- Taltz is a biologic psoriasis treatment that can help reduce inflammation that causes joint pain.
- It can treat autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases like psoriatic arthritis.
- Natural remedies and lifestyle changes are other things that may help treat psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition that can make everyday life challenging. That’s because common symptoms include painful joint stiffness and inflammation. Fortunately, a quick online search can help you find treatments to ease those symptoms.
Taltz, for instance, is a biologic psoriasis treatment your doctor might prescribe to help manage the condition. While searching online, look into medications as well as natural remedies. Let’s get started with a closer look at Taltz, including how it works and its side effects.
What Is Taltz?
Taltz is a biologic, which as Healthline explains, means it’s “made from natural sources” like proteins and tissues. While synthetic drugs have specific chemical makeups, the source says biologics are more complicated and fragile. As a result, biologics are kept in the form of liquid medications you inject under the skin.
According to Verywell Health, “Taltz works by interfering with the activity of a signaling molecule (cytokine) called IL-17A.” Since Il-17A plays a role in causing the immune response that triggers inflation, Taltz can help improve symptoms related to psoriatic arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
funnyangel / ShutterstockSide Effects
In some cases, Taltz can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. According to Healthline, possible side effects include:
- Injection site soreness;
- Nausea;
- Upper respiratory infection;
- Tuberculosis, and;
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
Side effects can vary depending on your age, health, and other medications you take. So, tell your doctor about any health issues you have or medications you take. The source says severe reactions are rare, but it’s worth your time to research the potential side effects.
siam.pukkato / ShutterstockPsoriatic Arthritis Treatment
Medical News Today says psoriatic arthritis is one of the conditions that Taltz is FDA-approved to treat. Since it reduces painful inflammation in the joints, it may help make everyday tasks like walking, dressing, and washing easier.
According to the source, clinical studies found that symptoms improved by at least 20 percent in 53 to 58 percent of subjects who took Taltz. And on the upper end, symptoms improved by at least 70 percent in 22 to 23 percent of subjects. So, Taltz can be an effective psoriatic arthritis treatment.
Ground Picture / ShutterstockOther Conditions Treated by Taltz
Taltz is also FDA-approved to treat plaque psoriasis and spondyloarthritis. The former causes skin plaques to develop, while the latter is a form of arthritis that affects the spine. Like it does with psoriatic arthritis, Healthline says Taltz treats these conditions by blocking inflammation-causing IL-17A.
Additionally, Taltz may be prescribed off-label to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Medical News Today says that’s because RA is another condition “in which your immune system attacks your joints,” causing painful joint inflammation. If you have a condition related to psoriasis or arthritis, research online to see if Taltz could help.
anut21ng Stock / ShutterstockNatural Remedies for Psoriatic Arthritis
Medications aren’t the only way to treat psoriatic arthritis. Effective treatment plans often include natural remedies in addition to medications like Taltz. For instance, ActiveBeat says following an anti-inflammatory diet with coldwater fish, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil may help.
On the flip side, it can also make a difference to cut down on foods that cause inflammation, including red meat, refined sugar, and processed food. Everyday Health says topical treatments or oral supplements with the following ingredients also might help:
- Cayenne pepper;
- Curcumin;
- Boxberry extract;
- Aloe vera, and;
- Fish oil.
And even though it might seem counterintuitive when your joints are in pain, the Mayo Clinic says “exercise helps ease arthritis pain and stiffness.” That’s because it’s important to keep your muscles and joints strong. AARP suggests trying low-impact exercises that are joint-friendly — gentle yoga, swimming, and elliptical, for example.
Sebastian Duda / ShutterstockThe Takeaway
If you’re looking for a way to relieve painful joint inflammation caused by psoriatic arthritis, then you may want to consider Taltz. It can help get to the root of the issue by interfering with inflammation-causing IL-17A. Like other medications, Taltz can have side effects. Since you inject it under the skin, injection site soreness is one of the more common side effects.
You can learn more about Taltz and other biologic psoriasis treatments by searching online. While they aren’t substitutes for medications, natural remedies are also worth researching. Certain topical treatments, oral supplements, and foods can help reduce inflammation. Always consult with your doctor before overhauling your diet, taking supplements, or regularly using topical remedies.
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