Amgevita and psoriasis?

[ranne21]

I’ve been on Amgevita for about six months for my RA and over several of these have developed an odd rash - a fairly big area of red with crusting edges on one leg, plus quite a few smaller areas elsewhere plus little red dots here and there. It has all got noticeably worse lately. I sent through a photo and spoke to an RA nurse, but there was little interest, esp as I’m seeing my GP about it tomorrow FTF. Just wondered - has anyone else experienced something like this while on Amgevita/adadalimumab? I wonder if psoriasis could be a side effect, even if rare??

Be interesting to see what the GP thinks.

Thanks!

[oldtimer2]

You could have psoriatic arthritis? This has been suggested several times to me although I don't have psoriasis - just a sero-negative pattern that suggests this

[ranne21 in reply to oldtimer2]

Thanks, yes it was mentioned to me as a vague possibility years ago - I was then sero-negative and like you no sign of psoriasis. I’ve had RA for more than 30 years. A complex thing this immune system, that’s the trouble!

[medway-lady]

I got a rash diagnosed as Eczema by GP on Abatercept. So sore and nasty. It was stopped as despite creams from GP it got worse as time went on. I don't give up easily but it became unbearable and then I slipped on the cream in shower and broke my leg and ankle. So anyway it did go after stopping the medication. It sounds more like the eczema I had.

[ranne21 in reply to medway-lady]

Strewth, that must have been awful. Interesting though, thanks.

[Bookworm55]

Yes I had a rash when I was on amgevita last year although my consultant was mystified and not sure that it was due to the medication. From posts on here I realised it is a ‘thing’. The rash did eventually go with various moisturisers and a short course of steroid cream but then the amgevita was stopped after 6 months as not working. 🙄

[ranne21 in reply to Bookworm55]

Interesting, thanks. Are you on a different biological now, but with no rash? I’ve a feeling the Amgevita is less effective for me now so will have to push for an appointment…

[Bookworm55 in reply to ranne21]

I’m starting on Rituximab by infusion next week. 🤞it works! Running out of options and sick of having to be on prednisolone

[ranne21 in reply to Bookworm55]

I really hope it works for you!

[Bookworm55 in reply to ranne21]

Thank you!

[Otto11]

Like you I was originally sero negative without Psoriasis. I developed pustular Psoriasis of my nails about 10 years later whilst taking Humira. By then my Rheumatoid factor had changed to positive. Rheumy decided Humira was the cause & Methotrexate was preventing it healing. I stopped Methotrexate & it cleared up. Rheumy eventually stopped Humira too. I started Abatacept in 2020 & developed a Discoid Excema over my back & various places on my body in 2023. Rheumy did patch testing I had 200 patches on my back for 3 days but nothing showed up. I didn’t want to stop Abatacept as it was working well & then about 4 months later the Excema went away on its own 🤷🏻‍♀️ They know there is a connection with various Biologics.

[ranne21 in reply to Otto11]

Yes I know we’re very grateful to have biologic drugs available to us (I can cycle now and get up from my seat on the bus!) but there are obviously downsides too..

[Otto11 in reply to ranne21]

Yes unfortunately you’re right. I’ve also had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my leg which they attributed to Biologics. Not sure how they can say that for sure but they did as it’s known to happen. If I can I will stay on them as like you they have changed my life. Hope you get some positive answers soon Take care

[ranne21 in reply to Otto11]

I hope you’re okay now and yes, the improvement offered by a biologic is so difficult to turn down. The GP has today offered me an anti-fungal cream (just in case..) and has sent a sample off for analysis, but possibly the most helpful thing is that he’s referred me back to Rheumatology for a FTF.

[Otto11 in reply to ranne21]

Yes thanks. I’m ok now. If it’s Excema a steroid cream maybe more appropriate but hopefully they can identify it & get appropriate treatment. Im quite lucky as my Rheumy is in a small hospital along with Dermatology so they can work in unison if necessary which I think is often the case. 🤞you get it sorted & it vanishes like mine did 🤷🏻‍♀️ x

[Tired-fed-up]

I developed a similar rash after taking Amgevita for 2 years. Steroid creams, emollients (and I believe essential oils) have got it mostly under control. I’m still waiting to see the dermy for a diagnosis. My rheumy thought it may have been a side effect of hydroxychloroquine, so I stopped that for 6 months, but have recently started taking it again as my RA got worse.

I don’t have any answers sorry!! But it sounds similar! 🤷🏼‍♀️

[dwsurquhart]

I would be asking for a different medication.

When I was on adalimumab (Humira) I developed small doughnut shaped blisters on my hands a feet. Got off of that biologic and they went away.

[Peagreeen]

Hi. Yes I had the same thing happen to me on Amgevita. I'd only been on it a couple of months. It affected my feet mainly but I also had a bit on my legs , in my ear and on my scalp. It took a while to be diagnosed with psoriasis, during which time it progressed from a pin prick kind of rash to large areas of peeling and my feet ended up in a terrible state, it also became extremely painful to walk at times. Eventually I had a dermatology appointment and psoriasis was diagnosed. I was immediately taken off Amgevita and my rheumatologist said that it can sometimes cause paradoxical psoriasis in people who didn't previously have it. I'm now on Abatacept . I would ask for a different type of biologic. Good luck x

[ranne21 in reply to Peagreeen]

That’s very interesting, many thanks for letting me know :0)