Enbrel and Benadryl | Arthritis Information

 

OK all, I  went to the RD because of the rash I was getting from the Enbrel and she put  on Benadryl  to be taken before I  inject. It has kept the rash away but I am finding as many   others you that  I am  only good for a few days after my injection and then I am in pain and stiffness until next shot. For example I am sitting here typing and my hands are slightly stiff. No pain just stiff and I know the pain will come in a few days. I also worry that the Enbrel isn't doing enough because the inflamation is still there and after my next blood work I will be back on the pred.
I love the days that the enbrel is working because I am on top of the world. I almost feel normal again. My question to you all is how long should  I keep on with the enbrel even though it isn't a total breakthrough?  Should I talk to RD about on my next visit?

Also I hesitate to go back on the pred. because I do have an esophogial stricture and Gerd, Hiatal Hernia and I know that this will just aggrivate the situation.

Sorry to ramble on all. Thanks for listening and giving me your thought and advice.
Have a good rest of the weekend all.


I am no longer on the pred.  forgot to remove it fromlist of med on the bottom. will do it right now.

mom2threeinaz2009-07-18 22:17:13I just posted a semi similar subject. I just don't know how to tell if it's working enough. How long before I give up on it. Good luck to you, I'll keep up on this post. Yes this is actually my second try at Enbrel. The first time I was on it my legs swelled up so bad that I ended up in the hospital ER. According to the wise docs or powers that be  at my insurance they said  I didn't really have a allergic reaction to the Enbrel and so they would not authorize the Humera. So  I am "re-challenging" the Enbrel.  Woke this morning fairly stiff for more than an hour  (hands are still slightly stiff) and my left knee is bothering me. This not really all that bad but I wish it could be better. Tomorrow night I will inject again and hope things will get  progressively better with this drug. I suppose I should  give the Enbrel a little more time to see if  things  get better. *sigh*


edited to correct typos
mom2threeinaz2009-07-19 08:29:00How long did the doctor say it should take? Sorry you are not feeling as good as you should be. She didn't give me a specific time  frame just said it can take longer for some people while others have found great results after first injection. I  am apparently not one of those people.
*sigh* But will hang on a bit longer to see how it goes.

How long have you been on the Enbrel?  Are you on the SureClick?  Maybe you might do better taking the 25mg twice a week.

Yes, I am presently doing the 25mg 2x weekly. I have currently been on Enbrel this second ime for about 1-1/2 months. First time my legs swelled up and had to quit. I am in  my insurance companies words "re-challenging" the Enbrel as they didn't think I had had an allergic reaction the first time and they wouldn't approve Humera. I'll see how I am at next visit with RD in Aug.  Hey Mom23, 
I am also on Enbrel.  I use a sureclick and when I first started it, I didn't go the full 7 days either.  I am a tad better now, with only joint pain in my hands (when I over do) and some chest pain (that I would like to be rid of and is also worse if I over do).  I am thinking I am going to talk to RD and see what else we can tweak for better control. 

I am not to the good spot as far as I can tell.  There are several markers for determining control; Shug posted them this last week I believe.  I never can remember them all... I just know I am not where I should be from what I do remember!

I have found the addition of minocycline and high dose fish oil to help in controling the inflammation, but I will caution you on the fish oil;  high doses can thin the blood and you should talk to your RD as you are on MTX before you add this (or anything else!) to your drug list!!!

If you can add it, I can say it has been easy on my stomach; I take enteric coated.   I am currently off of them for up coming surgery and I sure can tell!

Best advice - talk to your RD.  I sure hope you can get this under control soon so you have many more good days!

Thanks Wadie. I will speak to the RD about the things you mentioned. I am going to look for what Shug posted.
Say at times my chest hurts too. It hurts to move to breathe. I believe Rd said it was inflamation in the soft tissue that is there. Can't remember for sure the name she called it  but omgosh last time I hurt there I was  in tears it was so bad.

Thanks again for the great advice. Have a great rest of your weekend.
[QUOTE=waddie]Hey Mom23, 


I am not to the good spot as far as I can tell.  There are several markers for determining control; Shug posted them this last week I believe.  I never can remember them all... I just know I am not where I should be from what I do remember!



[/QUOTE]

I've been searching for this post that Wadie mentioned but haven't had any luck finding it Can anyone help. Does anyone remember a posting about what the markers for determining good control of the disease with a certain med. where?  Thanks all.

A couple of links to get you started:
http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/physician-corner/educationacr/acr.html#class_rheum

http://arthritisinsight.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=22074&PID=246474#246474

Of course, each physician has their own set of criteria for determining tight control-->remission, so be sure to ask for the specifics from your RD.








Some few of the criteria for tight control are: less than five "active" joints; no radiological evidence of progressive erosions; patient assessment;pain levels as measured on the VAS scale; HAQ score; and ESR.

FWIW [QUOTE=Spelunker]Some few of the criteria for tight control are: less than five "active" joints; no radiological evidence of progressive erosions; patient assessment;pain levels as measured on the VAS scale; HAQ score; and ESR.

FWIW [/QUOTE]


Thanks these posts are exactly what I was looking for.
When I was diagnosed I was placed in the Moderate category. Also, based on what you are saying above I do not have tight control. At least I didn't before I restarted the Enbrel.  At next blood check will see how things are.
Thanks again this has been extremely helpful.

edited for spelling errors :(
mom2threeinaz2009-07-21 07:35:48
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