I am new here. My daugher has had psiorisis for close to 5 yrs. However, now in her teenage years, it obviously bothers her more often. We just went to see a new docter. We picked a woman (for obvious reasons) and was blown away. She talked way over our heads at a speed of 90 mph. Before we knew it, we were walking out of the office both in tears with 5 prescriptions in my hands and waiting to hear if we will be approved for Enbrel. Which she says will do wonders for her skin! Of course everything I read about it - it doesn't sound like a good thing for a young person. Has anyone elses teen used Enbrel? Where can I get good solid info?? Obviously, I am trying to locate another docter - to which I hope to get a second opinion. It was definitely not the best experience for both of us. Does anyone have any advice?

Hey there,
I have not needed to use Enbrel yet, but i know many kids and teens use it. There have even been some situations when they use it on babies. I am 13 and I am deff. willing to talk to your daughter if she wants somone close to her age to talk with. how old is she? If i was in your boat, i would find a new derm! good luck with everything. and if your daughter is willing to talk, pm me.
x0x
*nemo*

Hi TeenMom,
Welcome to the Board! :cool: Nice to meet you. I'm sorry to hear that your daugher has psoriasis and about your experience with her new doctor. I agree that you should seek out someone who is willing to work with both you and your daughter. (I'm 49, but I was once a teenager with psoriasis so I have a pretty good idea of what your daugter is going through.)
What city do you live near? Perhaps someone who posts here can recommend someone to you. You also might be able to find a new dermatologist by using the NPF's Physician's Directory. The directory is basically a list of derms who've contacted the NPF and expressed interest in treating either psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. It's not an endorsement by the NPF but it's a great place to start. It's searchable by zip code. Here's a link to it: . You didn't say how old your daughter is, but perhaps she might benefit from seeing a pediatric dermatologist. You can find one through the Society of Pediatric Dermatology's website. It's also searchable by zip code. Here's a link to it: http://www.pedsderm.net/members.htm.
As Nemo (Photochick66) said there are young people who use Enbrel (www.enbrel.com). (I went to a NPF Community Education meeting in New York a couple of years ago. The dermatologist who spoke said that she was aware of children as young as 7 who were on Enbrel.) I understand that Enbrel is approved as a treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. That being said, however, Enbrel is not without potential side effects http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/...s/enb1159.shtml or http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/etanercept.htm.) To further complicate things, Enbrel is a fairly new drug so some of its long term side effects may not yet be know. I'm not a parent, but I understand and appreciate your reluctance not to use it on your daughter -- at least not until you've explored and exhausted all other options.
First: Has your daughter's psoriasis suddenly taken a turn for the worse? If so, that could be due to the hormonial changes that are resulting from the onset of puberty. It could also be because she's suffering from some sort of infection. More then a few people have posted here that either their psoriasis or their child's psoriasis was either triggered by or gets worse when they have an infection. To further complicate things, many of these same people also report that the psoriasis outbreak was often the only sign that they had an infection because they were asymptomatic for the infection. To add insult to injury the psoriasis won't respond to treatment until the underlying infection is taken care of. :eek:
Just about any infection can trigger a psoriasis outbreak, but strep is the usual culprit. Even if your daughter doesn't have a sore throat or fever, you might want to start by having her tested for strep. Insist on a culture, because the so-called "quick test" is often unreliable. Some people have strep and still test negative for it. The only way for them to confirm that they have strep is to via a blood test called an ASO blood test. Here's the links to some previous discussions:
(The ASO test is discussed in this thread.)
; and
.
UVB light treatments are another option to consider. Light treatments can be a pain because your daughter would have to go three times a week for several months for treatment. Not everyone responds to them, some people have been burned by them, and you may run into insurance issues (the NPF has an insurance advocacy service that goes to bat for people who have insurance issues) but they can be a safe and effective treatment for psoriasis. (With the added benefit that your daughter will get a tan.) (There are some concerns about skin cancer after long term exposure to light treatments.) Home units are available and are often covered by insurance. As I mentioned, not everyone responds well to light treatments so most doctors and insurance companies generally require that patients undergo their initial light treatments at a doctor's office or day treatment center. Some people who post here have been able to waive the requirement. Here's a link to some additional information about light treatments: .
Finally, I find that anti-bacterial and deoderant soaps tend to dry out and irritate my psoriasis. I've had similar problems with the dyes and fragrances in detergent and dryer sheets, etc. I haven't had any laundry related problems since I switched to "free and clear" laundry products. And, here's the links to some previous discussions about psoriasis and soap: . My psoriasis is very dry so I find that it helps to -- in the words of my dermatologist -- "moisturize, moisturize, moisturize". Which moisturizer your daughter uses is a matter of personal preference and trial and error. I find that it helps to rotate brands and to use only those moisturizers that are labled "fragrance free", "non-irritating" and/or "for sensitive skin".
I'm sorry that this turned into such a novel. You're probably suffering from information overload. :rolleyes: I hope that it helps in some small way. Good luck. Keep us posted. Let us know if you have any other questions and please don't be a stranger.
Mike

