Started methotrexate on feb.1st for psoriasis. no luck yet! any other suggestions that might help. i have ms ...so i'm stuck :(?

Biologics: Biologic drugs, or "biologics, " are a relatively new class of treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatments. They are given by injection or intravenous (IV) infusion. A biologic is a protein-based drug derived from living cells cultured in a laboratory. There is enbrel, humira, stelara, (ustekinumab) and remicade. They are very effective at controlling psoriasis.

Options: Narrowband uvb would probably be my first recommendation. Soriatane might be an option, unless you are hoping to have children soon (can't get pregnant while on the medicine or for a year afterward) enbrel might be a consideration. Exacerbation of demyelenating conditions is incredibly rare with tnf blockers. Enbrel (etanercept) doens't last long in the body and could be shut off quickly if need be.

Stick with it: Methotrexate can take as long as 3 months to show beneficial effects (too early to say it's not going to work for you).Also be sure to take injections under the skin for maximal effectiveness with fewer side effects.Oral Methotrexate is variable absorbed between 30% to 70% so it's hard to know how much you are really getting, and hard to optimize the dose accordingly. Shots are virtually painless.

Complex: Certain ms drugs do not go well with some immune suppressant items used for psoriasis, and there is some anecdotal question of potential immune suppression if the newer potent ms drugs like Gilenya or tysabri (natalizumab) are mixed with other immune agents. Tnf-alpha drugs might worsen ms. However, suggest a visit to a nearby medical school to discuss this with both dermatology and neurology.

Consider BG-12: Bg-12 is set to be released this month for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. It has been approved in germany since 1994 for the treatment of psoriasis. It's advantage lies in action which is immunomodulatory and not immunosuppressive. Hence, the side effect profile is a bit more favorable. Ask your neurologist and coordinate with the rheumatologist to see if this is an appropriate choice.