Ankylosing spondylitis & biologics
Prior to TNF Inhibitors there weren't effective treatments for ankylosing spondylitis.
Ankylosing Spondylitis & Biologics
Dr. Samuel Whittle
Rheumatologist, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide
The other area where biologics have been a really great advance is in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. So prior to the advent of the so-called TNF inhibitors which are one of the biologic drugs we really had no very effective treatments for ankylosing spondylitis other than anti-inflammatory drugs. So with the arrival of these medications we’ve seen a really remarkable change in the way that we can treat ankylosing spondylitis and for many people with ankylosing spondylitis now we can almost completely eliminate their symptoms.
Matthew Leibowitz
Member, Arthritis Australia National Consumer Reference Group (ankylosing spondylitis)
Yeah, for me they’ve been great in terms of managing my condition; I can’t comment for everyone else. I’ve responded well to them. I was on non-steroidal anti-inflammatories at the beginning and have moved onto biologics and I feel like, you know, as the medicines advanced I’ve been able to access them and they’ve made I think my condition easier to manage. I don’t think they’re the be all and end all but they’re definitely a good platform to work with.
Confirming diagnosis
Initial GP visit
Key questions & history taking
Piecing the symptoms together
Referral to rheumatologist
Visiting Physio or GP
Other therapies
What is a rheumatologist?
Preparing for first consultation
Questions rheumatologists will ask
Tests rheumatologists may conduct
Your online research
Rheumatologists can help
Tips and suggestions
Living well with arthritis
Next steps after diagnosis
Reaction to diagnosis
Finding a supportive environment
Working to achieve your goals
Working with your rheumatologist
Developing a working relationship
Treatment management
Personalising treatment plans
Lifestyle management sleep & smoking
Lifestyle management exercise
What is adherence
Exercise
Finding the right treatment
Understanding side effects
Side effects vs benefits
Risk of avoiding medications
Importance of monitoring side effects
Considering the immune system
NSAIDs
Immediate treatment
Introduction to methotrexate
Methotrexate compared with chemotherapy
Methotrexate early side effects
DMARDs
Introduction to biological treatment
Ankylosing spondylitis & biologics
Moving to biological treatment
Biologics are they for you?
Finding the best biological treatment
Changing biologics
Biologics
Early treatment
Treatment disease modifying drugs
Customised treatment
Other treatment options biologics
Treating AS
Treating PsA