Enbrel twice a week? | Arthritis Information

 

Is it possible to take enbrel twice a week, or at a higher dose? I'm wondering if I need more, but not really sure if that's an option. I take 25 mg. twice a week. Others I know o take 50mg. once a week, but they say the shots are more stingy.
I do not know  if more can be taken.
I'm not sure how many mg you take; but the original recommended dose is twice a week. That's why I decided to start out with Humira. Every other week: Or twice a week? It was a no brainer for someone that was a little hesitant to take injections at home. Humira was less injections and MUCH more attractive for me at the trime.

I take 50 once a week, could going to 25 twice a week really make a difference? Thanks for the advice, I see my rheumy in aug. I'll ask him then. Take care all. Since I've never been on Enbrel before I'm certainly not the one to give advice about that....but dividing your dose up ove the course of the week might help. Is the 50mg just not helping or is it just not lasting the whole week? If it's just not helping then no; I doubt it's going to help. Chances are dividing the dose up won't help either; but it might be worth a shot before switching completely.Hi Allymom, although I am certain you have already researched and discussed with your nephrologist and RD, the use of high-dose fish oil as an anti-inflammatory for both IgA nephropathy (omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce glomeruli inflammation and Vitamin E reduces protein in the urine) and RA, it is worth mentioning again.

Are you on a low-protein and/or low-or-no gluten (the protein found in grains) diet? Have your physicians recommended limiting phosphorous in your diet?  While more specific to kidney disease than RA, anecdotally, the low protein/low phosphorous diet seems to have improved the amount of joint inflammation I have with RA.

When I first started Enbrel, the RDs told me that while many people experience a marked response after the first dose, many more do not gain full response until at about the 12th week. Additionally, they said that the best long-term responses were obtained with adding one or more DMARDs in combination therapy.

Whether or not this have any bearing on the treatment of PsA I do not know...just thought to add it to the discussion.

Best wishes for a resolution to your ongoing discomfort, Shug
Shug,
my nephrologist wants me to take 8(!!!!) omega 3s a day. Doing this, even just 4 twice a day, gives me a terrible stomach ache. I really have a hard time limiting my diet with things like protein, phosphoras and most of all sodium. I had not heard that limiting some of these things might help my arthritis too. Interesting. I have heard about the omega 3s though and have considered giving it another try. I'm also diabetic which means low in carbs. So I really have to limit. Protein, carbs, sodium & phosphorous foods. So I get to eat carrots. It's all so overwhelming which makes me want to eat and I'm fat enough as it is. Can you tell I'm having a little pity party today?
I really appreciate your advice about my kidneys I really don't know many people with kidney issues. I see my nephrologist next week, so I'll talk to himabout a better diet. Take care Shug. My goodness, woman, you are attempting to keep a great many physical difficulties under control! I did not realize that diabetes was also a concern. You are absolutely correct that does effect and affect any type or other dietary restrictions.

I am so sorry you are feeling overwhelmed and certainly understand why you are.

Yes, give the fish oil another chance.  Let me quote JasmineRain re: dosage...
[quote=http://arthritisinsight.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=22413&PID=250600#250600]The important thing is not the number of capsules, but rather the omega-3 content of them.  Research seems to indicate that a dosage of 3 grams or more per day of omega-3 EFA is needed to obtain benefit for RA.  The capsules I take have 750mg combined EPA + DHA omega-3 EFA's per capsule.  I normally take 6 per day (3 in the AM and 3 before bed), for a total of about 4.5 grams omega-3's per day.  Regular fish oil capsules usually have around 300mg each, so you would need at least 10 per day in order to start seeing any benefit.  In addition, I always take enteric-coated capsules.  They break down in the small intestine rather than in the stomach.  This has couple of benefits: it helps prevent stomach upset that some experience from taking regular fish oil capsules, and the fish oil doesn't get degraded in the harsh environment of the stomach.

Do make sure you keep your doctor and pharmacist informed of any supplements you take - including fish oil.  Like anything else, they have potential for adverse reactions and interactions with other meds.[/quote]

Listen, sometimes a pity party is nearly as good as a vacation! Goodness knows I often indulge.

Best wishes, Shug

Thanks shug,
you are a wise woman!
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