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Do sulfasalizine or leflunomide help psoriasis?

Posted , 4 users are following.

BobbyD14
BobbyD14

I can't take methotrexate due to another condition so my rheumy has given me a choice of sulfasalizine or leflunomidefor my psoriatic arthritis instead. Does anyoneknow if either of these is likely to help with my psoriasis? I'm due to see the derma next month so will ask him, but cannot see eother of these suggested for psoriasis. It make sense to me to take something that helps both of possible.

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • KupKake
    KupKake BobbyD14

    Posted

    Hey Bobby,

    I was covered; my face, body and scalp and now I have 1 patch less than 1cm square. I am on Methotrexate and Enbrel (Entenercept) so these work very well!

    Good luck!

    • robert271163
      robert271163 KupKake

      Posted

      I am just about to go on to Embrel in the next six weeks, at present I am on Sulfasalazine and Methotrexate, I still have psoriasis and not noted any differnce in that condition 
  • robert271163
    robert271163 BobbyD14

    Posted

    Hi Bobby

    Sulfasalazine will not help with Psoiasis, it only controls the inflamtion of the joints not the skin condition, I cant comment on the othe drug as i havent used it. 

     

  • lucynewas
    lucynewas BobbyD14

    Posted

    Otezla is the dedicated drug. I'm now on it combined with mtx. I was also offered leflunamide but it's been superceded by otezla or similar.

    • BobbyD14
      BobbyD14 lucynewas

      Posted

      Otezla (apremilast) is what I and my derma want me to have but it's not approved for use in England and Wales so he can't let me have it. Ridiculous really as it's widely used in the US, Europe and even Scotland. Apparently is more effective and has far less side effects than most other such drugs.

      Maybe I'll move to Scotland...

    • BobbyD14
      BobbyD14 lucynewas

      Posted

      Lucky you! I guess you must have been approved while it was still on trial. But NICE have not approved it for general use in England and Wales and they will not let anyone new use it except in extreme circumstances (whatever they class as extreme??). Believe me my derma really fought for me to get it but no joy. Maybe it's yet another postcode lottery.

  • lucynewas
    lucynewas BobbyD14

    Posted

    I saw my rheum nurse a week last tuesday and started the set up course on Monday last week! Because simzia is no longer available. Get them to recheck.
    • robert271163
      robert271163 lucynewas

      Posted

      Hi Lucy 

      do you mean CIMZIA ? I am about to get Cimzia in the next couple of days, I was turned down funding for Embrel in favour for Cimzia as they get the first 3 months free with Cimzia so it works out cheaper. Im in Shropshire (UK) so it is available here 

  • lucynewas
    lucynewas BobbyD14

    Posted

    Check again - I am in England and have been on Apremilast for 2 months now, so the rules may have changed.  You may need a rheumatologist at a teaching hospital, so may need a referral to one?
  • BobbyD14
    BobbyD14

    Posted

    Looks like it was approved in July/August but some areas have struggled to get stock. Seeing my derma on Monday and he seems happy to approve the apremilast now. 😀

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