Hi All,
Been in remission for years but now I am at the point where I can't ignore that is over...I've had PA since 1982...previously taken methotrexate for 5 yrs and now have the lack of bone density to prove it so am very wary about meds...particularly DMARDS..my son, science egghead, seems to think Enbrel, being the oldest and best proven might be my best bet...but I don't know (other than injection site reactions) what are the side effects...anyone?
Enrbel is the "oldest" Biologic but not the oldest DMARD.
I have been on Enbrel a year and it has worked wonders for me. I do get injection site reactions but they lessen/worsen depending on the lot of medicine. Sometime I get hives in previous injection site as well.
There are some serious adverse effects you should talk to your doctor about. Like the possibility of developing lupus, MS or lymphoma. Also the biolgics lower your ability to fight off infection A LOT so any kind of cold or snizzle would require you to stop injections until you are better. Not doing that can lead to seriou complications and even possible death from sepsis.
Being on Enbrel has enabled me to go off all my other meds, MTX, plaquenil and Mobic.I am happy to hear that I might be able to ditch MTX; I started Ebrel just
yesterday. I was taking 10 MTX/week, and am so dissapointed in all the hair
loss. Dunno why vanity has hit me at this stage in my life, but, I really likeed
having hair. I wasn't bald, but you could see my scalp through my hair all
over. Anywway, my doc said that I should stay on thee MTX until we know
the Enbreel is working, and then I can work down. Is that what you did,
Hessalina?10 mtx a week is a lot. were you taking folic acid also. that is to help with hair loss, mouth sores etc.Yeah tsme, started Enbrel while maintaining my regime of mobic, MTX, plaquenil. The first to go was the mobic, then tapered down the MTX over a period of time. The last to go was the plaquenil which took a few months but now only Enbrel.
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