A few questions about the use of biologics for psoriatic arthritis

  What are the biologic agents commonly used in psoriatic arthritis and which patients are suitable for using biologic agents?  The most studied tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors used to treat psoriatic arthritis are etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab. The results of the study showed that tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors could improve joint symptoms, joint function and quality of life in patients with psoriatic arthritis, and significantly delay the radiological progression of joints, as well as alleviate other clinical symptoms of psoriasis, such as skin damage, tendonitis and dactylitis, and were well tolerated by patients. Currently, etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, and are also approved by the European Council for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products as tumor necrosis factor antagonists for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, and are recognized by most scholars as drugs that can actually stop the structural destruction of joints.  A clear diagnosis is needed to determine whether a biologic agent is needed. It is often considered when the joint swelling and pain are severe, the blood sedimentation and C-reactive protein are elevated, and conventional treatment is ineffective. However, tuberculosis, hepatitis virus infection, bacterial infection, tumor, etc. need to be screened before use, and the absence of the above conditions can only be considered. However, it must be applied under the guidance of a doctor.  2. How much does it cost to use domestic and imported biologics respectively? What is the difference between them?  Although the price of Icipro is much lower than similar foreign products, it is still an expensive drug and does not belong to the medical insurance. The imported ones are much more expensive. The difference is not very big.  3. Do I need to go to a big hospital for injection of biologics, or can I buy them and go to a community hospital for injection? Or do you need to inject it yourself?  It is not necessary to go to a big hospital for injection, but can be injected in a community hospital. It is not recommended to inject it by yourself.  4. What are the most important adverse reactions to biologics nowadays? What is the incidence?  The main side effects are the decrease of resistance and infection, such as tuberculosis, tumor, hepatitis, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to exclude these diseases before using biological agents. The common adverse reactions observed with Ixepro are injection site reaction, rash and episodic sensation. Among them, injection site reactions (local pain and redness) are the most common, with an incidence of more than 16%, more than methotrexate, while the effect on liver function damage is significantly less than that of methotrexate.  5. Does treatment with biologics increase the risk of infection in patients?  A: It is reported in the literature that it does increase the risk of infection, so it is important to review and consult regularly.  6. Do biologics really increase the risk of cancer?  A: It is reported in the literature that there is an increased risk of cancer, so it is still important to have regular review visits to reduce the risk.  7. At what level of control can I stop using biologics? Is it possible to control with oral medication only after that?  A: After the disease is stabilized and maintained for a period of time, you can stop using biologics, but you still need to use oral medications to control the disease. Regular review is required to monitor the progress of the disease.