With regard to Enbrel for psoriasis:
http://www.enbrel.com/enliven/index.jsp
ENBREL is indicated for the treatment of adult patients (18 years or older) with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
I don't know if it has been studied or tested on anyone younger then 18.
Enbrel also has a patient support group called Enliven Services. You might want to give them a call to discuss your daughter.
Call 1-888-4ENBREL (1-888-436-2735)
Enliven Services representatives are available to assist you 8 am to 8 pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday, and Enliven Services registered nurses are available 7 days a week, 8 am to 11 pm Eastern time.
I hope this helps.
Steve

Hi Teenmom. I am quite shocked that Enbrel would be prescribed for a child. Enbrel is a very new drug and the long term effects are unknown. I am 39 years old with p and pa. My rheumy is doing everything possible not to introduce any biologic (including Enbrel) unless everything else fails. Your daugher could use ointments, creams and even perhaps methotrexate (which has been around for 30 years and is more tested). I think you need a second opinion - and perhaps a new doctor.
Al

With regard to Enbrel for psoriasis:
http://www.enbrel.com/enliven/index.jsp
ENBREL is indicated for the treatment of adult patients (18 years or older) with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
I don't know if it has been studied or tested on anyone younger then 18.
Enbrel also has a patient support group called Enliven Services. You might want to give them a call to discuss your daughter.
Call 1-888-4ENBREL (1-888-436-2735)
Enliven Services representatives are available to assist you 8 am to 8 pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday, and Enliven Services registered nurses are available 7 days a week, 8 am to 11 pm Eastern time.
I hope this helps.
Steve
Steve,
That's only regarding psoriasis, but enbrel has been approved to treat Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, which means it's approved to treat kids as young as 4 years old. It is currently going through clinical trials to treat children with psoriasis.
Hi Teenmom. I am quite shocked that Enbrel would be prescribed for a child. Enbrel is a very new drug and the long term effects are unknown. I am 39 years old with p and pa. My rheumy is doing everything possible not to introduce any biologic (including Enbrel) unless everything else fails. Your daugher could use ointments, creams and even perhaps methotrexate (which has been around for 30 years and is more tested). I think you need a second opinion - and perhaps a new doctor.
Al
I don't really agree with this concept anymore. It's true that methotrexate has been around for 30 years, but at what point were the "long term effects" know? Enbrel has been in use for almost 13 years and the safety profile only seems to get better as we learn more. I don't want to negate the potential side effects, but statisically speaking you are safer with enbrel than methotrexate any day.

I am new here. My daugher has had psiorisis for close to 5 yrs. However, now in her teenage years, it obviously bothers her more often. We just went to see a new docter. We picked a woman (for obvious reasons) and was blown away. She talked way over our heads at a speed of 90 mph. Before we knew it, we were walking out of the office both in tears with 5 prescriptions in my hands and waiting to hear if we will be approved for Enbrel. Which she says will do wonders for her skin! Of course everything I read about it - it doesn't sound like a good thing for a young person. Has anyone elses teen used Enbrel? Where can I get good solid info?? Obviously, I am trying to locate another docter - to which I hope to get a second opinion. It was definitely not the best experience for both of us. Does anyone have any advice?
I would advise caution. My wife took enbrel for close to 6 months, and ended up in the hospital with a serious kidney infection and blocked bile ducts. According to the doctor, we got her there just in time.
I'm not saying this WILL happen, but it could happen. Enbrel lowers the immune system, so you become more susceptible to bad infections and such. So you need to take precautions and stay alert of any thing that might come up. Even a cold can become serious when you're on enbrel.
Now, I'll grant you, there are some differences between a teenage girl and a 37 year old woman, but I'd say if you're going to err, err on the side of caution. Again, I'm not saying to not take the enbrel. I'm just saying you should be aware of the risks, and keep an eye out for any problems that might arise.

I knew my concerns were not unwarranted. It's hard to know what right and what is wrong. It's too bad none of us really know the answer. I think we will go with my initial reaction - which was to get a second opinion. We will consider all risks and options and try to make the best decision we can. I appreciate all of you. Your opinions, thoughts and concerns really have meant alot to us. Thanks again!!

