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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 been on Tremfya for psoriasis and developed psoriatic arthritis that Tremfya isn’t treating?

A MyPsoriasisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Chicago, IL

I’ve had psoriasis for 25 years. Tremfya has worked beautifully, but I now have severe pain in my joints and weakened strength, especially upper body. I saw a Rheumatologist who said she didn’t think it was psoriatic arthritis because I’ve been on Tremfya, but blood work ruled out several other autoimmune disorders. I’m also in full blown perimenopause, which could be a factor. I’m on 10 mg prednisone and meloxicam and it doesn’t seem to be working. Does anyone have any experience with this?

August 25
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MyPsoriasisTeam

What a frustrating situation — your skin is finally cooperating, but now your joints are staging a protest. You're definitely not alone in navigating this kind of complexity.

It's worth knowing that while Tremfya is approved to treat both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), research shows that not everyone responds Show Full Answer

What a frustrating situation — your skin is finally cooperating, but now your joints are staging a protest. You're definitely not alone in navigating this kind of complexity.

It's worth knowing that while Tremfya is approved to treat both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), research shows that not everyone responds the same way to any medication. About 60% of people with PsA saw meaningful joint improvement with Tremfya in one study — which means roughly 40% didn't get full relief. A MyPsoriasisTeam member shared a similar experience, noting that their psoriasis improved with treatment, but they still went on to develop psoriatic arthritis affecting their joints, back, and fingers — requiring additional interventions beyond their original treatment.

Some important things to consider discussing with your care team:

- PsA can still develop even on biologics — Tremfya may be controlling your skin while joint inflammation progresses separately
- Early treatment of joint involvement matters — delays can lead to lasting joint damage
- A second rheumatology opinion may be worth pursuing given your unresolved symptoms
- Joint-specific imaging like X-rays or MRI can sometimes reveal PsA changes that blood work misses Pushing for more thorough joint imaging and possibly a second rheumatology opinion seems very reasonable given that your current medications don't appear to be providing relief. You deserve answers and proper treatment — don't hesitate to advocate for yourself.

August 25

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