The study found that, after the publication of the 2018 guidelines, a significantly higher percentage of patients’ first medication was an IL-17 inhibitor than prior to 2018. This finding was statistically significant (30% vs. 3.5%; P<0.001). This change was also seen for use of PDE-4 inhibitors, for which first-time use after 2018 was 40% compared with 11.5% (P<0.012) prior to 2018.
Patient medication priorities ranked as extremely important were joint damage prevention (80%), ability to perform activities of daily living (71%), pain management (70%), rheumatologist recommendation (63%) and medication side effects (62%).
This survey showed a significant increase in the use of IL-17 inhibitors and PDE4 inhibitors as initial treatment after publication of the 2018 guideline. Patients’ concerns about side effects were also high and should be take into consideration when deciding on PsA management.
With the expanding armamentarium of medications to treat PsA, rheumatologists should ensure they consult with their patients to align their priorities with therapeutic options to ensure continued and lasting use of effective therapy.
Michele B. Kaufman, PharmD, BCGP, is a freelance medical writer based in New York City and a pharmacist at New York Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital.
References
- Schwartzman M, Abutalib Z, Mandl L. Current medication practices and preferences among patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) [abstract 1810]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2021 Oct; 73(suppl 10).
- Al Hammadi A. Psoriatic arthritis medication. Medscape. 2022 Jan 24.
- Singh JA, Guyatt G, Ogdie A, et al. 2018 American College of Rheumatology/National Psoriasis Foundation guideline for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2019 Jan;71(1):5–32.
