About PsA
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) facts
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints and skin. An
estimated 1 million people in the U.S. suffer from psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic
arthritis usually develops between the ages of 30 and 50.
85% of patients experience skin symptoms before joint symptoms of psoriatic
arthritis.
Men and women are equally at risk. If you are experiencing joint pain, stiffness
and swelling and have skin lesions (raised red or silvery white patches), it is
possible that you have psoriatic arthritis.
What causes psoriatic arthritis?
There are no clearly defined causes of psoriatic arthritis; however, almost all
people who have psoriatic arthritis also have psoriasis.
- Immune factors: people with psoriatic arthritis have excess levels of a substance
called TNF-α, which is a protein that normally protects the body against infection
or injury.
- Heredity: a predisposition to psoriatic arthritis runs in some families.
- The environment: environmental factors may play a part in the development of psoriatic
arthritis.
HUMIRA is used to reduce the signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in
adults, may prevent further damage to your bones and joints, and may help your ability
to perform daily activities. HUMIRA can be used alone or with certain other medicines.
Serious infections have happened in patients taking HUMIRA. These infections include
tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have
spread throughout the body. Some of these serious infections have been fatal.
Patients treated with HUMIRA also may be at risk for other serious side effects
including certain types of cancers, allergic reactions, hepatitis B virus reactivation,
nervous system problems, blood problems, heart failure, and certain immune reactions,
including a lupus-like syndrome.
Please click here for additional Important Safety Information you should know about HUMIRA and discuss it with your doctor.