I am new here. My daugher has had psiorisis for close to 5 yrs. However, now in her teenage years, it obviously bothers her more often. We just went to see a new docter. We picked a woman (for obvious reasons) and was blown away. She talked way over our heads at a speed of 90 mph. Before we knew it, we were walking out of the office both in tears with 5 prescriptions in my hands and waiting to hear if we will be approved for Enbrel. Which she says will do wonders for her skin! Of course everything I read about it - it doesn't sound like a good thing for a young person. Has anyone elses teen used Enbrel? Where can I get good solid info?? Obviously, I am trying to locate another docter - to which I hope to get a second opinion. It was definitely not the best experience for both of us. Does anyone have any advice?
It's pure poison. The doctor should lose her license to practice.
Go and read all of the posts here about alternative diets before you start on these horrible, dibilitating drugs.
Tell me what your daughter eats every day. What is her diet made up of?
Before you locate another doctor, let's talk about what she's taking into her body on a daily basis.
Scott

yes Im on Enbrel and I think it kicks ass! Not only that, I got it for F R E E! with no insurance!!Theres a foundation that I got hooked up with, and it came quick too! I know exactly what you mean about your doctor. Id like to help in any way! heres my e-mail stagejunkie68@aol.com tell your daughter Ive had a severe case since I was a child, Ive taken it all. I can offer some personal advise, thats for sure. Good luck, god bless!! Tommy

TeenMom,
Enbrel has been studied and approved for kids as young as 4 with arthritis but I know kids as young as 2 who are on it. My daughter is 14 now. She was on Enbrel for 2 years to treat her arthritis but has now moved on to a different biologic. Biologics have been a real gift for kids like my daughter! She was treated with other meds for 8 years before adding biologics and the improvement in her quality of life has been amazing! The down side is that they are new and we don't know what the long term side effects, if any, will be. Some parents~~ myself included~~ were worried about whether or not our daughters, starting these meds before puberty, would continue to develop normally. So far so good. My daughter and her friends on biologics are all on track. Of course, they'd be upset if they knew their moms talked about that!
Putting your daughter on any of these meds, for whatever reason, is not going to be an easy decision. You just need to weigh the risks and benefits and perhaps get another opinion. Most importantly, be sure you are including your daughter in this decision making process.
Liz

Hi TeenMom,
Welcome. I also had p in my teen years. I first started showing signs the same year Aunt Flo decided to move into my world, and went severe when my Dad served in Desert Storm (a year later). Please feel free to PM me with if she ever needs someone who's been there to chat with her. The number one thing for her to remember, if she doesn't let it bother her - her really good friends won't either. I won't say I was the most popular girl in school, because I was far from it, but I was in the "in" crowd due to my participation in sports. My girlfriends would even french braid my hair when it was nothing more than a raw piece of meat with hair sticking out of it. (my mom's description)
On Enbrel, as Chaim posted there is great research, and more is coming everyday with great information. I would be leery of moving her to the heavy duty drugs now, due to her age.
My childhood Derm's feeling was, and I agree with this now, as long as she can mentally & physically handle it, let's not move to the big guns - as what will we do if they stop working & she gets worse? (his response to my Dad who wanted me to get tougher treatment & be clear to have "normal" high school years. I am really glad my Derm felt this way..... It made me realize how severe I have to be before I demanded help.
That said, I recently discontinued Enbrel - after being very severe coming off the planning of my wedding. I even developed a mild case of PA. FUN!! Enbrel worked wonders for me. I do not regret using it, however, I am off it in preparation for hopefully trying to conceive this fall. There still is not enough information out there for me to feel comfortable with being a part of a trial group during my pregnancy.
If you post your general location, someone may be able to recommend a good Derm for you to see as your 2nd Opinion.

