated.

Treatment for PsA is typically overseen by a rheumatologist, a medical doctor who specializes in arthritis and other conditions that affect the joints. But treatment is best approached as a collaborative effort that also involves a dermatologist, primary care provider, and other healthcare providers as needed.

Several types of medications can be prescribed to treat PsA. Many treatment plans include physical and occupational therapy.

Lifestyle interventions can also be an important part of treatment. These include quitting smoking (for anyone who smokes), avoiding alcohol, changes to diet, exercise, and weight management. A healthcare provider will be your best source of information about these recommendations.

Changes in treatment are common

PsA is a different experience for everyone, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s common to switch medications or change dosages.

Questions when discussing a new medication:

• What is the name of the medication?
• What dosage am I being prescribed?
• How does this medication treat psoriatic arthritis? Does it also treat psoriasis?
• How is this medication administered? How often will I take this medication?
• How long will I be taking this medication?
• How will we know if the medication is working? How long should it take before I notice an improvement in symptoms?
• What are my treatment options if this medication does not work?
• How can I expect to feel while taking this medication?
• Is there anything I need to avoid while taking this medication?
• Can this medication interact with other medications I am taking? Keep a list of all medications you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements (including herbal supplements).
• What side effects can this medication cause? Is there a risk of serious side effects? What can I do to reduce the risk of side effects?
• What should I do if I experience a side effect?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• What is the out-of-pocket cost of this medication? Who can I talk to if I have concerns about the cost?

For questions about diagnosis and treatment, your healthcare provider will be your best source of information. Remember that you are also an important source of information for your healthcare provider, who relies on you to report pain, other symptoms, and the ways that PsA is impacting your life.