The Importance of Prompt Diagnosis and Referral
The PCP is in a key position to recognize Psoriatic Arthritis sooner
As a primary care physician, you may be the first physician a patient sees when he or she experiences symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Studies have shown that over half of patients suffer from joint damage by the time they are diagnosed with this disease, so it is crucial that these patients are referred to a rheumatologist as soon as possible, to help inhibit further progression.1-7
Symptoms to watch for
Psoriatic arthritis symptoms may include:8-10
- Swelling of an entire finger or toe
- General joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
- Back pain and stiffness (lower back, neck, and upper back)
- Psoriatic skin lesions (raised, red patches, often covered with silvery white scales)
- Changes in the nails: pitting is commonly seen in the fingernails and toenails of 90% of people with psoriatic arthritis
Help your patients prepare for their appointment with a rheumatologist
This downloadable conversation guide is designed to help patients prepare for their appointment with a rheumatology specialist.
Download Conversation Guide for Patients and Rheumatologists
Browse additional patient support materials
Supportive data
In medical studies, ENBREL was shown to be clinically effective in about 2 out of 3 adults with moderate to severe RA at 3 months. ENBREL has been shown to begin working in as few as 2 weeks, and most patients who benefit will do so within 3 months. In another medical study, 55% of patients who were evaluated 5 years after beginning ENBREL therapy had no further progression of joint damage.
In a medical study, ENBREL was shown to be effective in about 50% of psoriatic arthritis patients at 6 months. Clinical responses were apparent at the time of the first visit (4 weeks) and were maintained through 6 months of therapy.