Leflunomide
This medication reduces
psoriatic arthritis signs and symptoms, and also slows structural damage to joints caused by the condition.
Side effects can include: bloody or cloudy urine; congestion in the chest; cough;
diarrhea; difficult, burning, or painful urination or breathing; fever; hair loss;
headache;
heartburn; loss of appetite; nausea and/or vomiting; skin rash; abdominal pain (or stomach pain); sneezing; and sore throat.
Before taking this medication, let your doctor know if you have one of the following: an active infection, liver disease, known immune deficiency, renal insufficiency, or underlying malignancy. You will need regular blood tests, including liver function tests. Leflunomide must not be taken during pregnancy because it may cause birth defects in humans.
Sulfasalazine
This medication works to reduce the signs and symptoms of psoriatic
arthritis by suppressing the immune system.
Side effects can include: abdominal pain (or stomach pain), aching joints, diarrhea, headache, sensitivity to sunlight, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and skin rash.
Doctor monitoring is important, particularly if you are allergic to sulfa medications or aspirin, or if you have a kidney, liver, or blood disease.
Biologic Response Modifiers -- The Newest Class of Psoriatic Arthritis Medications
Biologic response modifiers are the newest psoriatic
arthritis medications. These medications selectively block parts of the immune system called cytokines. Cytokines play a role in inflammation.
The drugs within the class of medicines known as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors are examples of biologic response modifiers.
These psoriatic arthritis medications are highly effective at treating patients with an inadequate response to DMARDs. TNF inhibitors can be used to improve
psoriatic arthritis symptoms, stop further joint damage, and improve joint function. These medications can also be used to help relieve
plaque psoriasis symptoms.
They may be used alone or in combination with other DMARDs,
NSAIDs, and/or corticosteroids.
Etanercept requires subcutaneous (beneath the skin) injections one or two times per week. Infliximab is taken intravenously (IV) during a two-hour procedure. Adalimumab requires injections every two weeks. The long-term efficacy and safety of these drugs are uncertain.
Enbrel side effects can include: pain or burning in the throat; redness, itching, pain, and/or swelling at the injection site; and runny or stuffy nose.
Remicade side effects can include: abdominal pain (or stomach pain), cough, dizziness, fainting, headache, muscle pain, runny nose, shortness of breath, sore throat, vomiting, and wheezing.
Humira side effects can include: redness, rash, swelling, itching, bruising, sinus infections, headache, and nausea.
Doctor monitoring is important, particularly if you have an active infection or a central nervous system disorder, or have had exposure to
tuberculosis. Evaluation for tuberculosis is necessary before treatment begins.
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