Hi TeenMom,
Welcome. I also had p in my teen years. I first started showing signs the same year Aunt Flo decided to move into my world, and went severe when my Dad served in Desert Storm (a year later). Please feel free to PM me with if she ever needs someone who's been there to chat with her. The number one thing for her to remember, if she doesn't let it bother her - her really good friends won't either. I won't say I was the most popular girl in school, because I was far from it, but I was in the "in" crowd due to my participation in sports. My girlfriends would even french braid my hair when it was nothing more than a raw piece of meat with hair sticking out of it. (my mom's description)
On Enbrel, as Chaim posted there is great research, and more is coming everyday with great information. I would be leery of moving her to the heavy duty drugs now, due to her age.
My childhood Derm's feeling was, and I agree with this now, as long as she can mentally & physically handle it, let's not move to the big guns - as what will we do if they stop working & she gets worse? (his response to my Dad who wanted me to get tougher treatment & be clear to have "normal" high school years. I am really glad my Derm felt this way..... It made me realize how severe I have to be before I demanded help.
That said, I recently discontinued Enbrel - after being very severe coming off the planning of my wedding. I even developed a mild case of PA. FUN!! Enbrel worked wonders for me. I do not regret using it, however, I am off it in preparation for hopefully trying to conceive this fall. There still is not enough information out there for me to feel comfortable with being a part of a trial group during my pregnancy.
If you post your general location, someone may be able to recommend a good Derm for you to see as your 2nd Opinion.
Hello Teen Mom,
Before you start injecting Enbrel into yourself or a loved one, go to their website and read the warnings!! Then come back here and search this drug and read the horror stories about it!!
Try an elimination diet of all triggers on your child before you use these highly TOXIC drugs. Some people will only tout drugs as the cure and never tell you the truth: you can beat this disease with a severe change in what you're putting into your body!!
From their own website:
All medicines have side effects, including ENBREL. Possible side effects of ENBREL include:
Serious infections
Many occurred in people prone to infection, such as those with advanced or poorly controlled diabetes
Some serious infections have been fatal
Rare cases of tuberculosis have occurred
What not to do
Do not start ENBREL if you have an infection, such as an open sore or the flu, or are allergic to ENBREL or its components
What to do
Tell your doctor if you are prone to infection
Stop ENBREL if a serious infection occurs
Contact your doctor if you have questions about ENBREL or develop an infection
Tell your doctor if you have ever been treated for heart failure
Serious nervous system disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, seizures, or inflammation of the nerves of the eyes
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any of these disorders or if you develop them after starting ENBREL
Rare reports of serious blood disorders (some fatal)
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms, such as persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, or paleness
In medical studies of all TNF blockers, including ENBREL, a higher rate of lymphoma (a type of cancer) was seen compared to the general population. The risk of lymphoma may be up to several-fold higher in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis patients
The role of TNF blockers, including ENBREL, in the development of lymphoma is unknown
ENBREL can cause injection site reactions
Scott

Scott in FL is a bit of a broken record around here, I see. He'll stop once his P returns, I'm sure.
Just remember, Scott, that correspondence does not prove correlation. Your P went away. So what? What does that prove? P can go away spontaneously and recur spontaneously. Your scornful claims are boring; all we have to do is see "Scott in FL" to hit the "Page Down" key.

Scott in FL is a bit of a broken record around here, I see. He'll stop once his P returns, I'm sure.
Just remember, Scott, that correspondence does not prove correlation. Your P went away. So what? What does that prove? P can go away spontaneously and recur spontaneously. Your scornful claims are boring; all we have to do is see "Scott in FL" to hit the "Page Down" key.
Sorry big guy, there was nothing at all 'spontaneous' about me getting better. I miss terribly all of those wonderful foods on my 'hit-list' that I can no longer have; sugar, wheat, soy, fruits, beer, dairy. I can only watch others consume them, now.
But what I don't miss are all of the lesions corrupting my skin, scalp, itching, burning and pure pain every day.
So what you're saying is that even when P goes away and clears 98-99%, let's not listen to that person if it's a diet related or alternative cure. BUT, on the other hand, if somebody gets 'cured' from shooting poison into their bodies and destroying their liver, let's give them kudos and try it ourselves. Let's push enbrel at $3100/month.
"He'll stop once his P returns, I'm sure." Hahaha. You almost sound like you want it to return. My heartfelt sympathy is with you, my friend, that you should have the same success that I had w/o pharmpoisondrugs.
Maybe you're on the payroll of those 'corporate sponsors' .....???
; )
Scotty!!!
98% clear and lovin' it!

For the record, Enbrel does not have any effect on the liver, though it does have other possible adverse side effects.
Scott, I think consuming a healthy diet is an excellent choice for all, not just for people with psoriasis. But I also think there is a place for medication in the lives of many people with autoimmune disease. Rather than condemning those who need the meds and the medical teams that assist them, why not encourage those folks to combine treatments and see if that helps. I can assure you that I would do just about anything to get my child off the many meds she is on, but I also want her to have QUALITY OF LIFE!
We should be about helping and encouraging one another, not about condemning people whose choices are not the same as ours.

For the record, Enbrel does not have any effect on the liver, though it does have other possible adverse side effects.
Scott, I think consuming a healthy diet is an excellent choice for all, not just for people with psoriasis. But I also think there is a place for medication in the lives of many people with autoimmune disease. Rather than condemning those who need the meds and the medical teams that assist them, why not encourage those folks to combine treatments and see if that helps. I can assure you that I would do just about anything to get my child off the many meds she is on, but I also want her to have QUALITY OF LIFE!
We should be about helping and encouraging one another, not about condemning people whose choices are not the same as ours.
I don't condemn, but I've been condemned.....
I condemn drug companies and will continue, unabated. Nothing personal....
98% free from an Elimination Diet, not drugs.....
SAY NO TO DRUGS!!

