Health Boards
Sun-24-04-2016, 12:08 PM
I am currently taking Methotrexate (MTX) and its shortcomings are well documented. Having to take bloods regularly, reducing alcohol intake etc etc. Fortunately I have not had any side effects apart from perhaps being slightly more susceptible to catching a cold and struggling to shake it off. Currently struggling to get rid of a cough after a chest infection.
The reason I believe MTX is the drug of choice for starting with psoriasis sufferers is that it is cheap and generally effective. I believe there are several drugs that could be used for the first round with differing degrees of effectiveness. I recal three but can't remember the names but MTX was said to work 80% of the time with the next closest only 50% effective.
I am aware of other drugs like humira, stelara, fumaderm etc but how do they all fit into the cost benefit model and which have the easiest administration and least side effects. Obviously there may be some very expensive drug with no side effects that you only take once a month but you would be unlikely to get that prescribed as a first choice.
Ideally I think a list of treatments, pros and cons, cost might be helpful. Obviously different treatments may cause different side effects in different people but from and ease of use I am thinking which has least impact on lifestyle, ie allows you to drink and not require blood tests etc.
The reason I believe MTX is the drug of choice for starting with psoriasis sufferers is that it is cheap and generally effective. I believe there are several drugs that could be used for the first round with differing degrees of effectiveness. I recal three but can't remember the names but MTX was said to work 80% of the time with the next closest only 50% effective.
I am aware of other drugs like humira, stelara, fumaderm etc but how do they all fit into the cost benefit model and which have the easiest administration and least side effects. Obviously there may be some very expensive drug with no side effects that you only take once a month but you would be unlikely to get that prescribed as a first choice.
Ideally I think a list of treatments, pros and cons, cost might be helpful. Obviously different treatments may cause different side effects in different people but from and ease of use I am thinking which has least impact on lifestyle, ie allows you to drink and not require blood tests etc.
