Just wanted to gather some information from those of you who are living this experience before I see my rheumatologist again. I have been on Enbrel for about 10 weeks. I agree with a post I read last week that I have noticed a definite improvement in energy since starting Enbrel. However, I still experience a lot of pain in joints, particularly my index fingers, elbows and knees. I'm also currently on Prednisone (10 mg), methotrexate, and plaquenil (as well as pain meds). I am feeling fairly positive as I have been able to do a lot more than I could 2 months ago as my energy is much greater. I feel like I could take on the world these days if I could just get the pain to decrease a bit more. This is my question....WOULD a higher dose of enbrel be beneficial? Or do some of my other meds need modified? Over the last 3 years my docs have tried numerous combinations of drugs and since starting Enbrel I have experienced my first true relief from the complete and utter fatigue and exhaustion, as well as the extreme pain I was in. I have been able to decrease my Prednisone by 1/2....yeah. I'm taking 25mg of Enbrel 2 x per week. Is this the normal or does anyone take more than that? If so did it benefit you to take more, or not?
I'd appreciate any feedback as I'm new to the Enbrel experience.
Becky
Becky, based on my somewhat limited knowledge, you are taking the max dose of Enbrel. It took me three months to realize that Enbrel was working for me. I use the once a week, prefilled syringe @ 50 mg.
Give it a couple of months and see how you feel.
Take care in the meantime.
Mike
I also use 50 mg/ml once a week.. and that is max dose.. people say that the 2x a week makes the relief more static and less apt to lose affect before the next dose...
Have you tried to get your MTX increased? I am at 25 mg a week and i dont seem to have much pain on thursdays... i take both MTX and enbrel on Fri morning...
Also... it took about 4 months for me to get full effects of enbrel, tho i did see results within 24 hours of my 1st shot!!!
I am also on 50mg once a week, and yes for me it does lose affect. I am thinking about asking my rd to put me on 25mg twice a week to see if that helps. I love enbrel, makes me feel great. Good luck to you and I hope you feel better.