There is not yet a treatment that can “cure” psoriatic arthritis, but there are many options to help manage the condition, relieve symptoms, and reduce or prevent progression, according to Teja Kapoor, MD, Rheumatologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
What medications are available to treat psoriatic arthritis?
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
This may include over-the-counter medications, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). There are also NSAIDs available via prescription. These may help relieve pain and stiffness quickly.
However, these may not be a good option if you have daily, frequent, severe pain. Taking NSAIDs and similar medications at high doses for long periods of time may increase the risk of certain side effects and may eventually lose effectiveness.
DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs)
DMARDs may be a better option for long-term relief of psoriatic arthritis symptoms. These medications help target the underlying causes of inflammation to reduce joint pain, stiffness, and long-term damage.
Biologic Therapy
Biologics are a subtype of DMARDs. These medications (which often come in the form of injections) target specific aspects of the immune system that are causing psoriatic arthritis activity. This generally makes them more precise at treating the condition.
What medication is right for your psoriatic arthritis?
“Each person is very different,” says Dr. Kapoor. “The treatment is really geared towards the kind [of symptoms] that you have and the uniqueness of your disease.”
The right treatment may depend on:
The severity of your psoriatic arthritis
The location of your symptoms
Whether you have skin involvement (psoriasis)
How other treatments have worked for you
Your lifestyle and preferences
It’s possible that the first medication you try won’t be the right fit. Your care team, especially your rheumatologist, will work with you to find the treatment that best helps you meet your goals.
Dr. Kapoor is a Rheumatologist at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Psoriatic arthritis: diagnosis and treatment.
American College of Rheumatology. (2021). Psoriatic arthritis.
Benjamin, O., et al. (2023). Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD). StatPearls.
Tiwari, V., et al. (2024). Psoriatic arthritis. StatPearls.
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