Possible switch from enbrel to remicade | Arthritis Information

Hi Everyone,

I've been on Enbrel since the end of Feb 2008 (off for about 2 weeks due to illness). I'm also on methotrexate and have been experiencing lots of hair loss. My new rheumatologist allowed me to reduce my MTX down to 4 tabs a week for the last month, but I'm still losing hair. Less hair, but any is too much now.

He mentioned possibly switching from the enbrel and MTX combo to remicade only. The reason he gave was that with remicade he could adjust the doses higher to make up for taking me off MTX. This is b/c I am really upset about the hair loss. I have been on folic acid (5 mg a day) and biotin for a couple of months, but I'm not satisfied.

I have noticed a difference since adding Enbrel. I am stronger. But I do still have some pain, and don't feel I'm in complete remission. - although I don't really know what that is...

Any suggestions on how to move forward? Any opinions on stopping methotrexate? I see the doctor for a f/u on Wed. I am unemployed w/ no insurance. So far the enbrel has been free, but I don't know what type of patient assistance remicade provides. I really want to hurry up and get back to work!

Thank you for your help.

Nori

I was switched from Enbrel to Remicade, but that was because the Enbrel wasn't working after 3 months, and I'm still on MTX with the Remicade. All of these drugs can take awhile to work and it is true that the Remicade can be increased in amount and frequency, but I have the feeling they both work best with MTX. Hope your RD has some better info, I think I'd take hair loss if it meant relief.Hi Deidre,

Thank you for your response. What do you think of Remicade? Unfortunately I battle body dysmorphic disorder as well, which has a huge impact on insecurities around my appearance. So the hair loss is causing a great deal of anxiety, which is probably doing more harm than the MTX is helping!

I haven't noticed much difference from 8 MTX tabs to 4 tabs a week over the last couple of months. Is it something I can go back on if I find I need the MTX?

Take care,

Nori

If enbrel was working for me (and it is showing some good improvement in my case) I would stay on it.

I've read stories of those who have tried other bio's and not gotten relief.. and there are also stories of those for whom one of the bio's stop working and they need to move on to somethign else..

If you were me.. I'd continue w/ what I have despite hair loss (I had good reactions from biotin 1000 and folic where my hair started growing back!) to be able to work and walk and take care of myself and my family.

I wish you the best..

Thank you for your advice, babs10.

Nori

Have you tried enbrel without continuing mtx? That's what I did and it's all I've needed for 2 years now. I was losing tons of hair on mtx too...and so I weaned off of it just to see if the enbrel was enough alone, and it was. I'd try that before giving up or switching off enbrel.

thank you, bizzalou.

did you go off mtx with your doctor's permission or on your own? I see my doctor tomorrow, so I'll see what he says. I haven't noticed a difference from 8 tabs of mtx to my current 4 tabs a week. I would love to get my hair back!

Nori

babs10, how much biotin do you take a day? i take 5000 mcgs. I get the supplements from target for under a bottle. so cheap!!! I would be willing to take more if I can.

Nori