The Charlton Centre

People with psoriatic arthritis now have another effective biologic treatment.  We have identified more than one inflammatory chemical which is  involved in generating excess inflammation in the joints and skin of people with psoriatic arthritis.  One of these chemicals is called IL-17 (interleukin-17).  There are two treatments which remove IL-17 which were both initially approved for psoriasis only.  Of these two treatments removing IL-17, the first one released on the Canadian market called (secukinumab) Cosentyx, has also received approval for  treating psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.  The second IL-17 biologic released in Canada is called (ixekizumab) Taltz.  In the last two months it has received approval for treating for psoriatic arthritis. We are thrilled to add Taltz to our list of effective treatments for this condition.  Both of these treatments are available in easy to use auto-injectors and both have a loading dose, where the medication is given weekly for the first five doses (Cosentyx ) or every other week for the first seven doses (Taltz) before starting the maintenance dose of once per month.  Our pharmacists are happy to share more information on all treatment options for psoriatic arthritis.