Clinical Trial - Assessment Appointment

I was meant to be starting cyclosporin a few weeks ago. The day after I saw my derm I received a phone call in regards to a new clinical trial that was about to start. I would be guaranteed either humira or bimekizumab. I thought why not try it. What have I got to lose?

Yesterday was the screening appointment. It took longer than expected and it made for a very long day travelling in to the city from the country. I have a new pasi score of 16.3 (down from 21). I had an ECG, chest x-ray and blood tests done. I also gave a detailed medical history. I really thought that they may have wanted to know when I had my last poop

All I need to do is wait for the results of the tests, provide a mental health evaluation (due to having depression and there were some concerns) and I should find out in a couple of weeks whether I made it into the trial.

I stopped taking methotrexate earlier this month and next Monday I will need to stop using any medicated lotions and potions as there needs to be a 2-4 week wash out. My skin is flaring, red, angry and sore right now so I am really hoping that I make it in to this trial. If not then I start the cyclosporin and resume seeing my dermatologist as previously planned.

Psoriasis Dilemma

When I saw my dermatologist on Wednesday I had a decision to make in regards to taking either acitretin or cyclosporin because the methotrexate I was taking was no longer helping. I chose cyclosporin. Which I was going to start last night as I needed to wait for my prescription to arrive at my chemist (they had to order it in). I picked up the script this afternoon.

BUT ... yesterday afternoon I received a phone call asking if I want to be in a clinical study for a biologic. My derm recommended me as I would be a good candidate. The study would involve my travelling in to Melbourne weekly for 16 weeks and monthly for approximately 9 months after that. A high level of commitment is required on my part but I am not a 100% sure I can do it. Also,  I would be guaranteed the biologic as it is a comparative study so I wont have to worry about receiving a placebo.

Here's the dilemma, if I go on the study I need to be off any oral medication for my psoriasis for a month before I can start this study (the idea of a flare is making me cringe). I will need to wait 2 to 3 weeks before I can have my initial consultation to see if I even qualify. I only have a short period of time to decide as there are only 450 places worldwide. It's a first in first served deal and the limited spaces are filling up.

OR I can just begin taking the cyclosporin and hope that works.

The idea of going on a biologic is very appealing. It's a way to jump straight to a biologic instead of having to try other options that medicare wants patients to try first before they even allow this 'new' stuff. However, I don't know if I will be able to fulfil the requirements for such a long period of time.