Should I Take Immunosuppressants for Psoriatic Arthritis?

Whether or not you should take immunosuppressants for psoriatic arthritis depends on several factors, including the severity of your condition, your overall health, and your response to other treatment options. Immunosuppressants are medications that suppress the immune system, which can help reduce inflammation and slow down the progression of psoriatic arthritis. However, immunosuppressants can also have side effects, including an increased risk of infection and cancer.

Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of immunosuppressants to determine if they are right for you.

Here are some considerations to keep in mind when making this decision:

1. Severity of your condition: Immunosuppressants are typically recommended for people with moderate to severe psoriatic arthritis that has not responded well to other treatments, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

2. Overall health: Immunosuppressants can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and other illnesses. Your doctor will carefully consider your overall health and weigh the risks and benefits of immunosuppressive therapy before making a recommendation.

3. Response to other treatments: If you have tried other treatments for psoriatic arthritis without significant improvement, your doctor may recommend immunosuppressants as the next step.

4. Potential side effects: Immunosuppressants can have side effects, including an increased risk of infection, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, and liver damage. Your doctor will closely monitor you for any side effects and adjust the dosage or discontinue the medication if necessary.

5. Long-term use: Immunosuppressants may be needed for long-term management of psoriatic arthritis. Your doctor will discuss the long-term risks and benefits of this therapy with you.

It's important to have an open and honest discussion with your doctor about your treatment options for psoriatic arthritis. Your doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits of immunosuppressants and make the decision that is right for you.