Apremilast the only one that works

[wantmedicinethatwork]

see ustekinumab and Apremilast which one would you take

[oldtimer]

You need to expand a little on what you are asking if you want some replies!

[nomoreheels]

Hiya wantedmedicinethatwork. I consider myself fortunate in that have seropositive RD & have reacted well to my mix of meds so haven't had need to go down the anti-tnf/biologics route but as I'm always willing to learn & as I'd not seen these drug names on my wanderings through the internet I had a quick look. I can understand your frustrations given that your wife has failed other meds but for many they do work successfully & working with her Rheumy will be more productive than not though I do get how frustrating it can be at times when all seems to be stacked against a partner. That said It does appear the aprelimast (Otezla) has been approved in the US but of course their health system is very different to ours! It has been recommended for approval in the UK & the EU though reading between the lines, like most of this group of drugs especially those newly approved, the cost per patient is prohibitive.

The other drug, ustekinumab (Stelara) was launched last September in the UK & so should now be available to Rheumatologists to prescribe, I'm guessing following a similar "jump through hoops" funding procedure to anti-tnf's/biologics. According to data following the trials details neither are without side effects, some serious, but then which drugs aren't?

I hope her Rheumy is open to options & your wife receives the treatment she needs but fear demanding will cause issues. Another option for you of course would be to seek help in the US as they have approved apremilast but, speaking personally, cost could be prohibitive! Seriously though I do hope some form of medication can be sorted for her, if not either of these so she starts to get some relief. Do let us know how things go.

[wantmedicinethatwork in reply to nomoreheels]

Dear nomoreheels thank you. I hope my post now removed has given people thought to other alternative treatments as I would not wish this disease on my worst enemy. God bless you and all who replied and those who did not.

[nomoreheels in reply to wantmedicinethatwork]

I think it just serves as reminder that it's not just the suffers of RD & related autoimmune diseases that are affected, their partners are too. We are apt to forget sometimes, so wrapped up in our pain. I admire you for your tenaciousness but unfortunately the drugs available to treat us often don't come without their own problems & only once we start treatment do we know whether we'll react to them positively or negatively. Fine if like me any side effects are tolerable but for many they aren't & that's when it becomes difficult & her Rheumy will be well aware & mindful of that when considering treatment.

I wish the best for you & your wife & that her next therapy is successful.