What You Should Know About Psoriatic Arthritis

This post is sponsored by Celgene.

Up to 30% of the 7.5 million Americans living with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis.1,2 This chronic condition is characterized by pain, stiffness, and swelling and tenderness of the joints, but it can also cause tenderness, pain, and swelling of tendons.3 While the exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unclear, many people with the condition have a family history; physical trauma or infection may trigger it, as well.4

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis usually appear between the ages of 30 and 50 but may be confused with symptoms of other conditions.5,6 Although psoriatic arthritis affects over 1 million people in the United States, it is believed that many more people live with the condition, undiagnosed.7,8

Celgene, the maker of Otezla® (apremilast), has introduced the “pSAY YES!” program, a patient-focused initiative to help those with psoriatic arthritis address the day-to-day impact of this chronic condition. The program will help patients “pSAY YES” to a different approach to disease management, including treatment.

Last year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Otezla, the first and only oral therapy approved for the treatment of adults with active psoriatic arthritis.

Teresa D., 59, knows all too well the impact psoriatic arthritis can have on family life. A grandmother to young children, she was accustomed to being active and getting down on the floor to play with her grandchildren. But maintaining that level of physical activity became impossible when her psoriatic arthritis symptoms flared. Teresa worked with her healthcare provider and together they agreed on a treatment plan. She began taking Otezla shortly after its approval. These days, she’s able to play with the little ones.

People who are allergic to any of its components should not take Otezla. Otezla is associated with serious side effects like depression, weight decrease, and interacting with other medicines that can make Otezla less effective. Common side effects of Otezla are diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Please see Approved Use and Important Safety Information for Otezla below.

The pSAY YES! program sheds light on the physical and emotional impact of the disease by featuring the perspectives of patients like Teresa discussing how the disease has impacted important areas of their lives, including work, hobbies, and relationships. The initiative also features tips from patients, a leading rheumatologist, and a respected life coach on chronic illnesses, Rosalind Joffe.

Visit pSAYYes.com for tips and information from experts and other psoriatic arthritis patients about ways to help manage living with your disease.

For more information and resources about psoriatic arthritis, visit the Arthritis Foundation at arthritis.org and the National Psoriasis Foundation at psoriasis.org.

Otezla® (apremilast) is a prescription medicine approved for the treatment of adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis.

You must not take Otezla if you are allergic to apremilast or to any of the ingredients in Otezla.

Otezla is associated with an increase in adverse reactions of depression. In clinical studies, some patients reported depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal behavior while taking Otezla. Some patients stopped taking Otezla due to depression. Before starting Otezla, tell your doctor if you have had feelings of depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behavior. Be sure to tell your doctor if any of these symptoms or other mood changes develop or worsen during treatment with Otezla.

Some patients taking Otezla lost body weight. Your doctor should monitor your weight regularly. If unexplained or significant weight loss occurs, your doctor will decide if you should continue taking Otezla.

Some medicines may make Otezla less effective, and should not be taken with Otezla. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines.

Side effects of Otezla were diarrhea, headache, and nausea.

These are not all the possible side effects with Otezla. Ask your doctor about other potential side effects. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or planning to breastfeed. Otezla has not been studied in pregnant women or in women who are breastfeeding.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-332-1088.

Please click here for Full Prescribing Information.

1. National Psoriasis Foundation. About Psoriatic Arthritis. psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis. Accessed January 23, 2015.
2. National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis. psoriasis.org/psoriasis. Accessed January 30, 2015.
3. National Psoriasis Foundation. Diagnosing Psoriatic Arthritis. psoriasis.org/psoriatic-arthritis/diagnosis. Accessed January 23, 2015.
4. Mayo Clinic. Psoriatic Arthritis: Causes. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/basics/causes/con-20015006. Accessed January 21, 2015.
5. National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriatic Arthritis. psoriasis.org/psoriatic-arthritis. Accessed January 28, 2015.
6. National Psoriasis Foundation. Tests to Confirm the Diagnosis. psoriasis.org/psoriatic-arthritis/diagnosis/tests-to-confirm. Accessed January 28, 2015.
7. National Psoriasis Foundation. National Psoriasis Foundation Prioritizes Psoriatic Arthritis With New Program. psoriasis.org/news/2014/06/26/national-psoriasis-foundation-prioritizes-psoriatic-arthritis-with-new-program. Accessed February 10, 2015.
8. National Psoriasis Foundation. 2011 Survey Panel Snapshot. psoriasis.org/document.doc?id=1782. January 23, 2015.

Otezla® is a registered trademark of Celgene Corporation.
© 2015 Celgene Corporation 03/15 USII-APR150024b
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