Psoriatic Arthritis Health Center

Many psoriatic arthritis patients are treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs called NSAIDS that help with reducing pain and decreasing swelling in the joints. NSAIDS are usually the first prescribed for psoriatic arthritis and can include ibuprofen and naproxen. Some NSAIDs can irritate the stomach and intestine, and long-term use can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. 

For more severe cases of psoriatic arthritis, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) can be prescribed. DMARDS help limit the amount of joint damage that occurs in psoriatic arthritis. DMARDs can act slowly, taking weeks or even months to reach full effect. Medications such as methotrexate or leflunomide are commonly prescribed. DMARDS can also help with psoriasis symptoms.

Newer medications that help to block inflammatory proteins called tumor necrosis factors (TNF) are also prescribed for progressive psoriatic arthritis. These medications can include adalimumab (Humira), cerolizumab (Cimzia), etanercept (Enbrel) and more. Always talk to your doctor about the medication you are taking.

In some cases, doctors may use joint injections with corticosteroids where one joint is severely impacted. Sometimes surgery is required to repair or replace damaged joints.

Talk to your doctor about treatment options for psoriatic arthritis.