Switching from Enbrel to Humira | Arthritis Information

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I am 36 yrs old and have been taking Enbrel for about 2 years. Though it doesn't clear up ALL of my psoriasis, I have been very pleased with it. Having been through years and years of different topical treatments, diets, biologics like raptiva...I was happy with enbrel's success with my PA. HOWEVER, at my last dermo checkup my doctor said he wanted to switch me to Humira. Though I was hesitant, he mentioned that some patients do better on Humira than Enbrel. (Is this true?) Even when I told him I didn't mind the few very small (i repeat: very small) patches of psoriasis left on my body, he encouraged me to try Humira. Now, after dealing with getting the dermo to file prescription, insurance co accepting coverage, and the specialty pharmacy delivering the meds, I have FINALLY received the Humira---and I'm feeling very worried. Having tried the "pens" with Enbrel, I found that I prefer the syringes and repeatly requested that when changing prescriptions...and, of course, I received Humira pens. Plus, I get one month of Humira for the same price as I got THREE months of Enbrel. (My injection schedule with Humira will be once every two weeks, rather than my Enbrel weekly shot, so it's a lot less "medicine") Also, I have now read that effectiveness of Humira may take longer to "kick in." I'm already off schedule by five days (past my weekly shot,) and I just received the meds today, so I don't want to wait any longer and I am going to give Humira a shot (pun intended) and try it. But I'm really anxious that I may have made a mistake and should have stayed with Enbrel - Usually I'm all for trying progressive medicines, but I worry about "fixing what isn't broken" and making things worse, especially after paying MORE for it. Any advice would be SO appreciated! Anyone have this dilema? THank you, CindyMy rheumatologist  has recommended Humira  for my PA because it is supposed to work better for dactylitis.

I haven't started yet.I'm the opposite - had flu-like aches with Humira which was my doctor's first choice - and had to switch the Enbrel.  He prefers Humira, but could not give me reasons other than once every 2 weeks instead of weekly injections.  I'm not seeing the speed of improvement I did on Humira, but I'm only at week 4 of 50 mg/injection of Enbrel.  It took about 5 - 7 weeks for the side effects to hit, and I just thought I had a bad virus or flue or was getting truly depressed.  Stopped the Humira, and all was well; except the darn psoriasis returned with a vengence.  Now I'm hoping long term for Enbrel.

 
Was on Enbrel for over a year with little success.  At the time I had PsA and no skin plaques.  Have never had skin plaques until I started Humira.  I'm on weekly Humira and 17.5 of MXT and am in clinical remission for RA and PsA.  The skin plaque on my leg is much worse and isn't responding to any treatment.  I didn't take MXT last week and the plaque cleared by 50%.  I started to flare and immediatley injected MXT and within 12 hours the plaque was worse.  I see a derm. on the 31st. for the 3rd time.  This time the derm is at the university psoriasis clinic and I have high hopes that he'll have some new treatment or some magic tricks up his sleeve.  I can't stop MXT but I also know that I want to get rid of the 8"x10"  plaque on my lower leg.  I had to stop pool exercises because it was unsightly.  So for me the drugs have been a blessing in one respect but not in the other.
 
I don't know why your RD would be so insistent that you change your biologic.  It doesn't make sense unless he's getting a kickback from the pharma co. that makes Humira.  That's always a possibility.  I'm almost positive that I wouldn't have changed meds, there is no need to.  Also, call the specialty pharmacy and tell them again that you want the syringe and not the pen.  I'm sorry that you're having to go through this, you should insist on some answers from your RD.  Hope you get the syringes and some answers.  Lindy
Well, good news!  After "shot" #3 of Enbrel (which I did ask to be switched to due to side effects from Humira) I am seeing marked improvement in my psoraisis!  I have purposefully not used the topical ointments I have so that whatever changes would be clearly Enbrel.
 
I have found that the "shot" (50 mg/not syringe device) is not painful if I take it out 30 minutes ahead of time and ice my site before injecting.  I do appreciate the advice -- and why my MD preferred Humira over the other two, I don't know.
 
Question to ALL:  what kinds of levels or testing should I be having if I stay on Enbrel for a long period of time?  I see my MD next week and want to be prepared with good questions since his seems to be working!
 
Thanks!
Since you're on Enbrel for skin psoriasis I'm not sure what tests.  Most likely a CBC, liver enzymes and not sure what else.  I'm so happy that it's working for you.  Lindy
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