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I have RA that is starting to really affect my hands and wrists.  I was put on Methatrexate about 16 months ago, but taken off after 2 months since my liver enzymes went up significantly.  I have not been on any RA meds for the past 14 months.

I saw my RA doc today and he wants to put me on either Humira, Enbrel or Remicade. 

My question is what has everyone's experience been with any of these?  My main concern is side effects since its crucial that none of them can effect my liver enzymes. 

Which ones work, how quickly, etc.

Thanks for any info you give!! 

Hi Usc.  I was diagnosed with aggressive RA in May of 2005.  Severe symptoms began in Sept. 2004.  I have been on almost all the Nsaids and Dmards and they were not effective in controlling my inflammation.  I was in constant pain and I always had inflammation.  I have also been on prednisone for over a year which I am very concerned about.  In August of 2005 I was finally approved for Enbrel.  It has changed my life and made me hopeful again.  My life was improved after my first injection.  Every injection after that, it got better.  Then I got a skin infection and I had to be taken off Enbrel for two months.  I am now back on it and it took longer to feel its effects this time but again my life is improving.  I have been taken off of placquenil and relafin and put on a low dose of mtx.  I have had problems tolerating mtx but my rd advises that since  Enbrel is considered most effective combined with mtx we are trying a low dose.  (In fact, I am ill today from mtx)  My rd only advised this because my RA has been so aggressive. All I can tell you is all of the drugs EXCEPT Enbrel had immediate side effects and I showed no improvement.  I have only been dx with ra for a little over six months and I have erosions/permanent damage in my pelvis, hips, hands, feet and likely my knees.  I have always been a very active person and I believe Enbrel will give me my life back.  We are also in the process of weaning me off of prednisone which is a huge relief.  I have heard good things about all the biologics but I am very happy with Enbrel.  I know these are tough decisions.  I was very frightened of the biologics and now I look forward to my Enbrel injection every week.  Stay in touch and pm me anytime.  Roxanne roxy38734.5594097222I've been on Remicade and Methotrexate for 3 years.  Every once in awhile the Metho makes my liver functions go up, so they adjust the dose, I go back and get another blood test, and it's fine.  I only take 7.5 mg a week. 

The only reaction I ever had with the Remicade was a case of hives early on.  They gave me 25 mg of Benadryl with the Remicade, and have never had the hives again. 

The Remicade worked for me immediately.  I went from lying in the bed with swollen ankles and knees, to walking again.  I even joined Curves as soon as I started the Remicade, and they don't believe I have RA.  The only thing the doctor has asked me not to go back to is bowling because he feels that would be very hard on my wrist. 

Sue

Roxanne & Sue,

Thanks so much for the info!  It's well appreciated!  I guess my only concern is that I can't take MTX.  But it seems most people on Humira, Enbrel or Remicade take it with MTX to get the relief they describe.  Do you know if taking any of those 3 drugs w/o MTX will provide benefits? 

And do you take pain killers (i.e. advil, etc) to help the pain or do these drugs take care of that too? 

Thanks again! 

Rox, thanks for the very valuable info! 
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