Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis with Methotrexate: Advantages, Risks, and Prescribed Amounts
In the realm of treating psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a complex autoimmune condition, a variety of treatments are available. Two main categories of drugs are commonly used: traditional and newer options.
Methotrexate, an immunosuppressant drug, is a traditional treatment that has been widely used for PsA. It works by alleviating symptoms and helping prevent further joint damage, but it comes with potential side effects. Common gastrointestinal issues include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Blood-related side effects such as leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia are also possible, as are infections and skin reactions. Methotrexate can lower the body's resistance to infections, potentially leading to pneumonia, and may cause exanthema, erythema, and pruritus. Central nervous symptoms like tiredness, dizziness, and drowsiness, as well as mouth and throat issues such as oral ulcers and irritation, are also reported.
Methotrexate dosages for PsA treatment typically range from 10 milligrams (mg) to 25 mg per week. However, it's not suitable for everyone. Pregnant or nursing women, those with allergies to methotrexate, severe side effects, or medical conditions like chronic liver disease, alcohol-related liver disease, or alcohol use disorder should avoid this drug. People who are immunocompromised, have a pre-existing blood disorder, or take medications that may interact with methotrexate should also steer clear. Prolonged use of methotrexate can cause liver damage.
To mitigate these risks, a person can split their dose, take folic acid, and consider taking an antinausea medication or opt for injectable methotrexate. Regular blood and liver function tests are also recommended.
On the other hand, biologics, a newer class of drugs, block specific immune cells or proteins to treat PsA. These are typically administered via injection into a vein and are usually recommended for an initial 3-month course. Examples of biologics for PsA treatment include tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, interleukin 12 and 23 (IL-12/23) inhibitors, interleukin 17 (IL-17) inhibitors, interleukin 23 (IL-23) inhibitors, and T cell inhibitors. However, biologics can increase the risk of infection and are not suitable for people with a compromised immune system.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac, are often the first-line treatment for PsA, helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) besides methotrexate for PsA treatment include leflunomide and sulfasalazine. In some cases, a doctor may use a corticosteroid injection to treat inflammation in a single joint, with results lasting from a few weeks to several months.
In conclusion, while methotrexate and biologics can effectively manage the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, it's crucial to understand their potential side effects and discuss these with a healthcare provider. Regular monitoring and careful management can help ensure the best possible outcomes for those living with this condition.
- For psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treatment, there are two main categories of drugs established: traditional and newer options.
- Methotrexate, a traditional treatment, is an immunosuppressant drug that helps alleviate symptoms and prevent joint damage, but it may lead to potential side effects.
- Common side effects of methotrexate include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, as well as blood-related side effects, infections, and skin reactions.
- For those seeking PsA treatment, methotrexate dosages typically range from 10 milligrams (mg) to 25 mg per week, but it may not be suitable for everyone.
- Switchers, such as pregnant or nursing women, those with allergies, severe side effects, or medical conditions like liver disease, should avoid methotrexate.
- Therapies-and-treatments like biologics, a newer class of drugs, block specific immune cells or proteins to treat PsA and are usually recommended for an initial 3-month course.
- Treaters may opt for personas like tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, interleukin 12 and 23 (IL-12/23) inhibitors, interleukin 17 (IL-17) inhibitors, interleukin 23 (IL-23) inhibitors, and T cell inhibitors among biologics for PsA treatment.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac are often the first-line treatment for PsA, helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- In health-and-wellness management for PsA, others disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) besides methotrexate include leflunomide and sulfasalazine, while corticosteroid injections can be used to treat inflammation in a single joint.
