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For people 2 years of age and older with active psoriatic arthritis

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PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS FACTS AND SYMPTOMS

What causes psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory, autoimmune condition that can affect both the joints and skin. The specific cause of psoriatic arthritis is not fully known, though it’s believed that an overproduction of molecules in your body may activate any of the multiple symptoms of PsA. 

When these molecules, such as the IL-17A protein, are overproduced, your body’s immune system has inflammatory responses that can contribute to pain and swelling in the joints and tendons, and sometimes, even skin plaques—raised patches of red skin that are thick, scaly, and itchy. 

Without proper treatment, PsA may worsen, which is also known as psoriatic arthritis flares. And if left untreated, psoriatic arthritis may cause permanent joint damage. 

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) isn’t caused from overuse of joints or aging. It’s the result of an overactive immune system.

What are the first signs of psoriatic arthritis?

The first signs of psoriatic arthritis are not the same for everyone and can affect each person differently. PsA symptoms can include:

 

Skin Image

Skin plaques and nail changes

Joint Damage Image

Joint pain, reduced range of motion and physical ability

Range of Motion Image

Pain and swelling commonly felt in hands, feet, and joints

Tenderness in Joints Image

Tenderness in and around joints, tendons, and ligaments

 

Sausage Fingers Image

Sausage-like fingers or toes

Back Pain

Fatigue, back pain, and stiffness

Swollen Joint

Joint damage: if left untreated, psoriatic arthritis may cause permanent joint damage

Men and women are equally at risk of developing Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

Men and women are equally at risk of developing PsA

What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

There are multiple symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, like joint pain and fatigue. These symptoms affect everyone differently. Use the sliders below the images to learn more about these symptoms and how they can affect you.

 

Back pain thumbnail

BACK PAIN & STIFFNESS

"I had a very sharp pain in my lower back."

Dactylitis photo

DACTYLITIS

Swelling of an entire finger or toe, commonly referred to as "sausage-like."

"My fingers were so swollen I couldn't make a full fist."

Enthesitis photo

ENTHESITIS

Pain and tenderness where tendons and ligaments attach to bones.

"I had a very sharp pain on my heel."

 

Fatigue photo

FATIGUE

"The pain fatigued me a lot, especially in the evening."

Joint damage photo

PERMANENT JOINT DAMAGE

"I was misdiagnosed for a while. The inflammation eventually caused some deformity."

Joints photo

JOINT PAIN & SWELLING, AND REDUCED PHYSICAL MOBILITY

"For me, psoriatic arthritis affects my major joints. My hips, shoulders, arms, feet, and ankles."

Nails photo

SKIN PLAQUES AND NAIL CHANGES (IN PEOPLE WITH PLAQUE PSORIASIS)

"My plaque psoriasis started in small areas as a teenager. As I aged, it progressed. I was about 80% covered."

Quotes from actual patients who were compensated for their time. 

FIND A DOCTOR

Ask your rheumatologist if COSENTYX® may be right for you.

Real people taking COSENTYX are looking and feeling better. Could you be one of them?

Actual Patient Jorge

“My symptoms started very early in my life, probably when I was around 25 years old.”

Actual Patient Tina

"There was a lot of pain in my joints—especially in my hips, then in my knees and lower back. I really struggled to walk.”

Individual results may vary. Jorge and Tina were compensated for their time.

*Limitations apply. Valid only for those with private insurance. Program provides up to $16,000 annually for the cost of COSENTYX and up to $150 per infusion (up to $1,950 annually) for the cost of administration. Co-pay support for infusion administration cost not available in Rhode Island or Massachusetts. Offer not valid under Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal or state program. Novartis reserves the right to rescind, revoke, or amend this program without notice. See complete Terms & Conditions for details.