I'm happy that you're able to do well with diet only, Scott. Unfortunately the same is not true for my daughter. She has aggressive arthritis, which entered her life when she was 2 years old. My goal for her, until there is a cure, is quality of life. We're succeeding there~~ She's happy, an honor roll student, plays two musical instruments, plays soccer, participates in drama and has a great group of friends. She's also a huge advocate of research and has made many visits to the Hill. She knows the risks involved with the meds but chooses to walk, dress herself, be able to hold a pencil, etc. So we have made sure that we have a supportive medical team, ready to see her at a moments notice if problems arise. Four years since starting biologics and almost 12 years since starting methotrexate she is doing quite well and has tolerated these meds quite well.
Best of luck. I hope that diet alone continues to work for you and that you are never faced with an aggressive case of arthritis. It can cripple you before you even know what is happening. That is why a lot of the folks here are on meds.

I'm happy that you're able to do well with diet only, Scott. Unfortunately the same is not true for my daughter. She has aggressive arthritis, which entered her life when she was 2 years old. My goal for her, until there is a cure, is quality of life. We're succeeding there~~ She's happy, an honor roll student, plays two musical instruments, plays soccer, participates in drama and has a great group of friends. She's also a huge advocate of research and has made many visits to the Hill. She knows the risks involved with the meds but chooses to walk, dress herself, be able to hold a pencil, etc. So we have made sure that we have a supportive medical team, ready to see her at a moments notice if problems arise. Four years since starting biologics and almost 12 years since starting methotrexate she is doing quite well and has tolerated these meds quite well.
Best of luck. I hope that diet alone continues to work for you and that you are never faced with an aggressive case of arthritis. It can cripple you before you even know what is happening. That is why a lot of the folks here are on meds.
I just wanted to let you know, I do NOT condemn you for having to choose Enbrel & other heavy hitters for your daughter at such a young age. In fact, I admire your commitment to your daughter’s quality of life, and helping her maximize her abilities. Because of people like you & your daughter, the pharmaceutical companies are compiling information on how effective these treatments are for people not generally included in test groups.
My post was totally responding to having visible p (only) during teenage years. I don’t want to sound like a really old fogy at 30, and say – I suffered so should you, because I truly do not feel that way. However, I do feel we should not rush to the big guns, unless they are truly needed. Otherwise, as my Derm said to my own Father when he asked these questions “if we move to the big guns now, what will we do if they stop working & she gets worse?”
When a person is severe, there is no choice.
When a person has PA, there is not choice.
When there IS a choice, we need to be educated and thoughtful in choosing the right treatment for our individual body.

All I can say is I really feel for kids/teens with P. I developed P in my 20s and that was hard enough. I am on Enbrel and will not tell anyone to take it or not. It is working well for me and I'm not having any serious side effects. I felt worse while taking MTX, personally. I can't say what Enbrel will do for anyone else. To bad we don't have those crystal balls. Educate yourself and your daughter about your choices and make the choice that best fits you.
I'm done with this entire argument about natural v. medication. I will say I, along with many others, would pay a mighty high price to rid myself of P. I bet if you added up all the natural and other treatments methods I have tried, I would have a pretty nice car!
If you don't want to take medication, don't. If you want to try alternative treatments, do. Like I've said before, we should be here to support each other. This is really getting out of hand! Let's try to help the person who started this thread without attacks.
Best of luck with your treatment choice and please keep us posted.

I never felt that you were criticizing or condemning the decisions I've had to make for my daughter, so not to worry. My issue is with those who state that the meds should never, ever be used. Until they walk in my daughter's shoes............... And if they choose to walk in her shoes without meds they won't be walking for long!
Liz

Em I really admire you.

Hi :) I'm so sorry that your daughter and yourself were reduced to tears leaving the doctors office. What a horrible way to feel when leaving a professionals office. Although I no longer utilize a dermatologists care, I am a firm beleiver that there are many out there that are truly concerned for their patients. Have you checked on the NPF's website for doctor referrals in your area? I believe I read on this board that people were finding excellant doctors there. Welcome to the boards and I wish you the very best of luck in finding a successful treatment. Have a great day! :)

I just noticed something. This thread was started back in Feb and TeenMom hasn't been online since then.
I thought this should be pointed out before Scott actually finds where this person lives and starts banging on her door! :eek: