I have been having a very difficult and painful time with my RA for a long time now. I have been on Remicade but am looking into switching to Enbrel. I need all you Enbrel users to let me know what you think. And if there are any of you who have been on Remicade and switched to Enbrel, let me know which you think is better.
My feet, hands, and jaws have been killing me. I am also looking into some herbal items. If any of you have any suggestions on herbal items as well that really work for you, let me know also.
Thanks sooooooo much.
If you try Enbrel, then I really hope it helps you. I remember the days when my jaw would hurt. That and having my neck hurt were the days I felt the worst! I honestly can't remember the last time they hurt. I LOVE Enbrel!
Good luck!
Molly
Molly,
Thanks for your reply and taking the time to read and post. I am really getting depressed with all the pain, and I am so very tired all of the time also.
I fear Enbrel may not help me very much either, because my RA specialist said they work very close to the same, so who knows. I will certainly keep everyone informed of what the results are if I switch. Thanks again!!
Lisa
I love this site. I had to re-register as a little newbie, but used to post on here a good, while back. They switched the format, ect. I like it better. I get into the emoticons. lol Anyway, everyone have a super kinda weekend!
One more thing, do you guys take Methotrexate with your Enbrel, or Enbrel alone?
I have been on enbrel since last June and I have to remind myself how I felt before. It isn't a good memory. I still have a little swelling and occasional pain but nothing like before enbrel. I am still on Methotrexate but have cut that back a little and might continue cutting back further.
have been on Enbrel for years, since 99. it has been wonderful with regard to the fatigue and swelling, and am greatfull. is not so helpful with the pain, lately, and have started pain meds and meth over the last month. the meth has been easier than i thought, no major issues, just some unsettled tummy the day after.
also just switched to new 50mg single shots, but had been doing double 25's.
i would give the enbrel a try-
Lisa, I am on 12.5 mg MTX and 50 mg Arava (off label dosing) wkly. I haven't been on the Enbrel long enough to see if I will be able to wean off one of the others. I would love to be able to eliminate at least one of them!
I was under the impression that Remicade and Enbrel work the same way. My rheumatologist gave me a choice...he wanted me to try the Enbrel first because he felt I wouldn't be tied down by having to spend any time in the infusion clinic getting a 3 hour dose every 8 weeks. I refused the Enbrel, knowing that I couldn't give myself an injection. I've been on Remicade now for 2 years, and love it. Doc says my RA has not progressed at all since I started taking Remicade.
I have two friends who are on Enbrel...one is doing extremely well with it, and the other is not. She's in terrible pain, and has tried so many other medications.
I don't think it's a matter of which medication is better...we all react so differently to each medication. I hope the Enbrel works for you, better than the Remicade has.
Sue
The enbrel is easy, to do. Everything is in the pkg even alcohol wipes. I know many people say they can't give themselves a shot it is very easy. A nurse will show you how to do it, there are 3 different sites you can give yourself the shot. I prefer the stomach, I do it from underneath and I CAN NOT feel the needle. The needle is very fine and I am one who doesn't like shots, but i give myself 2 times a week the enbrel shot. Try it and give yoruself at least a month to 2 months, to see if you see any difference. Good luck and take care. MemeI have been on Enbrel for about 1 year now. At first it worked really well as for as energy, but never worked for the pain. Now my doctor is fixing to switch me to remecaid. I guess it just depends on each individual. Therapy is differant as for as drugs. Some people love remeicaid and hate enbrel. Others enbrel isn't given them any releif at all. I hope it works for you. Good luck. I started Enbrel (50 mg) yesterday. It was no big deal. I just pushed the
I started Enbrel last Friday (50 mg @ 1 x week) and my husband gave me the second dose today. My sinuses where all stuffed up Friday so I had to wait till this morning to take the 2nd dose...I haven't felt any problems from it so far, except that by last week Tuesday I was dragging my feet. I will keep an eye on how I feel this next Wednesday and If I am dragging feet again, then I will probably have to go on the 2 shots a week regime...I do know I am going to have to learn how to give my own shots...EEEK...Maybe I will get as good as all of you who take it like a trouper...SO my hat is off to all of you who shoot yourself and are still standing when it's all over...
Anyway, In about a month I will post back about the Enbrel and let everyone know how well the Enbrel is working for me...
Good luck to all the new members who just started their brand of Biologics...I sure hope that this is the ONE for you and from this point on, you only get better with each passing day.
Have great week end everybody.
Toni
Hi I have been on Enbrel for about a year know at first I felt great. Eveything was working just fine. Had a little pain in the mornings but soon wore off. But know I seems like it doesnt even help anymore so my Rhuemy is going to put me on Remicade. I had a really bad flare up were I could not even stand or use my hands. So I am on 400mg Celebrex, 20mg prednisone, 400mg lodine, 200mg plaquenile, 20mg of Arava and also taking 2 shots a week of enbrel and unfortunately it is not working for me anymore but everybody is different and I hope it gives you the relief that you need Good Luck DAWNI saw my doc today and he gave me info on Enbrel, Humira and Remicade. Wants me to read up on all of them and then come back and see him in 2 weeks.
From what I'm reading, it sounds like Enbrel or Humira might be the way to go...since Remicade requires significant time, etc.
Is that what everyone is saying??
I prefer Remicade myself. I just don't like the idea of having to give myself an injection. I've been on Remicade for three years and it works well for me, thankfully. I go every 7 weeks, sit in the infusion center for 3 hours, fall asleep for an hour and a half and read a book for an hour and a half, they do my blood tests right there, and I'm good to go for another 7 weeks.It is about 2.5 months since I started on Enbrel. I've had excellent results so far. In the back of my mind, I always keeping thinking of side effects. But I exercise a lot (swim, bike and walk) so I'm very fit and in too good a mood to be worried right now.
I wish all of you well. Remember, what is good for the goose is not good for the gander. Enbrel may work on some well, on others perhaps something else.
I've been using Enbrel for 9 mos. I was very slow to react to it, but it has helped me so much. I have not been on Remicad. Enbrel is easy to administer (even for needle weenies) and, for me, there is no down time. Give it a try and good luck.
MikeM
Hi Lisa,I started Enbrel yesterday....50 mg injection....and I actually think it's already starting to work. I have more energy today and my joints don't ache as much (although they do hurt some). I got pretty worked up about having to give myself a shot, but it was really no big deal. Injected it into my belly and didn't feel a thing!
It's amazing isn't it. I felt better the first day. I was astounded - just don't be let down if that good feeling goes away - it has to build up in your system. I got really depressed when it wore off after 2 - 3 days but now, being on it for almost seven weeks, it is pretty much lasting the entire week
Hate to say we told you so but it really doesn't hurt.
Best wishes,
Moonie
BASi baltimore has a IRB approved Clinical Research study paying up to 50.00. If your interested respond ASAP.Yes, thank goodness for insurance! My copay was for 4 syringes. The note that came with the presciption said...."you saved 50 by using your insurance card". So 00 for a month of Enbrel...WOW!