Humira or Enbrel - What to do? Appt is tomorrow. | Arthritis Information

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You may have seen recent posts of mine about flare ups.  Well the doc just called in response to my cry for help with the current flare.  He wants me to come into the office tomorrow to talk about moving to another med. 
 
Remicade has gotten me through the last year and half, but only in a sporadic nature.  Works great for a while, then a flare, and on and on and on.  I'm at the max dosage as of now so he wants to change.  He tends to be a TNF Inhibitor advocate, and I tend to agree when I compare them to the other categories (B Cell Inhibitor, IL-1 Inhibitor, etc...).  So my choices will probably be Humira or Enbrel.
 
So far the biggest difference I can see between the two is Enbrel comes in a vial and Humira in prefilled syringes.   Considering I have NEVER injected myself and cannot stand to watch the nurses inject me, I'm leaning toward the prefilled syringes.
 
Has anyone had experience with both?  What is your opinion when comparing pros and cons of each?
 
Has anyone just used one of them but feels you have some key evidence on a pro or con of it?
 
Thanks in advance for any info you can pass my way.
 
 
Hi,
 
I've been on both humira and enbrel.  I'm currently on enbrel.
 
50 mg dose of enbrel became available in a premixed preloaded syringe a couple of years ago.  More recently it became available in a premixed preloaded syringe in the 25 mg dose, which is administered twice a week.  Enbrel may also be available in a auto-injection thing, "sureclick" I think it may be called.  Have you checked the enbrel website for info?  You might also be able to call and speak to someone about it.
 
Cuz of my arthritic fingers I can't inject myself.  I orginally started on humira, cuz it was one shot every two weeks, and my sister would drive over to give it to me.   My doc had preferred I go on enbrel, so when my cousin moved near me, I switched to enbrel twice a week as it was convenient for her to pop over and give me my shot.
 
I take enbrel shots, 25mg, twice a week and also injectable mtx.  The combination of the two are fairly effective in controlling inflammation, the pain I do have is from joint damage.
 
I really can't recommend one over the other, that would be for you and your doc to decide, but I wanted you to know that enbrel also is available in a prefilled syringe.
 
Good luck with your decision, and hope it helps control the RA.  Take care.  Joy
 
 
 
Hi!  I started on Humira.  I had the choice, either or.....Enbrel was an every week shot vs. Humira every other week so I chose to try Humira.
 
Well, Humira didn't work that well for me, so now I'm on Enbrel.  What works for one, doesn't work for another so Humira may be great for you.
 
I used both auto pre-filled pens.  Personally, I like Humira's auto pen vs. Enbrel as the  sure click pen must be pressed hard to release the needle.  I inject into my stomach as they say that hurts less. 
 
With both you should leave medicine out for 30 min to get to room temperature so it burns less.  Speaking of burning, for me Enbrel burns more.   BUT, if it helps me walk around and resume life that's fine!!!
 
Good luck with your choice.
Thanks you Joy and Debra!  You have been very helpful. 
 
Good to learn that Enbrel has a prefill as well.  Sounds like it's really a case of flip a coin and just start with one of them.
 
I remember years ago watching my ex-husband give himself insulin shots and being thankful it wasn't me.   Who knew! 
 
Thanks again.
I've been on Enbrel for 7 months now, I think it's working, I've had minimal MAJOR flares.  I use the 50 mg. "sureclick".  You don't see the needle, just press a button.  It doesn't hurt that bad, I've had a lot worse!  I inject in my thighs and upper arms and once a week it's a small price to pay to help with this disease.I agree with Audrey, small price to pay.  The first injection I thought I would hurl I got myself so worked up about it.  After the first one, the rest were easy.  You'll get used to it.Hi
I've taken Enbrel for the past year w/little or no problem, other than the sting when injecting.   You might want to check your insurance.  The copay on Humira was higher than Enbrel.  One of the reasons I choose Enbrel.  Good luck w/either choice and hope it brings you relief.
 
Cathy
I have been using Humira for 2 and a half years now and it has been very effective with no side effects.  Recently however it has been losing effectiveness.  That plus a recent bad flare in my knees and ankles convinced my doctor it was time to change so I'm starting Enbrel tomorrow...just got the first shipment today (4 - prefilled syringes).  It really is a tiny needle and the injection is no big deal.  I inject in my stomach.  Hope whatever you choose works well for you.
 
Alan
I have been on Enbrel then Remicade and now Humira. Remicade worked the best for the 1st 2 years but fizzled out. Humira has been the easiest to tolerate. I take it Friday nights with a Benedryl, so I don't get the tnf headache. But I forgot it about it Fri nite 2 weeks ago and took it Sat morning without the Benedryl (didn't want to be sleepy all day). I didn't get the headache!
 
I think checking your insurance co-pay is the best idea. Each person reacts differently. Humira has been good for me.
My copay was the same for both....0 for 3 mos. supply.
I've been on both.  I used syringes for Enbrel.  I would do 2 shots at one time for the week.  Enbrel was great for me for about 7 years. I'm about to go off Humira because it doesn't seem to work for me.  I use pre-filled syringes.  The injections really aren't that bad.  You can do it!  I never look when they take blood or someone else gives me an injection.  Good luck with whatever you decide to do!Saw doc today and came home with a LIBRARY of reading material!
 
Then the IT (Information Technology) geek came out in me and I spent literally all day reading, watching DVD's, researching on the internet, charting differences, analyzing it all.  LOL!!!!  It was ugly!
 
So...12 hours later and I'm no closer to deciding than I was this morning when I started.
 
Oh well...I'm sure I'll get there.  If not, I'll just flip a coin.  Good news is that I am getting more comfortable with the whole injection idea.
 
Thanks again for all your input.  (There goes that IT geek in me again.  CRAVING "INPUT")
Maybe they will just give you both. Then you will not have to fip a coin. I am just happy you are getting something. The doc will probably ease you into it. Good luck!! You can read all day. We are all different and respond differently to meds. One persons miricle is another ones nightmare. Thats why there are so many options. It is what does your body say is o.k. and for how long. In time you will no doubt try both. That is if one does work for years and quit. Some people do better on combanation therapy. I feel your need to be a geek about this. We all have the same thoughts and feelings. Keep on Geeking!! And good luck!!!Well, you definitely are informed.  One thing to consider, if the drug you choose is not that effective or you have some issues w/it -- you still have another drug to try.  Many of us have been on more than one biologic, what you start with may not be what you stay on.  Sometimes, its a trial and error kind of thang.  Good luck, take care.
I cracked up at the IT thing.  Both of my boys are like that...hehehe, thanks for the chuckle.  Now then, throw that damn coin in the air and what ever is meant to be, is meant to be....to start anyway, lolWhich is less expensive? Or are they the same? One thing I thought about was the fact that if I got sick the enbrel would probably be out of my body sooner than Humira.
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