Can Soriatane Cause Weight Loss?
from Matt R.

I just stumbled across the website.  I absolutely love it!  I wish I would have known about it years ago. There is something about people with psoriasis — we all have pretty good attitudes and great senses of humor!

My question concerns Soriatane and weight loss. I know it is odd to use the term “weight loss” with Soriatane, as all the research I have done addresses just the opposite — weight gains. I began taking Soriatane at the beginning of December 2008. Since that time, I have lost 26 pounds. While losing 26 pounds is great, the rapid weight loss is a concern. I was first diagnosed with psoriasis when I was 12 and in the 30 years since then I have used almost every other medication out there with no luck. However, I found a fantastic dermatologist in December and I have had spectacular results with Soriatane. I have psoriasis over 90% of my body, and it has virtually cleared up — my feet and lower legs still have a way to go. I was just wondering if others have experienced weight loss with Soriatane? 

Any thoughts on this? –Matt R.

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Ed’s Response: This’ll get posted in March, Matt.  But in the meantime, DO get your blood glucose level checked. Such rapid weight loss is often attributed to undiagnosed diabetes. It happened to me several years after my psoriasis became very bad, and after I’d tried a lot of different drugs. Both P and diabetes are autoimmune diseases and I’ve always wondered if treating one could trigger another. Anyway, rule out that notion and we’ll see what others might have to say about Soriatane and weight loss. (I personally have never heard another story relating clearance on Soriatane and simultaneous dramatic weight loss.)  -Ed

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Matt’s Response: Thanks for the quick response. I have a great “regular” doctor, fantastic dermatologist, and great urologist (I was diagnosed with testicular cancer last summer, had surgery, all is fine). They have been in communication with each other and they are as stumped as I am about this, as I have had no changes in my level of activity or my eating. I see my urologist monthly for X-rays, CT scan, and blood work, and all is great with those results. He can find no reason for my weight loss. My regular doctor has run all sorts of blood tests. Blood glucose has been checked and is “great.” She has shared all the results with my dermatologist and urologist, and they can find nothing that would explain the weight loss.

So, everyone is concerned about what is going on.  My regular doctor, like you, leans to diabetes or some type of sugar issue, but the blood tests say otherwise.  She is now wondering if even though my sugar levels are “normal” for most people, they might actually be “high” for me.  She drew some blood yesterday, and we will see what comes of those results — if things are still “normal.” 

All three doctors are concerned and agree that things are not life threatening, and I had the weight to lose and could even lose some more without any problems. My heart is fine, lungs are fine, all organs are doing well, I have no fever, and there is no indication of any infection or anything. So all three doctors are very intrigued by what is going on — and having a doctor (let alone three) intrigued and “interested in the mystery”) is great. Believe me, I realize how lucky I am to have three doctors that see me as a person and not a patient.

With my P and P-arthritis, it seems like this is just one more thing to add to the list right now. Having discovered your website, resources, and forum has been wonderful, and just being able to share what is going on has been great. 

Thanks for your genuine concern and support, and I will keep you updated on what we find out. –Matt R.

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