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Real members of MyPsoriasisTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone tried a GLP! for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis instead of a biologic such as Tremfya? Has it been effective?

A MyPsoriasisTeam Member asked a question 💭

The only treatments I have used are Zoryve foam and steroid creams for psoriasis and naproxen sodium for psoriatic arthritis. I can no longer take naproxen sodium so I really need to begin a new and effective treatment.

January 18
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Reactions
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

I take Tremfya and have for 2+ years for my Psoriais and Psoriatic arthritis. It works well. I have added zero puns to address some other health issues driven by obesity. It has my blood work going in the right direction after 3 months down 30 lbs. I cut my CRP , my glucose and a few other markers. Am happy with the progress. And will keep taking both.

January 20
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

Thanks Dot for your reply. It is very helpful to learn about your experiences taking Tremfya.

January 18
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

I am currently on tremfya, I started in August. I felt best after the two starter doses. I was feeling pretty good. My 4th dose was a week late as the pharmacy my insurance makes me use was out of stock and backordered it. I took that shot the weekend before Christmas and have been struggling a bit since. I also struggle for three to five days after I take the shots. I get extreme fatigue and have lost one day each shot where I just sleep. I am evaluating the benefits and issues that still have. My scalp psoriasis is 90% gone I still have some aches and pains from the arthritis. The week after the dose was late, I had a very bad week. Lots of lower back and hip/buttock pain. I think I need to give this some more time, a good friend of mine who also has PSA changed to skyrizzi because she had trouble with the Tremfya. Keep notes to share with your doctor about what is and isn't working. Is helps.

Dot

January 18
MyPsoriasisTeam

Have GLP-1 drugs been tried instead of biologics for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis?

Some MyPsoriasisTeam members have shared experiences with GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, though these medications aren't typically used as replacements for biologics. One member mentioned feeling good on Ozempic and noticing less Show Full Answer

Have GLP-1 drugs been tried instead of biologics for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis?

Some MyPsoriasisTeam members have shared experiences with GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, though these medications aren't typically used as replacements for biologics. One member mentioned feeling good on Ozempic and noticing less swelling in their legs and knees.

GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Victoza) were originally developed for type 2 diabetes and weight loss. They work differently than biologics — they don't directly target the immune system pathways that cause psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. How GLP-1 drugs might help:

- They may reduce overall inflammation in the body, which could indirectly help symptoms
- Weight loss from these medications can improve joint swelling, fatigue, and pain in psoriatic arthritis
- They help manage blood sugar if you also have diabetes, which is common with psoriatic arthritis
- Unlike many psoriatic arthritis treatments, they don't suppress the immune system

However, research on GLP-1 drugs specifically for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is still limited. Most studies have focused on psoriasis rather than joint symptoms. Important considerations:

GLP-1 drugs can cause side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. One member noted that Wegovy made their fatigue worse, which was already a challenge.

Since you need effective treatment for both your skin and joint symptoms, biologics like Tremfya are specifically designed to target the immune system pathways causing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. They treat inflammation throughout the body and can address both conditions with dosing as infrequent as once every 8-12 weeks.

Talk with your dermatologist or rheumatologist about whether a biologic, GLP-1 drug, or other systemic treatment would be most appropriate for your situation.

January 18

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