Humira transition

[natalie1atkinson]

Hi I've transitioned from Ciclosporin which was wonderful.in treating my psoriasis, over to Humira injectable. My skin is the worst it's been in years and is showing no signs of improvement after 3 months . Is this normal for transitions? Can anyone reassure that I'll see an improvement anytime soon please?

[Hidden]

Natalie1 - I started out on Humira and saw no improvement. Just doesn't work for some people I guess. As far as breaking out during transition or at stopping one med to go to another, from what I have read in the med information inserts - I get my magnifying glass and read them all! - it more usual than not to flare when a biologic is stopped. It also takes a while when beginning these meds for it to build up in your bloodstream for it to do any good per my dermatologist. I've been on Humira, Enbrel, Cosentyx, now cyclosporine, and all of them say a flare is not unusual (in their wording of course). Of course everyone is different so there are no guarantees but we can always HOPE for no flaring. If you were doing so well on the cyclosporine why did the doc switch you off to Humira? I just got word today to stop immediately the 400mg of cyclosporine I have been taking due to a decrease in kidney function. I am on 10 mg prednisone to keep swelling down in ankle (I have Palmoplantar pustular psoriatic AR), doc getting me in on the 31st to check kidney function again and talk alternative routes. Won't surprise me if I break out now. It's such a trial isn't it. Wish u the best.

[natalie1atkinson in reply to Hidden]

Hi, thanks for the info. I was on 300mg Ciclosporin for 4 years. Pulled from it as it's supposed to be 1 or 2 yr max. All lft's and renal functions have been fine. Consultant just said it was time to move on. As soon as I stopped the Ciclosporin I flared straight away. It's an instant hit for me. Humira hasn't done a thing. I was combining the two during transition, but now I'm completely off Ciclosporin my psoriasis has come back tenfold. I suppose the frustration is I've been clear for 4 a years. Joints etc are fine, TV the moment, not sure how long gone that will last!

[Hidden in reply to natalie1atkinson]

Bless your heart! After 4 years to get hit with it again. I do recall in the cyclosporine info it did say it should only be given for a year. Did your dr say how long to give the Humira a chance? The "waiting to see if it works" drives me bonkers!

[natalie1atkinson in reply to Hidden]

Ciclosporin was prescribed on a " we'll just use it and see how long you can tolerate it for" basis...my favourite consultant ever ! Haha.

New consultant said 6 months humira trial. So October before he sees me again . I've called him today to get an appointment. I've had this all my life and am so sick of it. I know everyone is in the same boat, and there are lots of people far worse off than me, but it's been a constant battle . And then the frustration of having the one thing that works taken away is just infuriating!

[Hidden in reply to natalie1atkinson]

I completely understand infuriating!! Everything about this flipping disease AND the treatments are infuriating. We can be angry together - like the movie Diary of a Mad Black Woman - we can do a re-make...Diary of a Mad Psoriasis Patient!!! Seriously, wishing a turnaround for you soon.

[natalie1atkinson in reply to Hidden]

Haha what a great idea ! Thank you for your support though, much appreciated. I hope things improve for you sooner rather than later. Hopefully I'll get past the rottweiler secretary and get an appointment with the consultant ! X

[natalie1atkinson in reply to Hidden]

Definitely a trial! 30 years of it (almost) and nothing but sunshine or Ciclosporin helps.

Good luck to you too. Hope your bloods pick up.